Moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. Now, imagine adding a pet—or several—into the mix. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, the thought of moving with your beloved animals can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! With careful planning and the right approach, you can ensure a smooth and positive move for your entire family, including your furry, scaly, or feathered companions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from pre-move preparations to settling into your new home.
I. Planning Your Pet’s Move: Essential Pre-Move Preparations
A. Start Early
- Early preparation is key to a stress-free move. Begin planning several weeks before your move to allow both you and your pets to adjust gradually.
- Introduce packing supplies slowly. Start by placing boxes in your home and allowing your pets to explore them. Your pets might be curious at first, but they’ll soon get used to them. This will help them become familiar with the changes happening around them.
- If you have the space, start stocking up on boxes several weeks in advance. Place less commonly used items in the boxes and leave them open. Your pets might be curious at first, but soon they won’t give them a second glance.
B. Veterinary Care
- Schedule a pre-move vet visit. A checkup is crucial to ensure your pet is healthy before a move. This visit can help rule out any underlying health issues or parasitic infections.
- Update vaccinations and get a health certificate. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, especially if you’re crossing state lines. Some states require a health certificate from a vet.
- Microchip your pet. Microchipping is a valuable backup to ensure your pet can be identified, especially if they lose their collar. Make sure that your contact information is updated.
- Discuss medication options. Consult your vet about managing motion sickness or anxiety with medication if needed. It’s important to test any sedatives before your trip to see how your pet will react.
- Check for parasites: Vets commonly diagnose parasites in cats and dogs through fecal samples. A simple procedure can be completed the same day the sample is received.
C. Budgeting
Create a budget for pet-related moving expenses. Moving with pets can be more costly than anticipated. It’s important to consider all potential costs such as:
- Travel crates: Depending on size and type, crates can range from $50 to $400, with custom crates costing upwards of $1000.
- Vet visits: Costs can vary but factor in the cost of a check up, health certificate, and any necessary medication.
- Airline tickets: Domestic flights for small dogs can range from $275-$300, while international flights can be two to three times that amount. Larger dogs can cost even more, especially with custom kennels.
- Pet taxis and ground transportation: Pet taxi services and ground transportation can range from $2200-$2400 for a 10-hour drive to $6000-6400 for cross-country.
- Accommodations: The cost of pet-friendly hotels should be considered.
- Import permits: Some countries require import permits, with costs ranging from $480 AUD for Australia.
- Quarantine: Some countries require quarantine, with fees of at least $336.50 SGD for a 10-day stay in Singapore.
- Customs Clearance: Costs vary by country and can range from a fixed fee to an hourly rate.
Look for ways to save. You can save money by doing some of the work yourself. However, if the move is complex or you’re short on time, paying for help from a professional pet relocation company may be worth the cost.
D. Know the Laws and Regulations
- Research local laws: Review pet laws and regulations for your new state, city, and even apartment complex. Some places may have restrictions on the number or type of pets.
- Be aware of breed-specific bans: Some areas have banned specific breeds of pets, so be sure to check.
- Understand apartment pet restrictions: Carefully review the pet policies in your lease. If you are having difficulty finding a place that accepts pets, ask for help from friends, online groups, or the city. Exhaust all options before considering surrendering a pet because of a move.
II. Choosing Your Transportation Method: Air vs. Ground
A. Ground Transportation
- Car travel offers a flexible and direct way to transport pets.
- Secure pets properly: Use crates, carriers, or seatbelts to keep your pets safe. If using a carrier, make sure it is the appropriate size and is secured in the car to prevent it from shifting.
- Plan frequent breaks: Stop every few hours for potty breaks, exercise, and water. Leash your pets during potty breaks. Bring water and bowls with you so your pet stays hydrated.
- Book pet-friendly hotels: Research and book pet-friendly accommodations in advance. Many hotels allow pets, but some may have restrictions on size or number of pets. Websites like BringFido or PetsWelcome can help you find suitable places to stay.
- Professional pet transport services offer a way to move your pets without driving yourself.
- Types of Services: Consider shared pet transport, pet taxi services, and ground transport options for your pets.
- Pros and cons: Using a pet transport service can be more expensive but can reduce stress.
- Costs: Ground transportation can range from $2200 to $6400 depending on the distance.
- RV travel can be a flexible option with room for pets and belongings, and can eliminate the need for hotels.
B. Air Travel
- Research airline pet policies. Each airline has different policies about pet travel, including weight limits and crate requirements. Call the airline to ensure they can accommodate your pet.
- Consider in-cabin versus cargo options: In-cabin travel is often less stressful for smaller pets (typically under 20 lbs), as they stay with you. Larger pets often must travel in cargo. There are risks to consider when traveling pets in cargo, so it’s important to research airline policies carefully.
- Plan for layovers. Layovers can be good for pets, allowing for a bathroom and stretch break. Some airlines have animal hotels, but you’ll have to check to see if your route has this option.
- Choose direct flights to minimize travel time and stress.
- Avoid flying pets when necessary: Note specific circumstances when you may want to avoid flying your pet, like for snub-nosed breeds or those with specific medical issues, because they may experience more stress from air travel.
