Moving Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know

Moving homes can be stressful for pets. Our pets aren’t always used to the new scents, a new place, and a new experience. When moving, it’s important to make the transition smooth for your furry friends. If you’re a pet owner who’s moving soon, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company has some tips to make the process stress-free.

Need help moving? Trust the professionals at Georgetown Moving and Storage. Contact us today to get a free moving estimate.

Your Comprehensive Checklist for Moving with a Pet

Moving with a pet involves many steps to ensure a seamless transition for your furry friend. By following this detailed checklist, you can help make the move as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

1. Health Check and Documentation

• Schedule a Vet Checkup: Before moving, book a comprehensive checkup to ensure your pet is healthy. Update vaccinations and treat for pests like fleas.
• Obtain Health Records: Request your pet’s health records to transfer to a new veterinarian.

2. Find a New Veterinarian

• Research Options: Look into vets in your new area. Seek recommendations from locals, or check online reviews.
• Transfer Records: Send your pet’s health documents to their new vet, ensuring continuity of care.

3. Update Identification

• Identification Tags and Microchips: Before moving day, update your pet’s ID tags and microchip details with your new address and contact information.

4. Plan Transportation

• Decide on Travel Mode: Choose between driving or flying based on your distance and budget.
  • Driving: Secure your pet in a comfortable crate. Take frequent breaks for bathroom needs and avoid risky areas like truck beds.
  • Flying: Consult airline pet policies well in advance. Ensure your pet’s kennel meets size requirements, and confirm arrangements 48 hours before departure.

5. Overnight Accommodations

• Pet-Friendly Hotels: If your journey spans multiple days, pre-book pet-friendly accommodations to provide rest breaks for both you and your pet.

6. Consider Temporary Boarding

• Daycare or Boarding Facilities: Upon arrival, use doggy daycare facilities if your pet needs time to adjust. Ensure facilities are well-reviewed and provide ample playtime.

7. Gather Essential Supplies

• Travel Necessities:

  • Sufficient food and treats
  • Pee pads
  • Extra towels and baby wipes
  • A collapsible water bowl
  • Car window shade
  • Updated ID tags

• New Home Setup: Consider purchasing any new items your pet might need or enjoy in their new environment, such as fresh bedding or toys.

8. Review Pet Entry Regulations

• Research Laws: If moving internationally, check for any specific regulations regarding pet entry, vaccinations, or necessary quarantine periods.

Every detail counts when moving with a pet, and checking off these tasks will help both you and your pet settle smoothly into the new home.

Packing With Your Pets

When you begin the packing process, your pets may feel confused. The best way to start packing with pets is by gradually bringing moving boxes into the home. If your home is suddenly full of boxes, it could seem overwhelming to your pet. 

Another tip is to pack your pet’s favorite spot or room last. This will allow your pet to feel comfortable for as long as possible before the big change. 

On your moving day, keep your pets in a quiet or familiar space, like a friend’s house or regular kennel. This will prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by movers.

Checking With the Vet

If you’re changing cities or need to find a new veterinarian, check with your current vet to get copies of your pet’s medical records. If your pet needs medications, make sure you have enough to cover the moving process and a little extra in case it takes a while to get an appointment with a new vet.

Updating ID Tags

When you move, update your pet’s ID tags. If your phone number and address change, make sure your new ID tags reflect that change. 

You’ll also need to check with your new location on pet licenses for some animals, such as dogs. You may need to register your pet with the city by paying a small fee to receive a license tag. 

Scoping Out Pet-Friendly Areas

If you have a social and well-behaved pet, check out local pet-friendly locations. Some restaurants and bars with outdoor patios allow dogs to hang out with their owners. You can also look for dog parks, beaches, walking trails, and other pet-friendly locations to help your pet become familiar with the new location.

Driving With Your Pets

It’s important to make your pets comfortable for the move, especially if they aren’t used to spending time in cars or crates. Use positive reinforcement to make the trip easier:

• Give them treats when they behave well.
• Use toys as incentives.
• Sit beside your pet while traveling.

Make the trip a positive experience for both you and your pets!

Ensuring Pet Safety

During the physical move, find a safe space for your pet, like a closed room in the new house or at a local kennel or friend’s house. They may try to escape during the moving process if they can access an open door or window. It’s also likely that they may be underfoot while the movers are working, which can be dangerous for both the pets and the movers. 

