Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for furry family members. Even though they’re not in charge of packing the boxes, dogs, cats and other animals can get anxious — just like the two-legged members of the family — when their environments and normal routines change.
In this guide to moving with pets, we’ll give you pro tips to help your pets stay calm and happy during a move, from packing to settling in.
Prepare Your Pets for Long-Distance Moves
Even though you may not be able to explain to your pets why everything is changing, there are a few things you can do to make the transition less jarring for them. Follow these tips to help keep the pet members of your family relaxed while you cross items off that ever-growing moving punch list.
Maintain Their Routines
Even if it seems like your own life is being turned upside down, maintaining your pet’s normal routines can help keep your pet — and you — calm during the move. Keep feeding, walking and play times the same to reassure them there is nothing to worry about, even if they can sense that you could really use a nap.
Acclimate Them to the Unfamiliar
Pets are wary of change. While stacks of moving boxes, bags of tape and piled newsprint may not seem like a big deal to you, they might be to dogs and cats. Especially when items start disappearing from shelves and furniture is getting wrapped and moved around.
You can let your pets investigate the packing supplies but keep things out of reach that they might ingest. Some cats love to chew plastic, so store that giant roll of bubble wrap where they can’t access it.
Starting the packing process early can help your pets slowly acclimate to the changes around them. This may help them avoid moving anxiety.
Try a Calming Collar or Coat
If your cat or dog is normally frightened by loud noises, strangers, or large objects, there’s a good chance you’ll need to give them some extra comfort during the move.
Pets that struggle with anxiety may benefit from calming products on the market. Much like aromatherapy, pheromone calming collars, sprays and diffusers can help sensitive pets stay relaxed during a move. Using these in your current home and then in your new home will maintain a familiar element between the old and new environments.
Calming shirts can provide a feeling of security for pets. These can be particularly effective on moving day and while traveling. Be sure to follow the instructions on the products and consult your vet to ensure you’re using these safely.
If neither of these has worked for your pet in the past, ask your vet if there are medications they could prescribe to help.
Keep Them Out of the Fray
On moving day, keep your pets away from the action. It can be challenging to keep an eye on your pets with so much going on. But when people are constantly moving in and out through open doors, you’ll want to make sure your pets cannot sneak out, even if they have never tried to in the past.
Consider dropping your dog off at a familiar place they enjoy visiting, like a friend’s house or doggie day care. This can be easy to keep them safe, happy and out from underfoot.
If this isn’t an option, you can sequester your pets in their crate/carrier or in a bathroom or with comforting essentials — food, water, a litter box/potty pad, a favorite bed/blanket and a toy will help them feel safe. Check on them often to make sure they’re not exhibiting worrisome behavior.
Prepping Pets for Travel
Many pets, especially cats, have only one association with their carrier — unpleasant trips to the vet. Several weeks before moving day, place their carriers in the family room and line them with a towel to encourage your kitties to nap inside them. Rewarding them with treats in their carrier will create a more positive association with them.
Some cats will never fully embrace car travel but taking them on several short rides in advance of your move can help. Again, reward them with treats afterwards. Avoid feeding your pets immediately before the ride, or they may get carsick.
Don’t Move with Your Pet Without Doing These Three Things
In addition to tending to your pets’ emotional needs, there are important logistical matters to address before you relocate.
Obtain Your Pet’s Health Record
4-8 weeks before your move, contact your vet and let them know you’ll be moving. Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and get extra supplies of any and flea/tick treatments so you won’t have to worry about that right after you move. If your pet is older or it’s been a while since they’ve seen the vet, it can’t hurt to schedule a quick checkup. At your appointment, your vet can provide you with a copy of your pet’s health record or arrange and send it to your new veterinarian.
Find a New Veterinarian and Transfer Records
While you may not need a vet immediately after you move, you’ll want to make sure you know of a trusted place, just in case. Ask your current vet if there’s anyone they could recommend in your new city or see if friends or new colleagues in the area could give you a referral.
If you’ve decided which practice you’d like to see, contact them before your move. And get your pet’s next checkup on the calendar and ask about the best way to send them your pet’s records.
Make sure you know where the closest — and best — animal hospitals are, too, just in case.
