How To Handle Pets While Moving Homes

As stressful as a move can be for humans, it is guaranteed to be just as taxing for your pets. Thankfully, there are many ways to minimize your pet’s anxiety that also make your life easier. Professional moving experts, such as these Asheville movers, can relieve a significant portion of the burden. Or, you can make the move all on your own with the help of a few tips. No matter the method you choose to implement, your pet’s safety and sanity should be your top priority.

Packing & Anxiety

Even for the most organized people, the hard truth is that packing can be a chaotic affair. In turn, it feels for your pet as though their home is turning inside out. Their favorite spots, like their special seat on the couch or their perch on the cat tree, are either occupied with boxes or removed entirely from their reality.

Not only this, but animals are highly empathic. Since your dog or cat is bonded to you, they can sense your emotions and general mood. This means that if you get overwhelmed or start pulling your hair out, your pet will absorb this energy and become even more stressed out herself. When you are aware of your own stress levels and make time to take care of yourself, your furry companion will also be better off as a result.

Instead of packing up all at once, try to elongate the process by doing little bits here and there over time. Don’t hesitate to take frequent breaks. This way, you not only ease the workload upon your shoulders, but your furry little one will have sufficient time to adjust to each little change

Alternatively, you could consider boarding your pet with a sitter for the duration of your move. Though this is an added cost, the benefit is that you spare your pet a great deal of stress during the packing phase. You also won’t have to worry about her getting in the way of things or escaping out the open door.

Crate & Car Training

If you choose to drive your pet to your new home, it may take some time to teach him to tolerate both the car and the crate. Even if you usually allow your dog or cat to roam around in the car, it’s a good idea to use the crate anyway. It will prevent him from wreaking havoc upon your packed items or climbing around and distracting you while you drive.

When faced with overt stressors, cats prefer to hide in narrow, dark spaces where they feel in control of their immediate environment. In this way, the carrier could actually help him feel safe. Dogs also feel safe in their crate as long as they are trained through positive reinforcement to view it as their bedroom and not as a “time-out” zone.

Before embarking on a long drive, train your pet to feel comfortable in the crate and the car first. To do this, set up the crate or carrier in your home and treat them whenever they go inside. Next, let your cat get acclimated to riding in the carrier to come out to the parked car. Or, gradually train your dog to walk fearlessly to the car to merely sit inside the crate. Once he has mastered sitting in the still vehicle inside his carrier or crate, take him for short drives around the neighborhood until he’s comfortable with the movement. Make sure to treat him frequently at every step of the way.

This repeated positive reinforcement helps him understand that the crate and the car are not things to fear. Plus, you’ll get an idea of how your four-legged friend handles driving and what you can do to minimize their stress response or motion sickness.

Driving with Pets

Even if using a crate isn’t an option, make sure your pet is at least buckled up. You can find pet seat belts and harnesses at most pet stores. It’s also worth getting a no-spill water bowl to prevent her from getting too dehydrated as well as placing some towels on the backseat in case of accidents. Remember to keep some toys, chewing bones and blankets in the car to keep her entertained and happy.

Don’t get caught unprepared if your kitty or puppy does get prone to motion sickness. There are a variety matka of drugs on the market to help animals with motion sickness and anxiety. However, if you plan on flying with your pet, check the airline’s guidelines regarding pet medications first. Many won’t allow tranquilized pets onboard as it can be dangerous to their health. Before giving anything to her, it is crucial to consult your vet first.

Flying with Pets

Flying with an animal can be tricky to pull off, but it may be necessary for long-distance or international moves. Every airline has its own regulations regarding pet transportation, so make sure to check their website before booking your flight. Most airlines will need to see proof of vaccinations, for example, and many others won’t allow pets if the outside air temperatures are under 45 degrees or over 85 degrees.

Generally, smaller dog breeds and cats are okay to bring aboard in a carrier that can be placed underneath your seat. Large dog breeds will probably have to go in the plane’s cargo deck. The fees for carrying a pet on a plane will be at least $100 or more.

Using A Moving Company

Some moving companies will not only pack your belongings and transport them for you, but they will safely and gently move your dog or cat too. Often this involves transporting your fur baby via car or plane and managing any flight regulations that may come with the territory. Pet moving services are the easiest method of transporting your animal safely, but they can also be the most expensive. It can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000 per pet, depending on the animal’s size, the distance of the move, and delivery speed. On the other hand, when you use a top-notch professional mover, you can rest assured that your pet is in the hands of careful and compassionate experts.

Post-Move Care

Once your fur baby has been transported, your duties as a responsible pet parent are not over yet. Your dog or cat is going to need some time getting acclimated to their new home. Ease them into the foreign environment by setting up a space with all their favorite toys, smells, foods and furniture. Taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood allows her to become acquainted with all the unfamiliar smells, sights and sounds. Make sure to get back into your former routines for feeding times, playtime and walks as soon as possible. In this way, you bring your old home into the new home as seamlessly as possible. 

Moving is never an easy chore to do alone. Wherever possible, take advantage of the moving services in your area to make your journey much less stressful for both you and your pet. Whether you choose to drive or fly to your new home, precautions such as crate training, medication, and pet seat belts will ensure the safety and contentment of your little one. As long as you do your best to mentally prepare your kitty or pup for such a significant change and remain receptive to their needs, she will happily follow you no matter where your life takes you.