Moving is already a lot to handle, but seeing our pets confused and anxious can make it so much harder. Imagine how it must feel for them seeing their safe space turned completely upside down and then… just gone?
And let’s face it, moving with pets also means extra logistics. Between vet visits and updating microchips, it’s a lot of added work. You love them and want them to feel safe, but you also want to protect your own sanity. We get it, so, here are some things to help you and your four-legged friend(s) get through moving day.
Tips for Moving with Dogs and Cats
1. Get the Paperwork Handled
First things first, let’s get some paperwork out of the way.
Top priority on your to-do list has to be updating their microchip, because safety first. You want to make sure your current contact details are linked to it just in case. Also, get an updated collar or tag with your new information on it.
Then, pay a visit to your vet to get their records. Try to get everything online to reduce paper. But if you can’t get it digitally, just slide the physical copies into a folder with your other important documents so they don’t get lost.
2. Set Up a Safe Zone
Your pets are going to need a place to stay while everybody is moving. No need to overthink it; it could be a laundry room, a bathroom, or even a gated-off corner. As long as they have water, their food, a few familiar toys, and enough room, they’ll be okay. Just make sure to check on them every 30 minutes or so to give them some pets and a few sweet words so they know everything is fine. Most importantly, be sure to tell your movers that this area is off-limits.
This keeps them from getting overwhelmed by all the extra noise and people walking in and out, and it makes sure they stay completely out of the way of the movers.
3. No Space for a Safe Zone? Go Off-site
If you don’t have a good spot at home, or if your pet is just too anxious, too big, or chaotic for a moving day,(like that extra social dog that won’t stop jumping on people to say hi, or a very curious cat that wants to be around the mover’s legs) it’s better to take them somewhere else.
You know them better than anyone, so if you think they won’t handle the day well, reach out to a friend, a family member, or a pet sitter for the day. Having them out of the house is the ideal scenario in these situations.
4. Stick to Their Routine
We know this can be a bit of a challenge for you during moving day but the best thing you can do to reduce anxiety is to keep their routine as normal as humanly possible while everything else is changing.
Try to keep their feeding times exactly where they usually are. If you have time, give them a good, long walk or a solid play session first thing in the morning. A tired pet is a much calmer pet.
It also helps if they have a “job” to do during the chaos. If you have a dog, this could be chewing on a toy, if you have a cat, a puzzle feeder or a treat-dispensing ball can keep them occupied and distracted.
5. Pack a “Go-Bag” for Night One
We always recommend packing a “first night” essentials bag for yourself, and the same goes for your pet. This will help you set up a safe, quiet space for them the moment you walk through the door.
Keep these in the car with you:
- Their favorite bed or blanket.
- A few days of food, their bowls, and any medicine.
- A leash, waste bags, and a few cleaning supplies.
- A couple of their favorite toys
This way, your pet will have a cozy spot to go to while the rest of the house feels strange and new.
Making Your Move Stress-Free for You and Your Pets
Cats and dogs are creatures of habit, but they’re also very smart and quick to adapt. Before you know it, they’ll be wiggling their tails or purring like a little motorcycle, feeling right at home (hopefully just as fast as you).
To make it even easier for them, leave the heavy lifting to us. Here at Eco Movers, we’ll handle the stress of the move so you can keep your focus where it needs to be: helping your best friend settle in and get comfortable in your new place. Whenever you’re ready to get started, reach out for a free quote!
