How To Move With Pets

The experience of moving can be tough on everyone in the family, pets included. Whether it’s next door or across the country, moving means a new “territory,” new people and even a new yard to adjust to — any and all of which can put a lot of stress on even the most placid pets. Planning ahead and making sure to prepare your pets will make the move as easy and painless as possible for all involved. 

Moving Your Pets Requires Planning 

Most pets thrive on routines, but as we know, even the best-planned moves can quickly become chaotic. All the unfamiliar activities associated with a move can be especially stressful for your pets. They will likely be confused by the commotion and disruption inherent in the packing and moving process and will probably become even more apprehensive once you arrive at your new home. 

It’s up to you to do what’s best for your pet to smooth their transition. Here are some thoughtful pre-planning and useful tips from Mayflower® — America’s Most Trusted Mover. 

Moving Dogs and Cats 

Because they are the two varieties of pets that will most likely need to adapt to life both in and out of doors, we’ll start with tips for getting dogs and cats prepared for a long-distance move. If you are a dog or cat owner, here are some prep tips you’re sure to find helpful before you arrive at your new home: 

Tour the Neighborhood 

If possible, before moving day, take a walk around the area where you’ll be moving to get a sense of whether the neighborhood seems pet friendly. If you see people out walking their dogs, or cats peeking out of windows, chances are you and your pet will be in good company.  

Make Sure the New Yard is Secure

If you own a dog or an “outdoor” cat, make sure there’s enough space outside for them to walk around comfortably and “do their business.” Tall wooden or chain link fencing is an effective way to keep a dog contained. Alternatively, there are plenty of electronic fencing options readily available that don’t require wires or digging. Many now incorporate GPS functionality that will guide your pet back to safety.  

Cats are skilled climbers and are known for their ability to wiggle through tight spaces. To reduce the risk of them running away or getting lost, keep your cat indoors until they are completely comfortable and familiar with their new living environment. Limit the number of rooms the cat is allowed in initially and gradually let them explore.  

This might also be the time to consider chip identification for your pet since you’ll soon be living in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Stick to a Familiar Routine

Cats and dogs are — literally — creatures of habit. It’s important to minimize the disruption in the routine of your pet as much as possible. Before AND after your move, do your best to stick with the pet’s regular schedule of feeding, exercise and playtime. It’s also important to have some familiar items such as blankets or toys available. 

Check Local and State Regulations 

Most states and many municipalities have specific pet laws and regulations on the books regarding restricted breeds, such as bully breeds. In addition, some places — gated communities for example — have restrictions on the number of companion animals allowed in a home.  

The city clerk or town hall in your new location will be able to provide information about any license fees, leash laws, fences, and any pet restrictions.  

Get All Shots up to Date

Before you’re fully immersed in your moving process, make an appointment with your vet to get all inoculations up to date. Many states — and most airlines — require a health certificate for pets and verification that they are disease free.  

Double-Check IDs and Contact Info 

Make sure your pet has proper identification, including your name and emergency contact information. In addition to your pet’s ID and rabies tag, make a temporary ID tag with your mobile phone number and the number of a friend or relative who can be easily reached while you’re enroute to your new home.  

Moving Small Animals 

Small pets like hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, lizards and iguanas and are best transported by automobile in their own cages. Make sure you thoroughly clean and prepare the cages which should be secured so they won’t shake or tumble while enroute. If you’re traveling in warm weather, be aware that these animals can be especially sensitive to temperature changes so avoid leaving them in vehicles unattended. Also make sure there’s adequate ventilation and never place any moving boxes on top of their cage.  

Moving Birds

As with small animals, birds travel best in their own cages depending on the size of the bird. Before the move journey begins, clean their cage and make sure they have adequate fresh water and food. It’s also important that the cage door is secured from the outside, and that the cage is covered with a blanket to keep your bird calm and out of direct sunlight.  

Moving Fish  

Because they must be transported in water — and are particularly sensitive to abrupt changes in temperature — moving fish and small aquatic animals can be especially challenging. That said, here are a few helpful tips if you will be moving them by car:  

For starters, heavy duty plastic fish transfer bags are necessary. These come in a variety of sizes; however, we suggest bags with rounded corners (to prevent fish from getting stuck). Fill each bag with a mix of new water and water from the aquarium before putting in the fish. Make sure you leave room for air in the bag.  

Carefully place each bag into an insulated cooler and then place the cooler in your vehicle where it can’t tip over. Once you arrive at your new home, let the aquarium filter run for 45 minutes to an hour before releasing the fish into it. 

Moving Your Pets by Air or Auto

Whether it’s by car or air, getting your pets safely to your new address can be a challenge. Here are some tips for long-distance moves: 

Moving Your Pets by Air

If you’re moving any pet by commercial airplane, contact the carrier well in advance for rules and regulations, transportation charges and container/carrier requirements.  

Keep in mind pet approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis and that you won’t necessarily be allowed to have your pet travel with you in the passenger cabin. 

If the flight is more than a few hours long, make sure your pet is adequately fed and watered well in advance of the scheduled flight time. Your vet might also recommend tranquilizers if your pet is high strung. Also, give yourself enough time to get you and your pet through an extended check-in process. 

For a deeper dive, the International Air Transportation Association offers timely, helpful information and checklists about transporting all types of live animals via commercial airlines.  

Moving Your Pets by Car 

If your pet isn’t used to car travel, practice by taking them on short trips around the neighborhood. If you’re moving your pets by car, make a list of items you’ll need for a “pet travel kit” that will typically include many or all of the following:  

• A pet carrier or cage 
• Collapsible dishes 
• Toys and blankets  
• Water, food and treats 
• Pet medications 
• A cleanup kit 

If necessary, ask your vet about tranquilizers to relax the animal. Don’t forget to take a few exercise, water and bathroom breaks, and remember, you won’t be able to stop for leisurely meals if you have an animal in the car. 

Start Your Move with Mayflower 

We hope you found these tips and tricks for moving pets to be helpful and informative.  

Whatever moving company you choose for your long-distance move, the useful content we have available on subjects like packing your belongings and settling into your new neighborhood, as well as our guides to states, cities, and more, is bound to make your journey smoother.  

And our digital magazine, Welcome HOME, is a must-read for any savvy mover!  

Get a moving quote from Mayflower today.