Be Pet-Friendly: How To Manage Your Animals During a Move

Moving can be an exciting chapter in your life, but it often comes with unique challenges when pets are involved. Animals experience stress during moves differently than humans do, and as their caretaker, it’s vital to make the process as smooth as possible for them. This guide will walk you through essential steps to help your pets during your move, ensuring their well-being every step of the way.

From preparing before the move to settling into your new home, we’ll cover all the key aspects of keeping your furry companions happy and safe during this significant transition.

Preparing for a Move With Pets

The success of moving with pets largely depends on preparation. Anticipating potential problems can save you a lot of stress and help your pets adapt more quickly.

Schedule a Vet Visit

Schedule a vet check-up before moving to ensure your pet is healthy and vaccinations are up to date. If your new home is far away, ask your vet for recommendations on local clinics near your new location. You might also want to discuss strategies for minimizing travel stress or motion sickness if your pet is particularly anxious.

Update Tags and Microchips

Moving time is an excellent moment to double-check your pet’s ID information. Double-check that the information on their tags and microchips reflects your current phone number and new address. If your pet has a microchip, contact the registry to update your information as well. These precautions ensure that your pet can be quickly reunited with you if they get lost during or after the move.

Familiarize Pets With Carriers

If your pet isn’t used to carriers or crates, introduce them well before moving day. Start with short periods inside the carrier, gradually increasing the duration as they grow more comfortable. Place toys, bedding, or treats inside the carrier to create positive associations. When moving day arrives, your pet will feel more at ease in their travel space.

Communicate With Your Movers

If you’re hiring residential movers in Houston, inform them that you have pets and explain any specific accommodations required. This ensures that the movers understand your priorities and keep your pets safe by planning their packing and loading process around them. Clear communication minimizes confusion and avoids unnecessary disruption to your pet’s routine.

Managing Packing and Moving Day

Packing up your belongings and the hustle of moving day can feel overwhelming for your pets. However, following these four tips helps them maintain a sense of calm.

Set Out Packing Supplies Early

As your current home environment begins to transition into the packing phase, your animals may be overwhelmed by the clutter of boxes and bins in your space. Introducing these supplies in your space months ahead of moving day gives pets time to adjust. Additionally, you may consider putting packed boxes in storage to remove clutter before your new home is ready.

Pack a Dedicated Pet Bag

Prepare a bag specifically for your pet with essentials such as food, water, medications, and favorite toys. Include leashes, litter, or bedding that you’ll reference frequently during the move. Having these supplies on hand removes the need to rummage through boxes when you need something urgently.

Separate Pets From Moving Chaos

The most effective way to manage pets during a move is to keep them in a quiet, secure room or with a trusted friend or family member. Loud noises, strangers in the house, and open doors can overwhelm or distress pets, or even lead to escape attempts. Keeping them secure and entertained with their favorite items ensures they won’t accidentally slip out or get injured as movers come and go.

Consider Finding Pet Accommodations

If your move is particularly complex or involves long-distance travel, consider arranging temporary accommodations for your pet. Boarding them at a trusted facility or leaving them with a familiar friend gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of overwhelming your pet during the busiest moments of the move.

Settling Into Your New Home

Once you’ve reached your new home, the process of introducing your pet to their new environment begins. Helping them feel secure and relaxed is key to a smooth transition.

Pet-Proof Your New House

Before letting your pet explore freely, take the time to pet-proof your new home. Check for exposed wires, loose cords, or small spaces where they could become trapped. Keep unfamiliar cleaning products and other potential toxins out of reach. Making the space safe allows your pet to roam without risk or worry.

Surround Them With Familiar Items

Use familiar objects such as their bed, blankets, or toys to create a comforting environment. These familiar smells and textures can make your pet feel more secure amidst the unfamiliar surroundings. Arrange their sleeping area, eating spot, and play space in a manner similar to your previous home to maintain a sense of continuity.

Reestablish Your Pet’s Routines

Pets thrive on routine, so try to maintain their feeding, exercise, and play routines as closely as possible while you get unpacked and settled in. This will help them adjust to the new environment and feel more at ease. Stick to their regular mealtimes and take them for walks or play with them at the same time of day as before. This consistency will provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for your pet in the midst of change.

Slowly Introduce Them to the Neighborhood

For dogs and other outdoor pets, gradually introduce them to the new surroundings. Start with short walks around the block, letting them explore at their own pace. Pay close attention to their body language, providing reassurance if they seem nervous. Building familiarity with the sights and smells of the neighborhood can make outdoor outings more enjoyable and less overwhelming over time.

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets

Moving is as much a change for your pets as it is for you, so be sure to prioritize their well-being during this significant transition. By preparing early, paying attention to their specific needs, and maintaining their routines, you can help your furry companions adjust to a new home. These small steps can make a world of difference in reducing their stress and ensuring their safety.

JT Melia Moving is here to help Houston families and their pets relocate as smoothly as possible into their new homes. We handle each residential move as if it were our own, no matter if you have specific requests or specialty items for transport. Contact our professional moving team today and discover the JT Melia difference.