Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience for everyone involved, and that includes your pets. Animals are creatures of habit, and a change in environment can be unsettling for them. From the hustle and bustle of packing to the strange new sights and smells of a different home, the moving process can be overwhelming for pets if not handled with care. However, with thoughtful preparation and a few practical strategies, you can make the transition smoother for your furry friends. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips for moving with pets, helping you ensure they remain safe, comfortable, and stress-free throughout the process.
Plan Ahead for a Pet-Friendly Move
Planning is the key to a successful move, especially when pets are involved. Start by considering your pet’s needs and how they will be affected during each stage of the move. If you’re moving a long distance, research pet-friendly accommodations along your route and at your destination. Some hotels and rental properties have strict pet policies, so it’s important to confirm that your furry companion will be welcome.
Additionally, if your pet has any medical conditions or special requirements, consult your veterinarian well in advance. They can provide advice on how to manage your pet’s health during the move, including whether any medications or sedatives might be necessary for a long journey.
Additionally, if your pet has any medical conditions or special requirements, consult your veterinarian well in advance. They can provide advice on how to manage your pet’s health during the move, including whether any medications or sedatives might be necessary for a long journey.
Maintain Your Pet’s Routine
Pets thrive on routine, and disruptions to their daily schedule can cause anxiety. As much as possible, try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and playtime routines in the days leading up to the move. Familiar routines provide a sense of security and can help keep your pet calm amidst the chaos of packing and preparing for the move.
When packing, it’s a good idea to leave your pet’s belongings—such as their bed, toys, and food dishes—unpacked until the last possible moment. These familiar items can provide comfort to your pet, helping to reassure them that their world isn’t changing too drastically.
When packing, it’s a good idea to leave your pet’s belongings—such as their bed, toys, and food dishes—unpacked until the last possible moment. These familiar items can provide comfort to your pet, helping to reassure them that their world isn’t changing too drastically.
Prepare an Overnight Kit for Your Pet
Just as you would pack an essentials bag for yourself, it’s important to prepare an overnight kit for your pet. This kit should include enough food, water, medication, and other necessities to last for at least a couple of days. Don’t forget to pack a few favorite toys, a blanket, and any other items that provide comfort.
Having an overnight kit on hand ensures that you have everything you need to care for your pet during the first days at your new home, before you’ve had a chance to unpack and get settled. It also helps to keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible, which can reduce their stress during the transition.
Having an overnight kit on hand ensures that you have everything you need to care for your pet during the first days at your new home, before you’ve had a chance to unpack and get settled. It also helps to keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible, which can reduce their stress during the transition.
Keep Your Pet Safe on Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, with doors left open, strangers coming and going, and heavy items being moved around. To keep your pet safe and out of harm’s way, consider setting up a quiet, secure space where they can stay during the move. This could be a separate room in your current home, a friend’s house, or even a pet boarding facility for the day.
If your pet will be staying with you during the move, make sure they are confined to a safe area away from the main activity. This can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or, worse, escaping in the midst of the commotion. For cats and smaller pets, a crate or carrier can provide a safe and comfortable space. Be sure to check on them regularly and provide food, water, and comfort breaks.
If your pet will be staying with you during the move, make sure they are confined to a safe area away from the main activity. This can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or, worse, escaping in the midst of the commotion. For cats and smaller pets, a crate or carrier can provide a safe and comfortable space. Be sure to check on them regularly and provide food, water, and comfort breaks.
Ensure a Smooth Transition in the Car
If you’re driving to your new home, it’s important to make the car ride as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your pet. Cats and smaller pets should always travel in a secure carrier, while dogs can be restrained with a harness and seatbelt attachment or placed in a well-ventilated crate.
During the journey, make frequent stops to allow your pet to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and drink water. Never leave your pet alone in the car, especially in extreme temperatures, as this can be dangerous. For pets that are prone to car sickness or anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend specific strategies or medications to help them stay calm and comfortable during the drive.
