Moving with Pets

You can expect your pets, whether they are dogs, cats, hamsters or any other creature, to react to the disruption of their normal routines even a well organized moving may cause. Animals are sensitive to their surroundings, especially cats and dogs. Start changing their environment with the smell of bubble wrap, the screech of boxing tape and the presence of moving boxes in each room, and they are going to know something is up.

 

You may see them react in negative ways, be more demanding and clingy or down right destructive. Dogs may pout, piddle on the rug a lot or bark excessively. Cats will hide, or crawl the walls, literally. They may try and stalk that square brown thing in the middle of the room, or curl up and hide from the world inside it. So please look before you tape! Birds and exotic reptiles may be off their feed and not sleep, just like their human counterparts who are stressing out with packing, moving sales and dealing with the utility company. Animals sense stress in their humans.

 

Of course on moving day, and when you unload at the new place, keep the pets either in a bathroom or a carrier or cage. You do not want them to run away out of panic and then get lost. Movers from proffesional moving companies are sensitive to the needs of pets and will understand. They also will appreciate not worrying about something furry dashing between their legs as they are carrying the box containing your grandmother's china or the sleeper sofa!

 

It is a wise thing to check with your vet if you are moving long distances with your pet. For their safety and yours, if they can be secured in a carrier or cage for the journey, do so. Extra anxious pets can be given a veterinarian's equivalent to a Dramamine to make the trek easier on them. Just know they will be drowsy, may not be as good at controlling their bladder and walk rather wobbly for 6-10  hours.

 

Your moving company may have some good tips on how to make the process easier on your pet. Here are some pointers a few professional movers listed with MovinGood have told us about moving with pets.

 

If your move is more than  a few hours or so by car,(over more than 100 miles as is the case in a long distance or interstae moving)  take along a bowl and water- just in case your furry friend needs to hydrate after panting a lot from anxiety. Cats will meow or growl at first and are more susceptible to motion sickness. It all depends on the individual pet and how often they have ridden in vehicles (if it has only been when you take them to the vet - be prepared for them to get stressed).  Some people take their pets for short rides several times prior to moving day, just to get them accustomed to the experience.

 

Never force food or water down them. Animals know when they need to eat or drink water. It will be okay if they are off their feed for a day or so. Dogs should be leashed and given the opportunity to do their business at rest stops. Many have doggie areas for just that purpose. Cats can have a litter pan on the floorboard. The grocery stores even have disposable ones.

 

You can search online for motels that cater to people moving with pets. There are more and more of them popping up. Most charge a modest $5-10 fee  per night for allowing the pet in your room and ask that they be caged if left alone. For cats, ferrets and dogs, be sure to bring their favorite bed or blanket with you and maybe their toy so in the hotel and in the new place they can have a scent of home.

 

When you get to the new place, keep animals inside for several days until they are used to the new smells and have added their scent to their surroundings. Then when you let them outdoors for the first few times, guard them carefully as they explore their new yard. Expect male animals who have not bee neutered to want to mark their new territory. Some females may as well. Pet stores have wonderful enzyme products for just this reason. Most of all, be loving, use a reassuring voice, and be patient. In no time, the new place will be a happy home for you both.

 

If you are moving with a pet or two (or more?), be sure to check "Moving with Pets" box at our moving checklist. You can also customize your checklist (must login) to include things like calling the vet, or buying a carrier or locating a pet-friendly motel, or scheduling the groomer before you leave.