Update Your Pet’s Identification and Microchip Information
With so much going on, it’s not unusual for a pet to try and sneak out during a move. That’s why it’s so important that your information is up to date on their tags and in their microchips. Be sure to update it again with your new information as soon as you move. Here’s how to do it:
- If you have your pet’s microchip number, you can look the information up online with the manufacturer or through registries like PetLink, PetKey and Home Link.
- If you don’t know your pet’s microchip number, contact the vet or animal shelter who chipped your pet. If the number’s been lost, don’t worry — your vet can always scan your pet to retrieve the number from the chip.
- If your pet isn’t yet microchipped, schedule an appointment with your vet to chip your pet before you move.
Be sure to get updated tags made for your pets as soon as you have your new contact information.
Reminders for Renters
If you’re renting, make sure the lease allows you to have pets before you sign it, and make sure you understand any restrictions or fees your landlord will impose.
The Best Way to Move Pets Across the Country
Whether your pet is a natural traveler or an unwilling one, we have all the tips you need to help keep your pets calm and safe during the long-distance move.
Make a Transportation Game Plan
Traveling by Car with Pets:
- Make sure your pet is secured in its carrier or in a crash-test safety harness in a safe place inside the car. Some pets may prefer to have a sheet draped over their carrier, while others may prefer to be able to see out.
- Make sure there is plenty of airflow through pet carriers and that the climate is always comfortable for them. Never leave a pet in a hot car and watch for signs of distress like panting or lethargy.
- Line carriers with potty pads and lay towels underneath carriers, in case your pet uses the bathroom or vomits during the ride.
- Take dogs for scheduled bathroom and walk breaks in safe locations along your journey.
- For kitties, place a disposable litter box on the floor of the car and let them out of their carriers to use it while the doors are closed and the car is parked.
- If you’ll be travelling for more than one day, reserve pet-friendly lodging ahead of time.
Bring These Essential supplies
- Food, water, treats and collapsible bowls
- Potty pads
- Disposable litter box (pack extra if your trip is multi-day)
- Towels
- Wipes
- Paper towels and cleaner
- Trash bags
- Car window shades
Air Travel with Pets:
Some pets may travel in an aircraft, either as a carry-on or in the cargo area, depending on their size, but there are lots of restrictions and regulations that change frequently.
- Before you book your ticket, check your air carrier’s pet policies and be sure you understand the fees, restrictions on size, breed, weight, medications, etc. as well as any health records requirements and confirm these 48 hours before boarding.
- Book your trip at non-peak times early in the day. This will make it easier to get through the airport, while giving you some cushioning in case there are flight delays or cancellations.
- Check your destination’s pet entry regulations. If you’re moving overseas with pets, make sure you understand the laws regarding pet entry, including vaccinations, quarantine periods, etc. Ask the airline about paperwork you need for your vet and if there is anything you must submit ahead of time.
Helping Your Pet Adjust to Your New Digs
There’s always an adjustment period after a move, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier to get settled into your new home.
Pack a First Night Kit
When you arrive at your new home, your first night will be easier if you have all your pet’s essentials handy. Pack their bed, food, toys, treats, litter box, a small scratch post, grooming tools and other familiar items so they’re easy to access as soon as you arrive.
Pack these items last and unpack them as soon as you arrive.
Let Them Explore… Slowly
While your pet may be eager to explore your new surroundings, giving them limited access at first can help them adjust, particularly if your new place is spacious. Be sure to set up a safe space for them and close off rooms they don’t need to access right away, including anything that hasn’t been pet-proofed.
If your pets go outdoors, keep a close eye on them at first, even in a fenced-in yard. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood before setting out on long walks.
Consider Boarding Your Pet Upon Arrival
Your pet may be on edge as you prepare your new home — especially after a long travel period. If this happens, you may want to use daycare or boarding services so that you can focus on properly preparing your new place. If this isn’t possible, just make sure your pet has a safe, quiet area to hang out. Be sure to check on them regularly.
Some pets may prefer to stay close to you as you unpack. Most cats will be thrilled by a recently emptied box, and dogs may feel more at ease if they can monitor all the activity in the house, even if it’s from their crate in the room where you’re unpacking.
