How to protect pets during moving: Moving with pets can be tricky. Whether you’re moving pets across country or just to a new place in your same town, the general sense of upheaval will feel the same to them. Animals are notoriously territorial, and they feel the stress just as much as humans do.
Protect your pets from unnecessary turmoil by following a few key steps before, during, and after a move.
Before the Move
Become familiar with pet rules and regulations of your new town. Landlords and homeowners’ associations may have specific pet rules.
Make sure you get a copy of all of your pet’s medical records to give to your new vet and be sure to find the closest emergency animal hospital and keep that phone number handy.
Instead of pulling an all-nighter to pack, try to pack over a longer period of time so that your pet thinks everything is normal. This will keep their stress level down.
During the Move
If possible, send pets to a friend or family member’s home where they will be more comfortable.
After the Move
Once you have made it to your new home, inspect the entire place before giving your pet a free reign. Look for holes in the wall, gaps in fencing, open windows, pest control traps, exposed wires and cords, chemicals, toxic plants, and anything else that could be hazardous to your pet.
If your pet is micro-chipped, update your contact information and address. Also make sure to update your pet’s ID tags if they include your address.
Don’t let pets roam around the neighborhood until they are acclimated. Take them out on a leash to explore their new territory and show them how to get home. If you let them out in a new place right away, they might get lost or run away due to stress.
You’re never going to be able to completely eliminate the stress of moving for your pet, but you can do everything in your power to make the situation easier and help them adapt to their new surroundings. Sure it’s more work on top of what you’re already doing, but it’s always going to be worth it!
