An overnight kit should include enough food for your pet for the first few days after the move. Preparing with this will prevent you from needing to search through boxes to find anything. It is also beneficial to include any toys they favor and their bed.
Contact your Vet
If you are moving to a new area outside of town, it’s important to contact your vet and obtain all your pet’s paperwork. It is also important to have a new vet lined up just in case any issues arise in the move.
Start taking them on car rides
Car rides are huge for helping reduce anxiety about car rides leading up to the move so they are more comfortable, and it would be so out of routine for them.
Get your travel plans on lock
If you are moving far away and are driving, create a plan and have pet-friendly hotels picked out so you won’t run into any trouble along the way. If you are flying, ensure that you have all the information the airline will need beforehand.
Start the packing process early
Start by bringing in the boxes one day and then slowly start packing, allow them to watch the process, this will help slow any anxiety and commotion won’t seem as jarring to them.
Decide whether you are going to kennel them during the moving process
It is suggested, to board your pet or leave them with a friend while you are moving into the new place to help manage anxiety. This way, they can enter the space more completed and not be as overwhelmed. While it is suggested, it is not necessary if you have a plan for them.
Take them on walks in the area
If you are not moving too far it could be helpful to take them on walks in their future neighborhood. This allows them time to become more adjusted and familiar.
During the move:
Do not let your pet out of their carrier until they have arrived
If they get out during the transporting process, they are in a new area they are unfamiliar with which could be very dangerous for them.
Keep your pet away from the action
Set them up in a room with their food, toys, bed that is away from the noise and commotion. This will help them to adjust to the new space and keep their anxiety down.
Pet Proof your new home
Before allowing them access to the rest of the home ensure that the space is pet-friendly. Make sure there are not any toxic or dangerous objects or plants around that your pet could get to and ensure there are no exits your pet could leave the house from.
After Unpacking
Be Patient with your pet
They will need time to adjust slowly, so be patient with them as they get more comfortable in their new home.
