The Moving Planner Blog

A move can be trying enough without pets, but with them can be a real hassle. There are a few pitfalls to avoid and quite a few things to remember. Follow these guidelines to ensure both you and your pet arrive at your destination safely.

First of all, if you are traveling a long distance with Flatrate movers, plan your trip carefully. Call ahead if you are using a hotel to verify their pet policy: no sneaking man’s best friend into the room. This could cost you a lot of money if your animal does damage to the room, especially the carpets. Plus, no one wants to wake up to the sound of Fido barking at 4 a.m. because he’s in an unfamiliar place.

Make sure that you have current photos of your pet and that he or she is wearing an ID tag with your new address on it, just in case your pet becomes lost or runs away.  Always use your cell phone number on the ID tags when traveling.  Your home number is useless when on the road and can cost you valuable time.

Next, have all of the health records for your pet. Most states and localities require certain vaccinations and you need to have the documentation on hand.

If your pet is not used to riding in a vehicle, take them out for short trips for a couple of weeks before the actual move. This way they will become accustomed to riding in your car.

If you do not have one, buy an adequately sized carrier for your pet. Letting it run around loose inside the vehicle is dangerous to you and your pet. A carrier should be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You should also have room for adequate water. For small pets, such as gerbils, rats and birds, remove the food and water dispensaries before placing their cages in the vehicle to avoid spillage.

If you are able to use a carrier, keep your pet in the back seat (if possible), away from the gear shift, brake and gas pedals. Keep your doors locked and the windows open only for air, never allow your pet hang their head out of the window.

On moving day, do not feed your pet for a few hours before the actual move to make sure that it does not get sick inside the vehicle. Keep a supply of water from your original home; animals can be sensitive to changes in water chemicals. Have the pet’s regular brand of pet food available for the same reason.

Once in your new house, take your pet through the building with you so that he or she can get accustomed to the place. Try to make a bed with an old, unwashed bed sheet or towels so that they will be comforted by your scent and not confused by the scent of the new place.

Take your pet, on a leash (even cats, if they are allowed outside), through the property as well, so that it will know that these are it’s new surroundings. If your pet is trained to use the bathroom without a leash, use a leash  until the area is familiar to the new area.

You can find more great tips in AAA’s Traveling With Your Pet guide.

Moving with pets is never easy, but hopefully your furry buddy will enjoy your new home as much as you will!