Moving with Pets

Whether your favorite animal has fur, feathers, fins, or fangs, figuring out the best way to transport your pet should be at the top of your moving checklist.

Just as moving can be stressful for humans, it can also take a toll on your furry friends. New surroundings, strange people, the motion of be transported, and overall chaotic circumstances are not going to be anticipated by your pet, which is why it is important to consider the following when planning your move:

• Keep their food and medicine close by. It can be easy to toss the bag of dog food in with the other laundry room items to be packed, only to discover that it is buried in the moving truck later when your dog is whimpering for food.
• Pack a bag for your pet. Just like we encourage families to keep a dedicated backpack for each person in the family on Moving Day, do the same for each pet. Make sure to include:
  • Food
  • Water dish
  • Leash
  • Favorite toy
  • Medicine
  • Treats
  • Potty pads, if necessary
  • Kitty litter in a ziplock bag
  • Paperwork on immunizations and licensing
• Keep your pet with you when you move. As animal friendly as we are at MVM, we want your pets to be as comfortable and as safe as possible, which means we want them with the people who know their behaviors best: you!
• Talk to your vet. Consult with your animal’s doctor for advice on how to make the move as stress-free for your pet as possible. If you are moving too far for you to keep using your existing vet, get recommendations on who to use at the new location and obtain copies of all of your pet’s records to take with you to give to the office.
• Update your animal’s microchip and license information to reflect your new address and veterinarian.
• Help your pet feel at home in the new space. It can be just as odd for a new animal to move into a new home as it is for humans. Giving them a dedicated area with a lot of familiar items from the old place (blankets, pillows, toys, music) can eliminate stress and (hopefully!) prevent accidents.
• Consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend or family member during the actual move. Chances are you are not going to have a lot of time to dedicate to your pet when you are also directing movers on where to place your items and the doors will most likely be propped open or frequently opened and closed, creating a risk that your dog or cat could escape. Having your pet spend the day out of the house and away from the commotion may be calmer for them and take one more worry off of your mind, too.