5 Tips for Moving with Pets

Moving can be stressful for anyone, but when pets are involved, it brings a whole new set of challenges. Our pets are part of the family, and making sure they feel safe and secure during a move is as important as preparing ourselves for the transition. Moving with pets requires careful planning and attention to detail, but with the right approach, you can help make the process smooth and less stressful for everyone involved.

Here are a few tips you can follow:

The first step in a successful move with pets is planning ahead. Pets are creatures of habit, so changes to their environment can be overwhelming. With a little extra preparation, you can help them adjust more comfortably.

• Schedule a Vet Visit: Make sure your pet is healthy before the move. Take them for a check-up, update any vaccinations, and obtain any necessary travel certificates, especially if you’re moving out of state. Your vet can also provide helpful advice on keeping your pet calm during the transition.
• Prepare Pet Records: If you’re moving to a new area, you’ll likely need to find a new vet. Gather your pet's medical records and make sure they’re easily accessible. Many vets are happy to email records to you or your new vet upon request, making the transfer easier.
• Update ID Tags and Microchips: One of the most important things to remember is to update your pet’s ID tag and microchip with your new contact information. This is essential in case your pet gets lost during the move or after you settle into your new home.

Packing up your home can be one of the most stressful parts of a move. The endless boxes, loud noises, and constant changes in the environment can make pets feel unsettled. Here’s how you can keep them calm while preparing your home for the big day.

• Pack Slowly Over Time: Start packing gradually instead of doing it all at once. This slower approach allows your pet to adjust to changes without feeling too overwhelmed.
• Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, familiar room where your pet can retreat when the commotion of packing becomes too much. Keep their favorite toys, bedding, and familiar objects in this space to make it feel secure. Avoid packing this room until the very end.
• Avoid Packing Pet Essentials Early: Leave your pet’s essentials—like food, toys, and bedding—out until the last minute. Packing these items too soon may increase their anxiety by removing the familiar sights and smells that help them feel safe.

Moving day can be chaotic, with movers coming in and out, furniture being moved, and boxes piling up. All of this can be highly stressful for pets. Here are some tips to keep your furry friends calm on the big day.

• Consider Pet Boarding or a Pet Sitter: On moving day, it’s often helpful to have your pet stay with a friend, family member, or at a boarding facility. This removes them from the hustle and bustle, reducing their stress. If that’s not an option, set up a quiet, enclosed space for them with plenty of food, water, and their favorite items.
• Keep Essentials Handy: Pack an “overnight” bag for your pet, including food, water, bowls, medications, toys, and anything else they may need for the first day in your new home. This way, you won’t have to dig through boxes looking for essentials.
• Maintain a Normal Routine: Try to stick to your pet’s routine as closely as possible on moving day, including feeding times, walks, and playtime. Familiar routines can provide comfort and reassurance amid the changes.
• Consider Their Transportation Needs: Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, make sure you have a plan for how your pet will travel. Cats and smaller pets should be in carriers, while larger dogs may need seatbelts or crates for safety. For long trips, plan for breaks and have plenty of water and treats available.

Once you arrive at your new home, helping your pet adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings is key. Just like humans, pets need time to acclimate to their new environment, and a few simple steps can make this transition smoother.

• Introduce Your Pet Gradually: Start by confining your pet to one room with their bedding, food, water, and toys. Once they seem comfortable, gradually let them explore the rest of the home. This helps prevent them from feeling overwhelmed and reduces stress.
• Establish New Routines Quickly: Animals thrive on routine, so establish a new routine as soon as possible. This includes feeding times, walks, and playtime. The faster you settle into a routine, the sooner your pet will feel at home.
• Familiarize Them with the Outdoors: If you have a dog, introduce them to the yard, nearby parks, and walking routes early on. Familiarizing them with these areas will make them more comfortable and provide a sense of security in the new environment.

If you have a smaller or exotic pet, like a rabbit, bird, or reptile, they may need special considerations during the move. These pets can be especially sensitive to changes in temperature, handling, and noise.

• Provide Consistency in Their Environment: Try to set up their enclosure in the new home to be as similar to the old one as possible. Small animals rely heavily on familiarity, so keeping their setup consistent can help reduce stress.
• Limit Handling and Noise: Exotic and small pets often experience stress during transport, so avoid handling them more than necessary. Place their cages in quiet areas of your new home to help them adjust.

I know that moving can be overwhelming, especially when pets are part of the equation. As someone who understands the unique needs of pet owners, I'm here to help you find the perfect home for your entire family—pets included. I have the expertise and local knowledge to guide you through every step of the buying or selling process here in Corvallis, OR, making sure your transition is as seamless as possible.

Whether you’re moving across town or relocating from afar, I’m here to support you. Reach out to me, Debbie Brand, today to discuss your real estate needs, and let’s work together to make your move, and your pet’s move, as stress-free as possible.