Guide to moving house with pets

Although moving can be a big ordeal for humans, it can be even more stressful for pets. This is because most pets spend the majority of their time inside, and as such become very familiar with their indoor surroundings.

So if you move into a new home or even simply change out a large piece of furniture in your current place, you’re essentially changing your pet’s world as they know it. But moving doesn’t have to be a stressful situation for you or your pet. A little bit of planning and patience can go a long way in terms of helping you and your pet adjust to a new environment. If you and your furry companion have a move lurking on the horizon, here are a few tips to ensure that it’s an easy transition for you both:

• Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification tags. This is always an important practice, but it’s even more crucial during a move because with all the commotion there are more opportunities for your pet to get lost.
• Pay extra close attention to your pet’s behaviour during the move. All the unusual activity during this time may cause them to misbehave or become destructive.
• Pack a separate box for the pet supplies you use most frequently (such as bowls, food, toys, leashes, and blankets) and keep it readily available.
• Don’t wash pet beds or blankets before the move. The familiar smell of the old house may comfort them during the transition into the new house.
• Pets enjoy routines. During the move, try to maintain the same meal, walk, and playtime in order to ease any anxiety your pet will most likely be experiencing.
• If you’re travelling on a long-distance car ride with your pet, plan your route ahead of time. This includes mapping out where you will make your overnight stops as well as which hotels nearby are pet-friendly.
• If your move includes air travel with your pet, contact the airline ahead of time to find out what the requirements are regarding crates, costs, and pre-travel medical treatment for your pet.

Another very important thing to consider when moving with a pet is making sure your new home is pet-friendly. This means informing your landlord or association about your pet ahead of time to ensure that you are in compliance with any weight or size restrictions that might be in place.

Trying to “sneak” your pet into a new house or apartment is never a good idea, nor is it the responsible thing to do as a pet owner because it jeopardises your pet’s safety and could ultimately leave them homeless. Sadly, moving is a major reason why people surrender their pets to local humane societies and animal shelters. Needless to say, having to give up a pet can be a very difficult situation for both parties involved. To ensure you and your pet never have to experience such a heartbreaking separation, take the necessary precautions to make sure your move is a seamless, well-planned transition for both you and your pet.