Moving with Your Pets

When you move with your pets, it is important that you plan your move to accommodate their needs, especially if you are moving from state to state. Moving can be difficult for pets who aren't used to traveling or seeing new places, and there are several things you will need to consider.

Moving with Your Pets: Planning Ahead

Many pets will be uncomfortable not only with moving day, but also with the days and weeks leading up to it, especially if yours is the only home your pet has ever known. Boxing up all of your belongings and changing the layout of the rooms can induce stress in your pet, so try to make it as gradual as possible. Take breaks from packing to play with your pets, and pay attention to any signs of listlessness, such as refusing to eat.

Moving with Your Pets: Pet Carriers

When moving with your pets, it is often best to keep them in a sturdy pet carrier with ventilation and plenty of room to move. My veterinarian has always recommended plastic pet carriers over the wire ones, and make sure to put a familiar blanket or pillow in the bottom. In the weeks leading up to your move, keep the pet carrier in your pet's favorite room so that he or she can get used to it.

Moving with Your Pets: New Identification

Pet ID tags - which can be purchased through your vet or at a pet supply store - should be changed as quickly as possible to reflect your new address. This is especially important if you are moving cross-country. Unfortunately, pets escape at rest stops all time, so you'll want a way for people to get in touch with you in your new home.

Moving with Your Pets: Safety During Travel

When you are moving, make sure that you have safety precautions set up for your pet. For example, keep your pet in his or her pet carrier at all times, except for bathroom breaks. When letting your let out of the car, keep him or her on a leash. If you stop for food, leave the windows of your vehicle open and park your car where you can see it through the restaurant window; if it is the middle of summer, pack a lunch and eat at rest stops along the way, as pets die all the time in overheated cars, even with the windows open.

Moving with Your Pets: Motion Sickness

Just like people, pets can suffer from motion sickness. If you know this to be the case, plan a trip to the vet prior to your move and inquire about the pet equivalent of Dramamine or some type of sedative. There is nothing worse than spending a long road trip with a sick animal.

Moving with Your Pets: Hotels

Many hotels - gasp! - do not allow pets to stay in the rooms. If you are going to have to stop overnight, call ahead to find out if your chosen hotel is pet friendly. If not, you'll need to find one that is. It is never a good idea to try and sneak a pet into a no-pets hotel; if you get caught, your bill could easily double in cost.

Moving with Your Pets: Safety at the New House

Moving automatically assumes a certain amount of chaos, and you'll want to keep track of your pet while you're bringing furniture and boxes into your new home. Put your pet in the backyard or lock him or her in a bathroom or laundry room to ensure that he or she doesn't escape in the midst of the confusion. Further, be sure that you've packed water and food dishes, toys, treats, medications and other necessities where you can reach them as soon as you arrive.