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How to Move With a Pet

Relocating to a new house is often extremely stressful for many individuals. However, what people might not be aware of is how taxing this process can be for pets. Ensuring a smooth transition for your furry friends involves a bit more planning to make the move less intimidating and secure for them. In this article, we'll explore strategies for safely moving with pets and ways to make the experience less stressful for everyone involved.

6 Tips for Moving with Pets

1. Get your pet used to a crate or carrier. Most pets don’t spend much time in a carrier of any sort. The ASPCA recommends gradually acclimating your pet to their carrier. First, place food inside an open carrier.

Eventually start serving their meals inside the carrier with the door open, then start shutting the door while they’re eating.

Next, try carrying the pet around the house in the carrier (if not too heavy or not a crate). Then take your pet for a couple of short car trips in the carrier.

I did these exact steps when I had my cat Whisker’s one-year vet visit scheduled. When I took him for a car ride, I left him inside the carrier for a few minutes when we got home while I took my coat and shoes off. Then I casually opened the carrier door.

A few minutes later he was back inside the carrier just hanging out! He even still liked his carrier AFTER the vet visit! LOL

The point is to create a positive association with the crate or carrier. It’s one less thing for your pet to be stressed about on moving day.

3. Pack what your pet needs. Whenever I move, I pack an overnight bag for myself for the day of the move including a change of clothes, pajamas, tooth brush, medications, shampoo/conditioner, hairdryer and COFFEE (lol!)

That way, the night of the move and the next morning I’m not trying to find these items.

Do the same for your pet. Pack their bed, blanket, favorite toy, food, water and food bowls, treats, litter box, litter and scoop, poop bags, leash and any medications so you won’t have to search for these things once you get to the new house.

4. Keep them safe on moving day. On moving day, keep your pets in a quiet (already empty) room with the door shut. This will keep them from getting scared and running for the door while the movers load up the truck.

5. Settling in. When everything’s moved and you arrive in your new home, you may be tempted to let the dog or cat loose in the house to explore.

However, many pets will be more overwhelmed by the new space than you may realize. Start by allowing them to get used to just one room.

You could set up the litter box, their food, bedding and treats in this one room to make it sort of a “home base” for them.

When they seem comfortable, gradually start introducing them to the other rooms in the house while keeping some of the doors shut. You can relocate their stuff to a more permanent location by moving it slowly over time.

This is especially important for some cats – move their food, water and litter box very gradually.

6. Don’t forget to pet-proof your new home. Make sure electrical cords are tucked away, plug up any small openings where your pet could get stuck or escape (especially in the basement). Make sure all windows have secure screens with no holes.

And make sure the last owner hasn’t left any poisonous traps for mice or ants behind – they’re toxic for your pets.

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