Relocating to a new home isn’t just about moving your belongings—it’s about ensuring the comfort and safety of every member of your household, including your beloved pets. Whether you have dogs, cats, fish, birds, or small animals, preparing for their transition is essential to minimize stress and keep them safe during the move.
This guide will provide essential tips for moving with pets so they can adjust comfortably to their new environment.
Preparing Your Pets for the Move
1. Get Your Pet Comfortable with Travel
If your pet isn’t accustomed to car rides, start with short trips to help them acclimate. Gradually increase the duration of these rides leading up to the move. For cats and small dogs, let them spend time in their carriers so they become familiar with the space.
2. Maintain Their Routine
Pets thrive on routine, so try to keep feeding, play, and exercise schedules as normal as possible. This consistency will help reduce their anxiety about the upcoming changes.
3. Update Their Identification
Ensure your pet’s microchip information is current and update their collar tags with your new address and phone number. This is crucial in case they get lost during the move.
4. Visit the Veterinarian
Schedule a vet check-up before the move, especially if you’re relocating out of state. Request copies of their medical records and any necessary medications. If flying with your pet, inquire about travel health certificates required by airlines.
How to Move Different Types of Pets
Moving with Dogs and Cats
- Secure a Safe Space: On moving day, keep pets in a quiet room away from the chaos. Consider a pet crate or a closed-off area to prevent them from escaping.
- Travel Comfortably: Use a well-ventilated carrier or a secured seatbelt harness for dogs. Keep familiar items like blankets, toys, and treats to help them feel at ease.
- Take Breaks: If it’s a long-distance move, plan for rest stops so your pet can stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.
- Introduce Them to Their New Home: Start by setting up a designated space with their bed, food, and water. Allow them to explore gradually while keeping a calm and reassuring presence.
Moving with Birds
- Use a Secure Carrier: Transport birds in a well-ventilated, covered cage to minimize stress.
- Maintain Consistent Conditions: Keep their environment stable by avoiding sudden temperature changes and loud noises.
- Limit Their Exposure: Covering the cage can help reduce anxiety during travel. Once settled in the new home, allow them time to adjust before resuming normal activities.
Moving with Small Pets (Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.)
- Choose a Travel-Friendly Carrier: A well-ventilated, escape-proof carrier is ideal.
- Keep It Quiet and Calm: These animals are highly sensitive to stress, so transport them in a quiet, shaded area of the car.
- Monitor Their Health: Small pets can become dehydrated or stressed quickly, so keep an eye on their behavior and provide water as needed.
Moving with Fish
- Use Proper Containers: For short trips, plastic bags filled with tank water work. For longer trips, opt for buckets or sealed containers with air pumps.
- Maintain Water Stability: Retain some of the original tank water and gradually introduce fish to the new environment upon arrival.
- Secure the Tank for Moving: Empty the tank, wrap it securely, and transport it separately to avoid damage. Reassemble it as soon as possible in the new home.
Helping Your Pet Adjust After the Move
1. Give Them Time to Settle
Allow pets to explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Keeping familiar bedding and toys nearby can help comfort them.
2. Maintain Their Routine
Sticking to their usual feeding, exercise, and play schedule will help your pet adjust faster.
3. Monitor Behavior Changes
Some pets may show signs of stress, such as decreased appetite, hiding, or excessive vocalization. Give them time and extra attention as they adapt.
4. Set Up a Safe Space
Create a dedicated area for your pet that includes their bed, food, water, and litter box (for cats). Slowly introduce them to other parts of the house.
5. Explore the New Neighborhood Together
For dogs, take them on leashed walks around the new neighborhood to familiarize them with their surroundings and reduce anxiety.
How Redefyne Moving Can Help
At Redefyne Moving, we understand that pets are family. Our team offers professional moving services designed to minimize stress for both you and your pets. We handle everything from packing and transporting fragile items like fish tanks to ensuring a smooth transition for your furry friends.
Why Choose Us?
- Pet-Friendly Moving Services – We take extra precautions to ensure your pet’s belongings and essentials arrive safely.
- Safe and Reliable Transport – Our trained professionals handle delicate and large pet-related items, such as crates, aquariums, and play structures.
- Customer Satisfaction – We prioritize the well-being of your pets and belongings with expert packing, transparent pricing, and great customer service.
Move with Confidence
Relocating with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and care, you can make the transition as seamless as possible for your four-legged, feathered, or aquatic friends.
Contact our Portland moving company today for a free estimate and start planning a pet-friendly move with confidence!
