Moving with Pets: How to Move With Pets?

Here at Esquire, we know your pet is part of your family. That’s why we aim to make moving with pets a stress-free and simple endeavor. Whether you’re moving out of state with a dog or looking for the best way to transport cats when moving, we have the guidance and recommendation you need to keep yourself and your furry friend happy. Just as it is for humans, the moving process can be an anxious, stressful time for your pets. Let’s make it a little easier on them by making sure we do everything we can to make their experience hassle free. Check out these 10 tips for moving with your pet. And if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.

Get In Touch With Your Vet

When you’re moving long distance with pets, the first item on your checklist should be a quick chat with your vet. The same is true if you’re just moving across town, too. Why? For starters, a vet can possibly recommend another vet for you if you’re moving to a different part of the city (and possibly if you’re moving to another area they know). But this also gives you a chance to get your hands on any medication your pet needs so you don’t run out. And you can also grab your pet records while you’re at it.

Keep Them Comfy In Your Vehicle

When it comes to how to transport pets when moving, it’s a great idea to keep them in your own vehicle. They’ll feel more comfortable knowing you’re there and having your scent in their environment. Carriers can be used for cats and smaller dogs. All you have to do is place the carrier in the back seat and secure it with a seatbelt. For larger dogs, use a kennel. If your furry friend seems significantly anxious, try covering the carrier or kennel with a towel, which can often calm these animals down in stressful situations.

Keep a ‘Pet Package’ With You

The moving process, including the drive and the first couple of days in your new home, can feel pretty disorganized at times. You may not be able to find everything in the sea of boxes scattered throughout your new home. So, keep a pet package with you in your vehicle and in a designated area within your new home. This package should include everything you need to keep your pet happy during the drive and for a few days after the move. That means food, treats, medicine, kitty litter, toys, and more.

Keep Them In Quiet Areas

When moving with a dog or cat, do your best to keep those animals away from all the commotion. When they realize things aren’t going according to the daily routine, they may begin to experience some anxiety. That anxiety will only grow if they’re around all the loud noises associated with the moving process. You can leave them at a friend’s house, clear out one room first and set up an area for your pet in there, or keep them in a kennel in a quiet corner of the home.

Use Calming Music

Anytime we’re asked about the best way to transport pets long distance, our first reaction is to bring up calming music for pets. This often comes in the form of classical music or soothing tunes, but the easiest thing to do is look up “calming music for pets” wherever you get your music. These types of stations are available on YouTube, Pandora, and many more platforms. This calming music can also be cranked up in volume when it comes time to move the big furniture or make a significant amount of noise.

The Leash is Your Best Friend

If you’ll be moving across town, it’s easy enough to keep your pet in a carrier or kennel throughout the ride. But if you’re moving to another state, you’ll likely be taking a few pit stops along the way. That’s why the best way to transport dogs long distance is to use a leash anytime you let them out for a quick break. In new surroundings, dogs are more likely to experience anxiety and run off, even if they’ve been trained to stay by your side off the leash. Seeing a dog off the leash can also cause anxiety in other dogs, who feel the need to protect their owner, so it’s courteous to keep your dog on a leash.

If Possible, Move Your Things Before Your Pet

If you’ll be moving across town or to an area within a reasonable distance, it’s a great idea to move all your belongings before you move your pet to the new home. Why is this such a good plan? First of all, you can keep your pet away from all the noise and action of unloading and moving in. But this also gives you the chance to set up space for your pet in the new home. This way, they don’t arrive at an empty place full of boxes. They can arrive in a somewhat familiar setting because they have their bed, toys, bowls, and more already set up in a cozy spot.

Change Pet Info

The possibility of losing a pet is scary. That’s why we make sure to use dog tags on collars and microchip our furry friends in case they run off. While there’s a ton to do when it comes to the moving process, make sure one of the first things on your list is updating your pet’s information. This means getting new dog tags, updating microchip information, and letting your vet know of your new address. You can take care of some of this ahead of time, such as purchasing new dog tags, so you can simply swap them out once you arrive at your new home.

Let Your Dogs Sniff

You’ve seen your dog sniff all kinds of things when you go on a walk or visit a new area. This is because the sniff is stimulating for your dog. It’s a way for them to experience something new, to explore, and to fulfill their curiosity. When you move homes, make sure you take your dog around the house, the yard, and the nearby areas to let them sniff. It will make them more familiar with the area and can even help with the transition on a deeper level. They’ll appreciate it.

Give Them Plenty of Attention

During the moving process, you’re probably going to be quite busy. And that packed schedule means less time to play with your dog or cat. There’s nothing wrong with that particular situation, but it means you should be ready to shower your pet with attention once you make it to your new home. This is one more way to help ease your pet’s anxiety and make them feel more comfortable in your new home. If possible, stay in for the first few days and nights your pet is in the new home.

While moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, it can cause some anxiety or nervousness for your furry friend. But thanks to the above tips on moving with your pet, you can make sure your dogs and cats have the easiest transition from one place to the next. If you need any guidance or assistance during the moving process, be sure to let us know. We’ll be more than happy to help.