Moving with animals: how to relocate without stress

Moving can be hard work. In all the rush and hustle, you should not forget about your household pets. Just like people, animals have strong attachments to the environment in which they live and changing it can be very stressful for them.

Moving with a dog, a cat, or a hamster

If you want to be sure that your move will go smoothly, you definitely should not underestimate the importance of preparation. Have you thought of everything so that your animals can cope with the change and the move itself without problems? 

Visit your veterinarian

Visit your veterinarian before you move. If you are moving far away, you will probably find a new specialist where you are going to live, so ask your current vet for your pet’s medical records. If you have a long journey ahead of you, you can also ask for sedatives to help your pet better cope with the move. 

The most important thing to have at hand

“Oh my god, where’s the box with the dog food?” Before the actual move, prepare a bag containing the most important things, such as dog/cat food, treats, food and water bowls, favourite toys, a cat litter box, medications and other items that will make your pet as comfortable as possible on the road and in your new home.

If you wonder what else you shouldn’t forget and you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything, read how to prepare for moving.

Find a quiet place for them during the move

Packing, running back and forth, unpacking... Moving can cause a lot of confusion for your pets. If possible, ask your friends or family if they would look after them for you during your move. You will save them and yourself unnecessary stress if they are not constantly under your feet when you are holding a heavy moving box.

If that possibility is not available to you or you don’t want to leave your pets with others, make sure your animal companions have the calmest place possible away from all the action. Ideally, confine them in a room that has already been cleared out or in another part of the house. Don’t forget to give them enough food and water and check on them regularly to make sure they don’t need anything. Of no less importance, walk your dogs regularly as you normally would. At least partially maintaining their normal routine will help them to cope better with all of the changes that are taking place.

Did you know that: if you don’t want to leave your four-legged friends alone, but at the same time you don’t know how to go about moving, you can leave everything to the apartment and house moving professionals. They can completely pack, move and, if you want, unpack everything for you in your new place, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Take your animals with you in your car

Is it already time to get on the road? Take your animals with you in your car. Put smaller dogs, cats and hamsters in a pet carrier on the back seat, larger dogs in the cargo space. A change of environment is challenging also for feathered pets. Even if you’re sure that yours is well trained and won’t fly off your shoulder, put birds in a cage during the move. If you are moving with fish, place them in bags containing water from the aquarium and do not feed them when travelling.

Familiarise them with their new home

Unpack and partially secure at least one room before letting your animals into your new home. Prepare old, familiar items such as their blankets and toys. Give them time to gradually become familiar with their new environment and be there for them. You will soon feel at home together again!

Tip: Don’t forget to update your contact information on your pet’s collar after you move.