III. Making the Journey Comfortable: Tips for Travel
A. Essential Supplies
- Pack a pet emergency bag: Include food, water, bowls, leash, medications, toys, comfort items, waste bags, first-aid kit, and paper towels. Be sure to include items with familiar scents to help your pet feel safe.
- Bring enough food and water. Bring enough of your pet’s regular food to avoid any tummy issues from sudden changes in diet.
- Include comfort items: Add a blanket, toys, or an item of clothing that smells like you to help your pet feel more at ease.
B. Keeping Pets Calm and Safe During Travel
- Consider medication and calming aids: Consult your vet about medication or calming supplements to reduce anxiety. Calming aids like Rescue Remedy or CBD treats can also help relax your pets.
- Create a calming environment. Cover carriers to reduce visual stimulation. Keep the car at a comfortable temperature, and make sure there is enough ventilation. Use positive reinforcement through praise and treats to create positive associations with travel.
- Maintain routines during travel. Keeping regular feeding, walking, and potty break times can help keep pets feeling comfortable.
C. Specific Needs for Different Pets
- Cats: Keep cats in carriers during travel. Have a litter box readily available for breaks and overnight stays. Consider using Feliway diffusers to help them feel more at ease.
- Dogs: Take frequent potty breaks and give them opportunities for exercise. Keep dogs secure in carriers or with seatbelts. Maintain consistent routines.
- Other pets: Research specific needs for less common pets like reptiles and birds. For example, cover bird cages during car rides to reduce visual stimulation.
- Senior or special needs pets: Be aware that older or special needs pets may need additional attention during a move. Keep medications on hand and ensure your pet is comfortable with their crate or carrier before travel.
IV. Settling In: Adjusting to a New Home
A. Creating a Safe Space
- Set up a designated area. As soon as you arrive at your new home, set up a safe, quiet space where your pet can retreat. Include their bed, food and water, and favorite toys to help them feel secure.
- Introduce your pet gradually. Let your pet explore one room at a time. This will help them get used to their new environment slowly.
B. Maintaining Routines
- Maintain consistent routines: Stick to your pet’s regular schedule for feeding, walks, and play.
- Unpack pet items first. Unpack their bowls, bedding, and toys first to give them a sense of familiarity. Familiar scents can help your pet adjust more quickly.
C. Addressing Anxiety and Stress
- Use positive reinforcement: Give your pet extra attention, praise, and treats to help them feel comfortable in their new space.
- Safe introductions: When introducing your pet to new environments, people, or other pets, go slowly and make sure your pet feels safe and comfortable.
- Help reduce separation anxiety. Gradually increase the amount of time your pet spends alone in the new environment to reduce separation anxiety.
D. Pet Proofing
- Address indoor hazards: Look for and eliminate common indoor hazards, like unsecured windows, open toilets, and accessible electrical cords.
- Address outdoor hazards: Check the yard for holes in the fence or dangerous plants. Supervise your pets in the yard until you’re sure they can’t escape.
V. Long-Term Integration: Building a Happy Life in a New Location
A. Finding Local Resources
- Find a new veterinarian. Get recommendations from your previous vet, or ask for recommendations on social media.
- Explore local dog parks and social opportunities: Gradually introduce your pet to new dog parks and social situations.
- Find reputable groomers and boarding facilities: Research and select a reliable groomer and boarding facility in your new area, if needed.
B. Continued Monitoring and Care
- Pay attention to your pet’s ongoing needs: Every pet is different. Monitor their behavior for stress or anxiety, and make sure they have what they need as they adjust.
- Adapt routines if necessary: Be flexible and adapt to your pet’s needs as they get used to their new surroundings.
- Build social connections: Getting involved in your new community can help both you and your pet settle in.
VI. Emergency Preparedness
A. Creating an Emergency Plan
- Have a plan if your pet escapes: Keep updated tags on your pet, and make sure their microchip information is current. Have a recent photo on hand.
- Prepare a pet first aid kit: Include essential items for emergencies.
- Identify emergency contacts: Have phone numbers and addresses for emergency vet facilities along your route and at your new destination. Consider local pet sitters as well, if you are not able to be home in case of emergency.
VII. Conclusion
Moving with pets requires a lot of planning, patience, and understanding. By preparing ahead of time, choosing the right mode of transportation, ensuring their comfort during the journey, and helping them adjust to their new environment, you can make the move a positive experience for your entire family. Remember that your pet’s well-being is most important, so be patient, be flexible, and be positive. With the right approach, moving with your pets can be a rewarding experience.
Additional Resources
* American Humane: https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/moving-with-your-pets/
* PetRelocation: https://www.petrelocation.com/
* Allied Van Lines: https://www.allied.com/moving-resources/tips/moving-with-dogs
* JK Moving Services: https://www.jkmoving.com/blog/residential-moving/moving-with-pets-across-us
* Einstein Moving Company: https://www.einsteinmoving.com/moving-with-pets-ti…
* Treehugger: https://www.treehugger.com/whats-the-best-way-to-move-my-pets-cross-country-4863993
Moving with pets can be challenging, but with the right planning and information, you can ensure a smooth transition. By following the advice in this guide, you can create a positive moving experience for yourself and your beloved companions.