5 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving can be stressful for humans, and the same is true for your pets. Your pets could feel anxious when you start packing things and changing their familiar environment. Also, the pets might have difficulty settling into the new home. Use the following tips to move with pets to a new home successfully.

1. Familiarize the Pet with Packing Boxes and Supplies

Your pets might enjoy playing with packing supplies and boxes. Since you want your pets to get used to packing supplies in advance, get the boxes and supplies early enough. For example, you can stock up the boxes in a spare room a couple of weeks before the moving day. Familiarizing your pets with moving supplies and boxes prevents box attacks and disruptions when packing.

2. Maintain the Pet's Routine

Pets, particularly cats and dogs, can become attached to a specific routine. Any disruptions to that routine might cause anxiety and stress. Since organizing and packing for your impending move is time-consuming, you may not have time to maintain the usual routine for your pet. However, taking a pet on its usual walks, feeding it on time, and playing with your pet as usual, can help prevent problems later.

3. Keep the Pet Away from the Action

Pets can get anxious if they see unfamiliar people removing items from your house. You can pre-empt this problem by keeping your pets in a quiet area away from the moving action. The pet can stay with your friend, or you can hire a kennel for one day. Another option is to empty a spare room, put the pet in that room, and close the door.

However, ensure the spare room has enough food, toys, and comforts for the pet. The room temperature should also be ideal, and there should be enough air circulation. Check on the pet at regular intervals and try to feed them. If possible, walk dogs at the usual time to distract them from the ongoing changes.

4. Prepare Your Pets for Travel

Pets should have everything they need for the journey to the new home. For dogs, a blanket and bed are necessary for comfort if you travel by car. Cats will do well in a carrier, while hamsters and guinea pigs prefer a cage with abundant shade and ventilation. Remember to remove any sharp or heavy items from their cages to prevent injuries during shifting.

If you're traveling with fish, you can put them in a plastic bag with water from the fish's usual tank. The plastic bag must also have enough air throughout the journey. You can then place the plastic bags in an appropriate container before putting the container in the car. A secure cage is enough for birds, while snakes may need warmer temperatures and hot water.

5. Understand the Law

Several states have regulations that control the movement of pets in and out of the state. While the regulations are fairly standard, some states have particularly strict laws. For instance, some states may require new pets to stay in a kennel quarantine for some time. Others will examine the pet at the border and inspect the pet's health certificates.

Before the moving day, reach out to the animal control authorities where you are moving. Inquire about the required documents and licensing for your pets. Also, if applicable, contact your new homeowners' association. Some communities and homeowners’ associations restrict or ban specific pets from their neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the success of your moving day depends on the movers. Christofferson Moving & Storage offers professional moving services locally and cross-country. Our services are prompt, and we don't have any hidden charges. Contact us for more information.