8 Tips for Moving with Pets

Relocating to a new home is an exciting adventure, but when you’re moving with pets, the experience comes with extra responsibilities. Ensuring your pets feel safe and comfortable during the transition is key to a successful move. This guide provides essential tips to help make moving with pets as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Before moving, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure your pets are up to date on vaccinations, check for any health issues, and obtain any necessary records. If your new home is outside your current area, ask for vet recommendations in the new neighborhood. Additionally, it’s important to update your pet’s identification tags and microchip with your new address and contact information.

For pets with existing medical conditions or anxiety, ask your veterinarian for advice on how to make the move as stress-free as possible. They might recommend anti-anxiety medication, calming treats, or other strategies to keep your pet calm during the transition.

Pets are creatures of habit, and the sudden appearance of moving boxes can increase anxiety. To minimize their stress, start introducing moving boxes a few weeks before the move. Let your pets sniff and explore the boxes so they get used to the new items in their environment. Gradually increase the presence of boxes, packing slowly so that the home environment doesn’t feel completely disrupted at once.

Dogs and cats, in particular, may get confused or anxious when their favorite furniture or spaces begin to disappear, so try to maintain familiar spaces for them as long as possible during the packing process.

On the day of the move, ensure your pets have a quiet, secure space away from the chaos of movers and boxes. For cats and smaller dogs, this might mean placing them in a separate room with their favorite bed, toys, and a litter box or puppy pads. Consider placing a sign on the door to alert movers that the room is off-limits to avoid accidental escapes.

For larger dogs, you may want to arrange for them to stay with a trusted friend, neighbor, or even a pet boarding facility during the bulk of the move. This can help reduce the risk of them becoming overly anxious or stressed by the movement of furniture and unfamiliar people coming in and out of the house.

Whether you’re moving across town or to a different city, it's important to plan how your pets will travel with you. For car trips, make sure that your pets are securely placed in a carrier or pet seatbelt to ensure their safety. Cats and smaller pets should remain in carriers during transit, and you can cover their carriers with a blanket to reduce their exposure to the changing scenery, which may help with anxiety.

For long-distance moves, ensure you have enough food, water, and any medication they may need for the trip. If you’re flying with pets, research airline regulations regarding pet travel and plan to book early to ensure availability, as most airlines have strict limits on the number of animals allowed onboard.

Once you arrive at your new home, take steps to make your pets feel comfortable right away. Start by setting up their space with familiar items, such as their bed, toys, and water bowls. Introducing your pet to one room at a time allows them to gradually adjust without feeling overwhelmed. Cats, in particular, may benefit from having a small, quiet room to themselves at first, while dogs may appreciate a short walk around the yard or neighborhood to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.

If your new home has a backyard, ensure that the space is secure before letting your pets roam freely. Check that fences are intact, gates are closed, and there are no holes or escape routes that your pet could take advantage of.

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, thrive on routine. After moving to a new home, do your best to maintain their feeding, walking, and play schedules. Familiar routines help pets feel safe in a new and unfamiliar environment. For example, if your dog is used to a morning walk, make sure you keep that schedule, even in the new property.

Gradually introduce them to new routines or environments, like a new yard or dog park. Gilbert is home to several parks and open spaces where dogs can explore, but take it slow to ensure your dog feels comfortable in the new area.

Moving with pets can sometimes result in temporary changes in behavior. Cats may hide for several days or refuse to eat, while dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, such as excessive barking or chewing. Be patient as your pets adjust to their new home and surroundings. Offer comfort, familiar items, and try not to scold them for unusual behavior that is likely linked to stress.

If behavioral issues persist for more than a few weeks, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may suggest training, calming techniques, or other strategies to help ease your pet's transition into the new home.

One of the best ways to help your pets adjust to their new home in Gilbert is to explore the area together. Gilbert is known for its pet-friendly parks, trails, and open spaces, making it an ideal place for pet owners. The Gilbert Town Center offers a variety of pet-friendly businesses, and nearby Cosmo Dog Park provides ample space for dogs to run, play, and explore. Engaging in these activities will help your pets become more familiar with their new surroundings and establish a sense of home in the community.

If you’re considering moving to Gilbert, AZ, contact Desaree Suttle today to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your furry family members. Desaree’s expertise in the local market and attention to detail will help you find the perfect pet-friendly home, making your move a stress-free experience. Reach out to Desaree Suttle now to begin your journey.