How to Safely Move House With Pets

Most people agree that moving to a new house can be stressful, and it can be even more stressful for your pets. They won’t be planning the move in advance and anticipating it, so the relocation will probably come as a sudden change in their everyday routine. We will look at how to safely move house with pets and what you can do to make the transition more comfortable for them.

Choosing the right home

Well, before you even get to moving, there are steps you can take to make sure everything goes as planned. For the sake of your own sanity, you should make a checklist, so you don’t forget anything. One of the earliest stages in moving is finding the perfect home, and you will need to make sure the house you will be relocating to is suitable for both you and your pet. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering real estate options:

Make sure the place you will be moving to is pet-friendly. If you are purchasing a house, this will probably be a non-issue, but if you are going to be renting or living in an apartment complex, pet-friendly places are what you should be looking for.
Register your pet. Some states require you to have a pet license. If you are moving long-distance or across state lines, things might be a little different than what you are generally used to. For example, Texas State requires all cats and dogs to have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Find out what the local regulations are and do your research before moving.
Look up the local pet store and vet. Once you have chosen your ideal home and neighborhood, it’s time to do some more research. You might want to know where the best and closest pet supplies are even before you move. You can also contact a local vet in the area you will be moving to and make sure they are well-equipped to handle your pet’s needs. Having this information in advance will let you tackle any emergencies that might occur during or immediately after the move.

Things to do before the move

Okay, so now that you know where you will be moving to and have also done some scouting and research, there are still a few more things to do while you are in the planning and packing stages to make sure you will safely move house with pets:

Prepare your pet for the move. Routine is essential for pets. In the days before the move, you should stick to the routine you have already set up for your pet. If someone is going to take care of your pet on the day of the move, you should have them meet in advance, and maybe your pet can even stay over as a test.
Pack your pet’s essentials. You will probably want to pack these items last, but make sure to plan for them. Have a dedicated bag where you will keep the essentials like food, chew toys, and scratch stands. Move these items personally and unpack them first.
Contact your vet. Before moving, you should contact your current vet and get the medical records for your pet. Once you have relocated to your new home, the vet there will be able to know your pet’s medical history.

Day of the move

Moving day is like the eye of the storm, things will be moving fast, and you will probably just be going through the motions. The movers you have chosen will transport most of your possessions while you get to handle the finer details. Here are some things you should take care of on the day of the move:

Have someone take care of your pet. You’ll want to keep your pet away from the action. If you couldn’t find a pet sitter, then make sure your pet is closed off in a separate room where they won’t get frightened or agitated by the movers and will actually let them work.
Take your pet over yourself. Hands down, the best solution is to drive your pet over to the new home in your own vehicle. They have probably already been in your car a bunch of times, so you driving them yourself will stress them out the least.
Make arrangements for your pet’s comfort. Sometimes driving your pet yourself isn’t possible. To safely move house with pets, you need to ensure that they are adequately secured during transport. Get a pet transport carrier suitable to your pet’s size. If you aren’t moving your pet yourself, you can ask your veterinarian about sedatives for your pet to help the move go smoother.

After the move

Last on our list of how to safely move with pets are things you should do after you have relocated to your new home:

Stick to their old routine. Feed them and take them for walks at their regular times. This will go a long way to reducing the stress of the move.
Get your pet accustomed to the new environment. Try to set up your pets’ living space as similar as possible to what it used to be before the move. You can help them slowly get adjusted by keeping them in one part of the house. If you keep your pet outdoors, make sure all of the fences are secure. Take them for walks often and go exploring the neighborhood together. Knowing the area will help them get acclimatized quickly.
Also, update their collar and microchip information. Your pet could get lost exploring their new surroundings, so ensure all of the relevant information is up to date.

By now, you should know how to safely move house with pets. Follow our tips for the days before and after the move to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable and that their needs are not neglected. Both you and your pet will quickly get used to your new surroundings, and you will be amazed at how fast you can both adapt to the change.