During the journey, make frequent stops to allow your pet to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and drink water. Never leave your pet alone in the car, especially in extreme temperatures, as this can be dangerous. For pets that are prone to car sickness or anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend specific strategies or medications to help them stay calm and comfortable during the drive.
Introduce Your Pet to the New Home Gradually
Arriving at a new home can be an overwhelming experience for your pet, with unfamiliar smells, sounds, and spaces. To help ease their transition, introduce them to the new environment gradually. Start by confining your pet to one room that contains their familiar belongings, such as their bed, toys, and food dishes. This will give them a safe space to retreat to while they adjust to their new surroundings.
Once your pet seems comfortable in this room, you can slowly allow them to explore the rest of the house. Be patient during this process—some pets may take longer than others to feel at ease in a new environment. Providing plenty of positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can help your pet associate their new home with positive experiences.
Once your pet seems comfortable in this room, you can slowly allow them to explore the rest of the house. Be patient during this process—some pets may take longer than others to feel at ease in a new environment. Providing plenty of positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can help your pet associate their new home with positive experiences.
Update Your Pet’s Information
As soon as you move, make sure to update your pet’s identification information. This includes updating their microchip registration with your new address and phone number, as well as getting new ID tags for their collar. If your pet were to get lost in the unfamiliar surroundings of your new neighborhood, having updated contact information increases the chances of a safe and swift return.
It’s also a good idea to research local veterinarians in your new area and register your pet as soon as possible. This way, you’ll be prepared in case of any health issues or emergencies that may arise after the move.
It’s also a good idea to research local veterinarians in your new area and register your pet as soon as possible. This way, you’ll be prepared in case of any health issues or emergencies that may arise after the move.
Reestablish Routines in the New Home
Just as maintaining routines before the move helps to reduce stress, reestablishing them in your new home is equally important. Continue to feed, walk, and play with your pet at the same times you did before the move. This consistency will help your pet adjust more quickly to their new environment and can alleviate any lingering anxiety.
If your new home has a yard or outdoor space, take extra precautions during the first few weeks to ensure it is secure and free of hazards. Some pets may attempt to escape or wander off in search of familiar territory, so it’s important to supervise them closely during this adjustment period.
Moving with pets requires careful planning and consideration, but with the right approach, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends. By maintaining routines, creating a safe environment, and introducing your pet to their new home gradually, you can help them adjust to the changes with confidence. Remember to be patient and attentive to your pet’s needs throughout the process, and soon enough, they’ll be happily settled into their new surroundings, ready to create new memories with you in your new home.
If your new home has a yard or outdoor space, take extra precautions during the first few weeks to ensure it is secure and free of hazards. Some pets may attempt to escape or wander off in search of familiar territory, so it’s important to supervise them closely during this adjustment period.
Moving with pets requires careful planning and consideration, but with the right approach, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends. By maintaining routines, creating a safe environment, and introducing your pet to their new home gradually, you can help them adjust to the changes with confidence. Remember to be patient and attentive to your pet’s needs throughout the process, and soon enough, they’ll be happily settled into their new surroundings, ready to create new memories with you in your new home.
Pet Friendly Hotels We Recommend
The Highlander Hotel
2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City
319-354-2000
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-337-4058
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
328 S Clinton St, Iowa City
319-248-6100
2525 Highlander Pl, Iowa City
319-354-2000
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
319-337-4058
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
328 S Clinton St, Iowa City
319-248-6100
About Jill Armstrong
For expert real estate guidance in the Iowa City area, work with The Jill Armstrong Team. With over 25 years of experience, Jill Armstrong has been one of the area's top producers since becoming a REALTOR® in 1996. In 2023, Jill’s team assisted 123 clients with their real estate needs. We offer comprehensive services including market analysis, staging, photo and video marketing, and more. Active in the community and dedicated to providing the highest level of service, The Jill Armstrong Team is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Jill today to achieve your real estate goals.
Contact Jill today to achieve your real estate goals.
