How to Move With Pets
Moving is stressful. Add a panicked dog, a cat that suddenly goes full ninja, or a sloshing fish tank, and things get even more complicated. Whether you have a pup, a parrot, or a bearded dragon, relocating with animals requires a solid plan, patience, and attention to detail.
Pets don’t understand what’s happening when furniture starts disappearing and routines shift. They can feel your stress, and they often react with fear or confusion. Moving can disrupt their behavior, eating habits, and even health. A smooth move for your pet means more than just loading up their gear. It means actively supporting their emotional and physical well-being throughout the process.
Start With the Right Movers
Your pets won’t be riding in the moving truck, but their gear will. Crates, kennels, food bins, toys, aquariums, and cat trees need to be handled with care. That is why your first step should be hiring reliable Hurst movers who understand how to handle pet-related equipment. Let them know ahead of time about any large, fragile, or unusual items so they can prepare the right space and protection.
Prep Your Pet Before the Big Day
1. Choose the Right Travel Method
For local moves, you can usually transport your pet in your own vehicle. For longer relocations, you need to plan for breaks, overnight stops, and comfort routines. Some pets handle long car rides without issue. Others become stressed very quickly. Know your pet and plan accordingly.
2. Get Them Comfortable With Travel
If your pet dislikes the car, take them on short drives in the weeks before the move. Keep the trips brief and positive. Reward them afterward so they start to associate the car with something good. For severe anxiety or motion sickness, ask your vet about calming aids or safe medications.
3. Double-Check Their Identification
Moving day is chaotic. People are coming and going, and doors are left open. That’s the perfect scenario for a scared pet to bolt. Make sure they wear a collar with updated ID tags and have a functioning microchip. Keep recent photos of your pet on your phone in case you need to ask neighbors or shelters for help.
4. Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Just like you prepare an overnight bag for yourself, pack one for your pet. Include:
- Food and water for a couple of days
- Bowls, leash, and waste bags
- Medications and grooming tools
- Toys, a blanket, and their bed
Having everything ready in one bag means less stress when you’re trying to settle in.
Moving With Dogs and Cats: Special Considerations
Dogs and cats experience stress in different ways, but both are deeply affected by changes in the environment. Unlike smaller pets that are easier to contain, dogs and cats require specific planning to ensure they stay safe and calm before, during, and after the move.
1. Check Local Pet Rules
Before moving, look into local ordinances and pet policies at your new residence. Some cities have breed-specific laws, and many apartment complexes or HOAs enforce size or breed restrictions. Cats are usually allowed, but some rentals may require extra deposits or limit the number of pets per unit. Knowing the rules ahead of time helps avoid last-minute issues.
2. Prepare Vet Records and Medications
Call your current veterinarian and request copies of your pet’s medical records. This applies to both cats and dogs. If your pet has anxiety or gets carsick, ask about medication that can help make travel easier. Also, ask for recommendations for a new vet in your destination city and try to schedule an introductory appointment soon after your move.
3. Keep Familiar Items Accessible
Cats and dogs both feel more secure when they are surrounded by familiar scents. Do not pack away their favorite blankets, toys, or bedding. Keep those comfort items within reach during the move and have them ready to use as soon as you arrive at your new home. For cats, be sure to bring their litter box and set it up right away.
4. Update Tags and Microchip Information
Ensure that both your cat and dog wear collars with current ID tags. Include your name, new phone number, and address. If they are microchipped, log into the chip registry and update the contact information before moving day. This step is simple but critical in case they escape during the move or shortly after arriving.
5. Keep Pets Safe on Moving Day
Moving day is chaotic, and pets are easily overwhelmed. The safest option is to confine them in a quiet room with their essentials. Place your cat or dog in a calm, closed-off space with food, water, bedding, and a toy or two. Check on them regularly, or better yet, ask a friend to pet sit for the day. Another option is to board your pets temporarily until the move is complete and the home is calm and organized.
For cats, make sure the room is escape-proof, with no open windows or loose ceiling tiles they could crawl into. A portable carrier works well for cats who get anxious and prefer confined spaces.
Help Your Pet Adjust After the Move
Once you arrive at your new home, help your dog or cat get oriented and feel safe. For dogs, walk them around the yard or property on a leash so they can explore and pick up on new scents. For cats, start by confining them to one quiet room with their litter box, food, water, and bedding. Gradually introduce them to the rest of the house as they become more comfortable.
Set up their food and water bowls, bed, and toys in a layout similar to what they had before. Familiarity helps ease anxiety and builds a sense of security. Try to stick to their usual schedule when it comes to feeding, playtime, walks, and sleep.
Every pet adjusts at a different pace. Some will bounce back within a day or two, while others may need a week or longer to feel fully settled. Watch for changes in appetite, sleep, or behavior, and give them extra attention and patience as they adapt to their new surroundings.
Call Luke’s Moving Services Today!
At Luke’s Moving Services, we understand that pets are part of the family. While we can’t transport your pets, we can make sure their gear is moved safely and efficiently. From fish tanks to kennels and climbing towers, our team handles it all with care.
Call us or fill out our online estimate form to get a free quote and start your move the right way.
