Tips For Moving With Pets

Relocating can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you have pets. As real estate agents working with clients in the beautiful city of Carmel, CA, we understand that moving with pets presents its own set of challenges. It requires planning, preparation, and care to ensure the transition is as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry companions. Whether you're moving across town or cross-country, the following tips for moving with pets will help make the process easier.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when moving with pets is that animals are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Moving can cause significant stress for them if they are not properly prepared. Planning ahead allows you to minimize disruption to your pets' routines and ensures that their needs are met throughout the moving process.

Before you start packing, schedule a visit to your veterinarian. Ensure that your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and that you have an ample supply of any required medications. If you're moving far away, ask your vet for recommendations for veterinarians in your new area. Make sure you also obtain a copy of your pet's medical records, which can be useful when setting up care with a new vet.

During this visit, it’s a good idea to discuss how to make the move as comfortable as possible for your pets. For particularly anxious animals, your vet may recommend medications or calming supplements to help reduce stress on moving day.

To minimize the disruption to your pets’ routines, pack a moving day kit with everything they’ll need during the transition. This should include:

Having these items readily accessible will make it easier to care for your pets during the chaos of moving day. If you have multiple pets, consider preparing individual kits for each to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

Moving day can be hectic, with movers, boxes, and furniture coming and going. For the safety of your pets, it’s essential to have a plan for keeping them secure and comfortable throughout the process. Pets who are nervous or curious may try to escape through open doors, or they may become overwhelmed by all the activity.

On moving day, designate a quiet room or area where your pets can relax away from the noise and commotion. This safe space should have all the essentials they’ll need, including their bed, toys, food, and water. If possible, try to stick to their usual routine, feeding them at their regular times and taking them out for walks or bathroom breaks as you normally would.

If you’re concerned about your pets being underfoot or if they are particularly anxious, consider boarding them at a trusted pet facility for the day. This can help reduce stress for both you and your pets, allowing you to focus on the move.

When it’s time to transport your pets to your new home, make sure they are safely secured in a crate, carrier, or seatbelt harness. For cats and small dogs, a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier is essential. Larger dogs may travel more comfortably with a pet seatbelt or in a crate secured in the back seat of your car. Always ensure that your pet has proper identification, including updated tags with your new address and phone number.

If you’re traveling a long distance, plan for regular breaks to allow your pets to stretch, use the bathroom, and have some water. Be mindful that traveling can be stressful for pets, so keeping the car environment calm and quiet will help reduce anxiety.

Once you arrive at your new home, it’s important to give your pets time to adjust to their new environment. Moving with pets can be a big change, and it may take a few days or even weeks for them to feel comfortable in their new space.

When you first arrive, limit your pets’ access to just one or two rooms in your new home. This allows them to gradually explore and get used to the new sights, sounds, and smells without becoming overwhelmed. Once they seem comfortable in this smaller area, you can slowly introduce them to the rest of the house.

Make sure to set up familiar items, such as their bed, toys, and food and water bowls, in their designated space. Keeping some elements of their old routine will help your pets feel more secure in their new environment.

Pets thrive on routine, and maintaining their usual schedule for feeding, playtime, and walks can help ease their transition to a new home. The more consistency you can provide, the faster your pets will adapt to their new surroundings.

If possible, try to maintain a similar setup in your new home to what your pets were used to in your previous home. For example, if their bed was always in a quiet corner of the living room, try to find a similar spot for it in your new space.

If you're moving with pets like reptiles, birds, or other exotic animals, the process requires extra care and consideration. These pets may have specific environmental needs that need to be maintained during the move, and they may be more sensitive to changes than traditional household pets.

Exotic pets, such as reptiles, amphibians, and fish, often rely on carefully controlled environments to stay healthy. If you are moving with pets like these, make sure to pack their habitats carefully and maintain proper temperature and humidity levels during transport. For fish, it's recommended to transport them in containers specifically designed for travel, and to set up their tank as soon as possible in the new home.

For birds and small mammals, ensuring that their cages are securely closed and well-ventilated is key during the move. You may want to cover cages with a light cloth to help reduce stress during the transport.

When moving with exotic pets, it’s essential to check local regulations regarding pet ownership. Some cities or states may have restrictions on certain species, and it’s important to make sure your pets are allowed in your new location before you move.

Moving with pets doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With proper planning and a few thoughtful strategies, you can make the transition smooth for both you and your furry family members. The Profeta Team is here to help you navigate the entire process, from finding your dream home in Carmel, CA, to ensuring that your pets are happy and comfortable in their new environment. Contact The Profeta Team today to begin your journey to a pet-friendly home in Carmel.