7 Tips for How to Make a Long Distance Move With Pets

Most people don’t even consider how moving affects their pets. They worry about themselves and what to do with their kids but never stop to think about how the animals will handle the stress. If you love your animal companion, take the time to help ease their transition process. In this article, you’ll learn seven priceless tips for getting your pet ready for a long-distance move across the country!

1. Prepare the Necessary Paperwork

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the necessary paperwork in order. Having this taken care of will help you avoid delays along the way. The most important document your pet will need is a valid rabies certificate which you can obtain from the vet. If you’re moving into an apartment, ask the landlord if you can bring animals with you. Confirm this further by scanning the lease agreement thoroughly before signing. If pets are not allowed at all, then you can hunt for a new home accordingly. Be aware that some apartment communities also restrict certain breeds of dangerous dogs.

2. Get in Touch with the Vet

After you have the documents gathered, you need to take your animal friend on a trip to the vet. You don’t want your pet getting sick or hurting himself while in transit. It’s essential that your pet undergo a complete check-up before moving since being on the road can be very stressful. The vet can identify any underlying medical issues or concerns which could come back and bite you later down the line. He can also provide medications to make the trip manageable, such as anti-motion sickness shots for dogs.

3. Choose a Pet-Friendly Moving Company

Is your pet new to moving? Dogs are incredibly defensive against people they don’t know, while cats are skeptical about changes to their environment. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a pet-friendly moving company with experience working around animals. With their expertise, they know how to pack up your belongings while making your pet comfortable during the entire process. These full-service movers recommend having a safe place for your pet to play on moving day so that it is out of the way when the movers start hauling furniture and boxes to the truck. The last thing you want is for a pet to get underfoot and trip someone. Wherever you put your pet on moving day, make sure they have some familiar toys and a comfortable place to lay down to ease their anxiety.

4. Microchip Your Pet

You never know what can happen during a long-distance move. You might easily get sidetracked by all the things you need to do that you’ll forget about your pet. No worries! Microchipping can solve the problem. Not only does it let you track your pet, but it also helps to identify the animal in case of an emergency. It costs less than $40 for a veterinarian to microchip your pet, and the process is pretty simple. The vet will insert an electronic microchip under the animal’s skin using a needle or syringe, just as humans receive vaccines. Once injected, the chip is not removable—no need to worry about your pet getting lost or stolen. 

5. Prepare Your Pet’s Necessities

This move isn’t only about you, remember? You should also pack up all of your pet’s supplies before the big day. Purchase a sturdy animal carrier to house them during the trip. Prepare food, water bowls, litter boxes for cats, or a kennel for dogs. Make sure you bring their favorite toys and blankets to help them get comfortable inside the car. You might also want to bring along extra things, such as leashes and collars so that you can take them for walks during stops.

6. Check On Your Pet During the Trip

Before you hit the road, it’s best to place your pet’s cage where you can quickly check on it. For dogs, you should put them in the seat with the kids to play and interact. For cats, you might want to avoid placing their cage near an open window since they might jump out due to stress. If your pet doesn’t like to travel, it may be worth making frequent stops and letting them out of their carrier to stretch their legs.

7. Let Your Pet Acclimate to Your New Home

Congratulations on reaching your destination! Now the hard part is over. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Unlike humans that tend to adapt quickly, your pet may need some time to acclimate to its new surroundings. It’s best if you place them in a room that resembles the old one so they can feel at ease while exploring around. Make sure to put out their bed, toys, and food as usual. This way, they won’t feel that a lot of things have changed.

Animals are more sensitive than humans. So, your pet will likely feel as anxious, if not more so, about the move as you do. But don’t worry! Just make sure to follow the steps above, and you and your animal friend will get to enjoy a seamless experience.