Adjusting Your Pets to the New Home

When you bring your pet to the new home for the first time, show them to their beds or crates. Allow them in one room at a time so they can get used to the new location. Show them their toys, litter box, and food so they know where to find them. 

If you’re downsizing with an outdoor or indoor-outdoor cat, transitioning to fully indoors can be stressful. Keep your cat active by playing, providing toys, and rewarding them with treats.  

Why Maintaining a Routine for Your Pets During a Move Is Crucial

Moving can be a chaotic process, not just for humans but for pets too. A sudden change in environment can create confusion and anxiety for your furry friends, making it imperative to maintain a regular routine.

• Consistency Eases Stress: Animals thrive on predictability. Keeping consistent feeding times and regular walks helps reassure your pet amidst the upheaval of moving boxes and shifting furniture.

• Supports Emotional Well-being: Regular playtime and affection become anchors for your pet, providing comfort and emotional stability. These moments of interaction ensure your pet feels loved and secure despite the changes happening around them.

• Prevents Behavioral Issues: Drastic changes can lead to anxiety, which may manifest as unwanted behaviors such as chewing, barking, or even accidents in the house. A stable routine mitigates these risks, helping maintain their usual good behavior.

Balancing the hustle of moving with the need to preserve a familiar routine pays off by ensuring your pet stays calm and adjusts more easily to their new home.

How to Make Your Cat Comfortable in Its Carrier

Traveling with a feline friend can be a challenge, especially if they’re not familiar with the confinement of a carrier. Here are some effective strategies to ensure a smoother journey:

Familiarize the Carrier

• Introduce Early: Start placing the carrier in your home well before your travel date. This allows your cat to explore and get accustomed to it at their own pace.
• Leave It Open: Keep the carrier door open to create an inviting space for your cat to enter and exit freely. Place it in a common area where your cat likes to relax.

Create a Cozy Environment

• Comfy Liners: Use a soft blanket or a piece of your clothing inside the carrier to offer comfort and a familiar scent.
• Favorite Toys: Include a couple of your cat’s favorite toys to provide a sense of security and entertainment.

Gradual Acclimatization

• Short Practice Sessions: Encourage your cat to spend short periods inside the carrier leading up to the trip. Gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and affectionate praise when your cat enters or stays in the carrier to associate it with positive experiences.

During the Journey

• Calm Atmosphere: Try to keep the car quiet and avoid sudden movements. You can even play calming music to help soothe your cat.
• Secure the Carrier: Ensure the carrier is securely fastened in your vehicle so your cat feels stable and safe throughout the journey.

By being patient and proactive with these steps, your cat will likely find their carrier a reassuring space, making travel much less stressful for both of you.

What Supplies Should I Purchase Before Moving with My Pet?

When planning a move with your pet, preparation is key to ensuring a seamless transition to your new home. Here’s a comprehensive list of supplies that can help make the journey and settling in process more comfortable for your furry friend.

Essential Travel Supplies

• Food and Water: Ensure you have enough pet food to last the duration of the move, plus a bit extra to cover any delays. A collapsible water bowl is perfect for providing hydration on-the-go.

• Hygiene Products: Stock up on pee pads to manage any accidents during travel. Baby wipes are also useful for quick clean-ups.

• Comfort Items: Bring along extra towels which can double as bedding or for cleaning purposes. Consider installing a window shade in your car to keep it cool and comfortable during the journey.

Identification and Safety

• ID Tags: Update your pet’s identification tags with your new contact information. Microchip registration should also be updated as an added safety measure.

Treats and Toys

• Rewards and Entertainment: Keep a supply of your pet’s favorite treats and chews to reward good behavior and keep them entertained during the move.

Luxuries and Extras

• New Gear: Use this opportunity to spoil your pet with new gear, like a robotic litter box or a fresh set of food and water bowls. This can help them feel more at home once you’ve settled in.

Preparing these supplies in advance ensures your pet remains comfortable and stress-free throughout the moving process, making the transition smoother for both them and you.

Need a Moving Company in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia?

Moving can be stressful and time-consuming. When you need assistance moving locally or long distance, choose Georgetown Moving and Storage. We’re fully bonded, insured, and a registered common carrier by the Department of Transportation. We’re also GSA-approved.

Rely on our team to make your next move much easier and smoother.

For convenient and reliable moving services, contact Georgetown Moving and Storage Company.