Creating a stress-free moving environment for your favorite pets

-Written by Anna Stephens

Even if you know your furry friend better than anyone, it is hard to predict how they will act when moving time comes. Every pet responds differently to change, so it is best to be over-prepared and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your pets, children, and furniture. Here are a few tips for moving your pets to a new home.

Dogs on the move

Dogs can become mopey, sad, or even aggressive when they are in stressful situations like moving, and they could act on these emotions in various ways. Dogs are known to gnaw on furniture and corners of walls, urinate on carpets, or cry loudly when they are stressed.

Quick tips:

• Put your dog in doggy day care during the first few weeks while no one is home to watch them. This will prevent any damage they may do while they’re recovering from the stress of the move.
• Purchase doggy diapers to prevent urination in your new home.
• Take your dog to their veterinarian before the move to make sure they are healthy enough to move. Get multiple weeks’ worth of any prescriptions they have, so you have plenty of time to find a different vet in your new location. In extreme cases, you can get a prescription of anxiety relievers for your dog.
• If your dog’s collar tag has your current address, update the tag before you move, so it’s ready to be switched on moving day. Also, change the phone number on the tag if your area code changed.
• Our movers do not move any living things, so make sure you have safe and comfortable arrangements for your dog on move day. We recommend a crate or sectioned off area in your personal vehicle that will be comfortable and temperature-controlled.
• Bring familiar objects to comfort your dog such as their favorite blanket, toys, and treats.
• Assign a moving buddy for your dog. Pick a family member to keep your dog company. Also, be sure your pet is well fed, take it for walks, and give it plenty of affection to ensure they don’t feel forgotten about.

Cats on the move

Cats are tricky when it comes to moving because of their sensitive and quirky personalities. Cats are hyper-aware of their surroundings, so they will feel uncomfortable with any major change. When stressed, cats may run away, hide, or become more aggressive.

Quick tips:

• Speak to your veterinarian before the trip to ensure they are healthy enough to move, and stock up on prescription medicine if necessary.
• While packing your current home and moving in to your new home, keep your cat away from the commotion and behind a closed door with their favorite play toys, plenty of food and water, and litter box.
• Our movers do not move living things, so it’s important you have safe and comfortable arrangements for transporting your cat to the new home. The safest option is to crate your cat and transport it in your car so the temperature and environment are controlled.
• Change their collar tags before your move to match your new phone number and address.

Fish on the move

Fish are very sensitive to their environments, so you should plan far in advance how you will transport them. You should prepare to transport your fish at the last possible second, because they are not meant to stay in small containers for more than a day or two. You can either transport your fish in a plastic bag with clean water, or a brand new sealed and large plastic container.

Quick tips:

• Make sure your fish don’t endure much shaking or instability, as it’s extremely stressful for them when they’re exposed to great amounts of movement. You can secure the fish by placing them in an insulated container with bubble wrap connecting the fish bag and container to ensure it stays upright.
• Regulate the temperature of the fish bags because changes in temperature can make the fish sick. Take the temperature of the aquarium prior to moving, and keep it consistent throughout the move.
• Reduce stress of the fish by placing them in darker areas during transport.
• Don’t feed your fish while you’re transporting them so the water stays as clean as possible.
• Make sure the aquarium is totally clean when you move into your new home and the water temperature is the same as it was before.
• Avoid putting lights directly overhead of the aquarium after the move so the fish can recover from the stress endured while being transported.

Small animals on the move

Small animals such as gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs can travel in the cage they live in. Make sure the container is stable and sealed completely so they cannot escape.

Some quick tips:

• Cover the container with a towel so they endure less stress from the light and movement during the move.
• Regulate the temperature of the cage by transporting them in a location where temperature can be controlled, such as your personal car.

Birds on the move

Birds are fairly easy to transport because they can remain in the cage they live in. Most birds enjoy traveling in the car, but every bird will behave differently.

Some quick tips:

• Take your pet bird to the vet to ensure you have the proper documents and health certificates, as some states require that.
• Keep treats handy to make the moving experience a positive one.
• Make sure the cage remains upright throughout the transportation process by placing them in a secure area.

Regulate their temperature throughout the move, including the amount of time they are in the sun.

We hope this provided helpful tips for you and your pets to experience a stress-free moving experience. For more information, check out our moving with pets checklist. We also offer several items made for your furry friends on our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Gear Site.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.