Moving with pets can be a big challenge. Even if you’re just moving around the block, relocations are tough for animals, who thrive on structure and stability. 

Fortunately, your four-legged friend doesn’t have to suffer during your upcoming move. 

In this post, we’ll share our top tips for keeping your pets safe, healthy, and happy as you move into your new home. 

Let’s dive in.

Moving With Pets? Keep These 5 Tips in Mind

“How do I move with a dog?” “Will my move be very stressful for my cat?” “How can I keep my pets safe while I move?”

Our team hears these questions all the time. Here are a few smart ways we recommend preparing to move with your pet:

1. Keep things as normal as possible leading up to moving day

Do your best not to turn your pet’s world upside-down as moving day approaches. Instead of packing everything suddenly, give yourself time to pack gradually – starting with little-used spaces (like guest rooms and the garage).

Additionally, make sure to keep your pet’s toys, beds, and food out for as long as possible. If you’re moving with cats, pull their cat carrier out and place it in a central location a few weeks before your move. These small actions will help your pet adjust to the move slowly.

2. Prepare for moving day

Moving day is a stressful event for pets, and it can even be dangerous unless you’re prepared. Here are a few to-dos to check off as moving day approaches:

• Visit your current vet. During this visit, make sure your pet is up-to-date on all needed vaccines and licenses. Consider having your pet microchipped, if it isn’t already. 
• Make a moving day plan. This plan should cover details like where your pet will be as you move out of your old home, and how you’ll keep your pet safe as you move into your new space. If your pet becomes fearful easily, consider boarding your pet at a safe facility until you’ve finished moving. If you’ve hired movers for a long-distance move, your pet-friendly moving team can help establish a plan for your pets on moving day.  
• Pack a moving-day bag for your pet. Gather your pet’s leashes, collars/harnesses, toys, food, bowls, and other comfort items for moving day. Organize these things in a duffel bag or backpack, where you can find them quickly. Instead of packing it, keep this bag with you at all times during the moving day.

3. Pet-proof your new home

Pets who feel unsettled or fearful in their new environment may run away, hide in a dangerous place, or become ill from stress or shock. To keep your pet safe and help them acclimate to your new home, follow these tips:

• Designate a secure room for your pet. This room should not have any possible escape points for your pet. Make this room your pet’s “home base” during the first few days of the move. Keep their food, bed, and kennel/crate in the room to allow them to adapt to the house slowly. This step is especially helpful for nervous cats. 
• Leash your pet. If you’ve moved with a dog, keep him or her on a leash as you go outside for potty breaks. Even pets who are accustomed to being off-leash may bolt in a new environment.
• Use child-proof locks to secure cabinets. Keep your pet from accessing cleaning products and other dangerous substances by using child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers.  
• Don’t let your pet roam. Avoid letting your pet roam the neighborhood until they’ve acclimated to the new home. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, most experts recommend keeping the pet inside for at least 2-3 weeks before letting them outdoors. 

4. Update your pet’s info

Once you’ve moved, update the information associated with your pet’s ID tag and microchip. If you haven’t already, find a vet in your new area. 

5. Make the new space fun

Remember to make time for fun in your new home. Take a break from unpacking and organizing boxes to go for a walk with your pet, or to enjoy some quiet playtime inside. This simple tip will help your pet feel more at ease and relaxed in the new home.  

Gallo: Compassionate Moving Services for People and Pets

We know a move is a big adjustment, and our goal is to make it as simple and effortless as possible for your whole family – including your pets. Contact our team today to learn more about our pet-friendly moving services, or to get a free estimate for packing, storage, and more.