Make Your New Home Safe for Your Pet
Your new home should be safe for your animals — inside and out — including the surrounding neighborhood. Make sure your pet will have a safe place to eat, sleep, walk and play — all the things they’re accustomed to in your current home.
- Check windows to make sure screens are secure and free of holes.
- Ensure vents are properly covered and that there aren’t any openings in the walls, ceiling or floor that animals could squeeze into.
- Areas like basements, attics and utility closets can contain dangerous equipment and materials, including dangling wires. Check that your pet won’t find its way onto a hot radiator or into fiberglass insulation before you let them explore on their own.
- Make sure house plants are safe for pets. If your new neighbors bring you a plant as a housewarming gift, make sure it isn’t toxic to animals before you leave it unattended with your pets. Use a plant-identifying app like Seek to confirm the species, if there isn’t a label. Also, check that it’s not on the ASPCA’s poisonous plant list. Common no-nos include anything in the lily family, aloe and jade.
Moving with a Dog
There are a few extra things you’ll need to factor into your plans if you’re moving cross-country with a dog. If you’re traveling by car, make sure you identify places on your route where you can take your dog for walks. Scope out pet-friendly hotels and dining spots, too. Most importantly, make sure you have a crash-safe harness or crate for your pet to ride in. And never leave them in a hot car.
Follow these tips below to help your dog through the moving process.
Stick to Their Routine
Maintaining a dog’s normal schedule is the single most important thing you can do during a move. As creatures of habit, dogs will be reassured by having their regular feeding, walking and play times maintained.
Make Sure They’re Exercising
Playtime keeps your dog’s mind at ease — they’re more likely to eat and sleep better if they’re getting their regular amount of activity. We know this can be hard to achieve when you’re busy with a move. Ask a friend if they can give you a hand walking the dog or take them to the dog park to make sure your pup gets their morning run on days when you must skip your own.
Give Them Extra Attention
Affection goes a long way to keep your dog at ease. Giving them extra pets and snuggles. Talking to them is also reassuring, even if they don’t understand exactly what you’re saying. And be patient with them if they’re misbehaving — dogs struggle with how to explain things to you, too.
Spend Extra Time at Home After the Move
Try to avoid leaving your pets alone in your new house for long stretches right after you move. If you can delay your return to work or work from home, your pet will thank you. Arranging for a friend or pet-sitting service to help you for the first couple of weeks can benefit everyone.
Be on the Lookout for Signs of Anxiety and Stress
Without a way to talk through their feelings with you, your dog may act out, sometimes with behaviors they have never exhibited before. These include excessive barking, jumping, chewing, panting, trembling and drooling, indoor accidents, aggression and withdrawal.
With some added attention and care, these behaviors will usually subside within a few weeks on their own — and often more quickly. If your dog has a history of anxiety, though, speak with your veterinarian before you move to see if there are medications that could help them.
How to Move with A Cat
Moving long-distance with a cat is not at the top of anyone’s must-do list, but it can be done! Follow these tips to help simplify your move and keep your kitty safe and calm during the process.
Make Sure Your Cat Is Comfortable in the Car
- It will be easier to coax your kitty into its carrier if it’s used to having it around. In the time leading up to your move, leave your cat’s carrier open in the living room and line it with a cozy towel. You may eventually find them sleeping in it!
- Feed cats early on the morning of the move. Just like people, cats can get carsick, so be sure that they have had time to digest their breakfast before packing them into the car.
- Some cats may not want to eat, drink or go to the bathroom while you’re on the road. Plan to drive shorter distances than you would if you were on a road trip without Whiskers.
- When it’s time to go, line their carrier with a potty pad and place a towel beneath their carrier in the car in case they have an accident. Bring a portable litter box for use in the car and in hotels.
- Some cats may feel more relaxed if you cover their carrier with a lightweight cloth. Doing so can also shade them from the sun. Always make sure there’s adequate air circulation for them, though.
- Calming collars and coats may help your kitty feel more secure during the ride. Other cats will feel more relaxed if they have an old t-shirt or pillowcase that smells like you. If your cat is routinely nervous, ask your vet about medication for the trip.
