Relocating to a new home is an exciting change, but this transition can be incredibly difficult for pets. Disrupted routines, unfamiliar spaces, and long travel days often cause stress for our animal family members, which can make the move feel like a much bigger challenge.

Fortunately, taking the right approach to moving with pets can yield better results, reducing stress and ensuring your animals stay as calm as possible during this major change. Seeking the best ways to relocate with your pets? Learn how to approach this process like an expert.

8 Tips to Successfully Move with Pets

Although moving with pets can feel like a tall task, following the right steps can make a world of difference. We’ve compiled the 8 best steps to take so your pets can enjoy a much less stressful moving experience.

  • Visit the Vet

Once you have a move on the horizon, it’s time to book an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian. This appointment should serve as a check-up to ensure your pet is in good health for travel. Your pet should receive any necessary vaccinations and refills of any prescription medications they take. During this appointment, you should also obtain a copy of their health records to bring to your new vet. 

  • Maintain a Routine

Just like humans, our pets are creatures of habit. Disruptions to their routines can cause undue stress, making the moving process much more difficult for you and your animal. Although this time period brings a lot of change, try to maintain your normal routine as much as possible. For instance, aim to keep meals and walks at the same time as usual. These details, as small as they may seem, can bring comfort to your pet and ensure they don’t become overwhelmed by all the changes of the relocation.

  • Make Travel Plans

Depending on your mode of transportation, you will need to make travel plans accordingly. If you’re driving to your new home, make sure you prepare your vehicle for your pet and provide a comfortable space during your journey. If you’re flying to your new home, you will need to ensure you follow the proper guidelines required by the airline. Either way, take time to make thorough travel plans so you can be prepared for your journey.

  • Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier

Many animals have negative associations with their carriers as they typically only go into them for stressful scenarios, such as vet appointments. To make their carriers less scary ahead of the move, try to form a more positive association. Set the carrier out for them to explore a few weeks in advance of your relocation, and place their favorite items or items with familiar smells inside the carrier. By allowing them to explore, they can feel less daunted by the carrier and become more comfortable with it.

  • Pack a Pet Bag

Before moving day, prepare a bag with all of your pet’s essential items for travel. This includes things like food, litter, favorite toys, necessary medications, food and water bowls, harnesses and collars, and any other necessary items for the journey.

  • Set Up a Space for Your Pet

On moving day, make sure your pet has a dedicated area where they can comfortably spend time without any risk of them getting out of the house. Ideally, you should have a room where they can stay with the necessary essentials like food, water, litter, and a few items with familiar scents. Similarly, when you arrive to your new space, set up an area for your pet as soon as possible so they can become acclimated to your new home. 

  • Pet-Proof Your New Home

When you first arrive to your new home, assess the space for any potential hazards that could harm your pet and address them accordingly. Ensure any risky items like wires or cleaning supplies are out of reach. Check that your space doesn’t have any ways for the pet to get out, such as holes in fences or unsecured latches. It’s also important to make sure no plants that are poisonous to animals are in or around your home. These precautions will allow you to keep your pet safe and healthy.

  • Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations

If you need to stay in a hotel at any point throughout your move, make sure you book your stay at a pet-friendly hotel. If needed, reach out to hotels to check their policies and ensure you don’t experience any last-minute issues.

Move Your Pet Like an Expert

By following these tips, you can make your pet’s moving experience infinitely easier. Looking for a trusted moving company to help you reduce stress even further? Count on Austin Moving & Storage, Long Island’s trusted family-owned movers. 

 

Our team of moving professionals is committed to providing the highest quality moving, packing, and storage solutions. We work with our customers to tailor our services to meet their specific needs, allowing them to enjoy the most seamless move possible. No matter how far you’re headed, we’ve got you covered with reliable relocation solutions. 

Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our top-rated services at affordable rates!