How to Move With Pets Without the Stress

Moving is a big change for everyone in the house, and that includes the four legged members of the family. Dogs and cats notice when boxes start piling up and furniture starts shifting, and many of them get anxious long before the truck ever shows up. With a little planning, you can make the whole process calmer for your pets and a lot easier on yourself. Start by keeping their routine as steady as you can in the weeks leading up to the move. Feed them at the usual times, keep walks on schedule, and try not to pack their beds, toys, or favorite blankets until the very end. Familiar smells and habits go a long way toward helping a nervous animal feel safe while the rest of the house is changing around them. If your pet has never spent much time in a carrier or a crate, now is a good time to practice. Leave the carrier open in a quiet room with a soft towel and a treat inside so it becomes a comfortable spot instead of something scary. A few short car rides around the neighborhood can also help, especially for cats who usually only ride in the car on the way to the vet. Before moving day, check in with your veterinarian. Make sure vaccinations are current, ask for a copy of their records, and talk about anything that might help if your pet tends to get stressed or carsick. This is also the perfect moment to update the contact information on their microchip and ID tag with your new address and phone number. If a pet slips out during the chaos of moving, that little tag can make all the difference. On moving day itself, the safest place for your pet is away from the action. Doors will be propped open, people will be carrying heavy furniture, and there is a lot of noise. Set up a closed room with water, food, a litter box or a bed, and a sign on the door so everyone knows not to open it. Even better, ask a friend to watch them for the day or book a spot at a trusted boarding facility or doggy daycare. Here in Florida, the heat deserves special attention. Even in the cooler months, a parked car can get dangerously hot in a short amount of time, so never leave a pet alone in a vehicle. Bring plenty of water, plan stops if you are driving a longer distance, and keep the air conditioning running while they ride with you. Once you arrive at your new home, give your pet a single quiet room to settle into first, filled with their own things. Let them explore the rest of the house gradually over the next few days. Walk dogs around the new neighborhood on a leash so they can learn the sights and smells, and keep cats indoors for at least a couple of weeks while they adjust. Be patient if they act a little out of sorts. Most pets bounce back quickly once they realize their people and their favorite toys came along too. A smooth move gives you more time and energy to look after the ones who count on you most. Visit thisendupmoving.com for a free estimate and let our family help take care of yours.