- Make sure you have plenty of food, water and cleaning supplies on hand, including large trash bags. Interactive toys can help cats burn off extra energy and nerves if you’re staying in a hotel.
- Never leave a pet in a hot car. And remember panting is a sign that a cat is overheating.
Yes, You Can Let Them Play with Your Moving Boxes
Cats LOVE boxes. Whether you’re packing or unpacking, cats will feel like they are a part of the process if they’re allowed to commandeer one or two of them. Just make sure Whiskers is on the outside of the box before you seal it.
Deep Clean Your New Home
Cats can be very sensitive to smells. Some fragrances and materials can even cause asthma attacks. Make sure your new home has been thoroughly cleaned and aired out before you move in.
Food and Litter Accessibility
Set up the essentials for your cat before you let them out of their carrier: food and water bowls, a litter box, a small scratch post and their favorite bed will give them a comforting source of familiarity. You can set this up for them in a smaller room or a bathroom until you’re ready to let them roam about.
Moving with Small Animals
If you have a small pet — like a guinea pig, gerbil or hamster — you can likely safely transport them in the car in their cage. But you’ll need to make some important preparations first:
- Remove any heavy, loose or potentially sharp objects from cages.
- Give them fresh, clean bedding and provide pelleted food and water-rich vegetables.
- If your small pets usually share a cage, you can keep them together for the ride.
- Ensure your pet’s cage is well secured so it won’t shift around during the drive. Place a towel beneath it to help. Make sure nothing is stacked on top of the cage or could fall on the cage.
- Maintain a comfortable air temperature throughout the move and keep your pets out of direct sunlight.
- Cover your pet’s cage with a lightweight cloth and keep music low to avoid stressing your pet.
- Never leave your pet in a hot car.
How to Move with Fish
In some ways, fish are easier to move with than four-legged friends, since they can’t get stuck in crawl spaces or run out the front door. But packing an aquarium is a tiresome process — fish are delicate, and water is messy, so there are certain procedures you’ll want to follow to make sure you don’t stress out your aquatic friends.
- Be sure to consult your local aquarium supply store for specific advice for your tank, including how many fish you can transport per bag and the best way to set up your fish tank up at your new home.
- Perform a light cleaning of your aquarium a few days before the move.
- Fill several quart- and gallon-size bags with water from the tank, leaving plenty of room for air. Place your fish in the bags, trapping a large air bubble at the top. Use a rubber band to seal them tightly and place them in a cooler. Live plants can be transported in the same fashion. Make sure the bags remain upright in the cooler.
- If you have the room in your moving truck, preserve as much of the water from the tank as you can, storing it in 5-gallon buckets. Aquarium gravel can also be transported in one of the buckets with some of the existing water.
- If you will be traveling for more than one day, consider using portable aerators inside the bags. If the weather is excessively cold, you may need a heat pack made specifically for transporting live fish and plants.
- Remove all other items from your tank, including the filtration system. Pack them into clean bags or buckets, following your regular cleaning procedure.
- When you set up your new tank, you will want to let the filtration system go through a proper amount of cycling before reintroducing the fish and plants.
Moving with Birds
Feathered friends are just as sensitive to changes in their environments as dogs and cats, so you’ll want to follow all the advice above about keeping your bird out of stressful situations. If you’re hoping to fly, make sure your air carrier allows birds. If you’re traveling by car, here are some tips to keep Polly from going crackers.
- Transport your pet in a portable bird carrier or cage and get them acclimated to it — and riding in the car — several weeks before the trip.
- Cover the floor of the carrier with a bird-safe liner and provide plenty of their favorite food and water-rich fruits for the journey.
- Secure the carrier properly in the car so that items cannot fall on top of it.
- Keep your pet out of direct sunlight in the back seat and consider covering the carrier with a lightweight cloth.
Move Your Pets with United Van Lines
At United Van Lines, we understand that moving with pets can be a challenge. As America’s #1 Mover®, we can take care of your packing, unpacking, car shipping and more, leaving you more time to help your furry family members adjust to their new surroundings.
Request a moving quote today and let us help plan your move!
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