Tips on Moving Home With a Pet 

Moving home is one of the hardest things you’ll do in your life. It’s an exciting change, but there are so many unknowns and challenges that it can be daunting. You may be worried about packing, unpacking, what to do with your pet while you’re gone, and how to care for your belongings during the move-in period. What you don’t want is to think of your pet as a troublesome annoyance during the stress of your move, and you certainly don’t want to lose your pet. So how can you reduce the stress of moving and make it a positive experience for both of you?

Whether it’s your first move or you#ve done this many times before, pets need to be considered when planning your move. 

1) Get recommendations

Before your move starts, make sure that you take the time to talk with friends or family about their pet transport experience. Did they use a pet taxi? Or did they manage on their own?

Ask them about their challenges and whether they would do anything differently.

2) Be proactive

When you’re planning the move, you should consider the needs of your pet. You’ll need to make sure that your pet is fed, taken for walks and given some “me” time.

You should consider any specific needs of your pet such as:

• Medications or proof of vaccinations. You’ll need to make sure that your pet is properly vaccinated and has the necessary documentation so that you can travel with them. Make sure that you have a supply of food for them for when you reach your new home.

• The transportation method. Ask friends and family about their pet transport experience. Did they have any problems with the transportation company? Did the dog get car sick on the way home? Or was it a positive, stress-free experience?

• Who will take care of your pet? If you’re moving home without your pet, you’ll need to make plans for who will look after it until you can collect it again.

• Ask about neutering or spaying. For female pets, it may be a good idea to get spayed before a move so that she doesn’t have unwanted litters, although this isn’t always possible for every pet owner. Speak with your vet about the best time to have this done and your options before making a final decision.

3) Consider the health of your pet

Always remember that moving is stressful for everyone involved, but especially for pets. You want to make sure that they are healthy, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally when they travel with you.

So how can you reduce the stress of moving and make it a positive experience for both of you?

The first step is to be proactive. When you’re planning your move, do some research to make sure your pet’s needs are covered. Ask friends or family about their pet transport experience and if they would do anything differently. Talk to your vet about what they can recommend for your pet before making a final decision.

Planning in advance also means that you can consider any specific needs of your pet when choosing a transportation company and who will look after them while you’re away.