Tips on moving with pets

When moving with pets, you need to make sure they have a safe space to be.

Moving can get chaotic, and as you juggle all the tasks, you need to include your pets. They make places feel like home, but when moving, it can be a stressful time for you and them.

Animals’ personalities vary just like humans' do. Some individuals will adapt to change quickly and settle into a new home within a day, while others will take time to adjust to their new environment.

In the day or days that you are going from one place to another, make a plan for how you will care for your pets.

Now is probably a good time to take your pet to the vet. If you are moving far enough away that you will need to find a new veterinarian, take the time to ensure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. Also, get their medical records while you are there. If you need to fly with your pet or if traveling makes them anxious, consult your veterinarian to see if there is a medication that can help them.

If you have a dog or another animal that might wander, consider getting a tracker for their collar and ensure that it includes your phone number.

Ensure you have a safe method of transporting the animal. It is recommended to crate an animal in a car. For flying, animals can be transported in carrier crates or in bags if they are flying in the cabin. If the animals are not accustomed to a crate, try introducing them to it a few weeks in advance. Place toys and blankets inside and let them sitthere for a few minutes.

Pro tip: As you pack your own essentials in a moving bag, make one for your pet. Gather the food, medicine and supplies they will need for about a week and have it ready for them on moving day.

You may want to consider putting larger animals, such as dogs, in a daycare or at a friend’s house for a day or two. You will be busy moving and may not have time to take the dogs on walks. A location change can also lead to accidents.

Common mistake: On the morning of your move, be mindful of when you feed your pet. If they are not accustomed to the car, they may experience motion sickness, so avoid feeding them directly before placing them in the vehicle. If you are driving a long distance, make sure to give them outdoor breaks.

If you don’t want to put your pet in daycare, let them go outdoors when you arrive at the house, and then contain them in a room such as a bathroom, mudroom or garage so they are safe and out of the way. Be sure to give them water and food and set out the litter box or a pee pad in case they need to go.

Common mistake: Unsupervised pets could get out or get into something they shouldn't be. Containing them is beneficial for both the pet and you, allowing you time to settle in.

Once you are in the new home, reestablish your pet’s routine as quickly as possible. Take dogs on walks and let them sniff out the yard. Allow cats to explore more of the house gradually. Set caged animals in their homes and fix their climates.

It may take a few days to pet-proof the home. If your pet is prone to getting into things, then make sure they don't get access to unpacked boxes. You may want to limit or block off areas with pets from those that are still being unpacked. Use physical barriers, such as baby gates, to block off spaces.

Some pets will adjust right away, and others may take some time to relax, so be patient. Keeping familiar items around, like their favorite blanket or toy, might help ease the transition.

• Make sure your cat is microchipped or has a collar with your information
• Tuck cat carriers on the floor of the car or buckle them in with a seat belt
• Cover the carrier with a blanket
• Use a calming spray or catnip
• Give the cat access to one room to start
• Set up the litter box where it will live and let them explore the room
• Feed and water them in the same room as the litter box at first
• Slowly introduce them to the rest of the house
• Watch out for hazards and keep an eye on them when they are out of their designated room

• Size matters. Smaller dogs can be transported very similarly to how cats are moved. Large dogs will need larger crates.
• Have a labeled collar and a leash ready to use
• Map out the route with doggy outdoor breaks in mind
• Have waste bags ready
• Line their crate with pee pads in case of accidents
• Give them toys or bones to chew on while driving
• Cover the crate with a blanket to encourage a nap
• Walk them around the yard when you get there
• Put them in their crate inside or in a small room, like a bathroom or mudroom
• Make sure they have bathroom breaks, food and water on moving day

Fish

• Move fish from their tank to a plastic bag or container. You can use a battery-operated air pump for longer trips.
• Glass tanks can break when being moved, so carefully drain, wrap and pack them
• Remember to keep the feeding schedule the same

Reptiles

• Move reptiles to a travel terrarium or vented plastic container with a lid
• Stabilize the temperature with heating pads or packs
• Keep the container in dark, warm and quiet places to reduce stress
• Pack heat lamps, terrariums and other supplies carefully
• Make sure to keep their feeding schedule

Other small animals

• Transport small animals, such as bunnies, hamsters, and guinea pigs, in a ventilated cage that they cannot escape from. You can use a metal or plastic cage.
• Make sure their water and food are full
• Keep them in a climate-controlled area