Relocating can be stressful for any family, and the process becomes more complex when you have pets. Pets often rely on familiarity and routine, so moving to a new environment can overwhelm them. If you’re moving to or within Northwest Arkansas, Winter Moving & Storage is here to help make this transition smoother for you and your furry friends.
With the proper planning and preparation, moving with pets can be less stressful, ensuring your pets feel safe and secure.
1. Plan For Your Pet’s Comfort
Just like humans, pets need time to adjust to changes. Before the big moving day, take some steps to ensure their comfort:
- Vet Visits: If you’re moving far away, schedule a visit to your vet to ensure your pet is in good health. Make sure all vaccinations and medications are up to date. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of your pet’s medical records, especially if you need a new vet after the move.
- Update Identification: If your pet has a microchip or ID tag, update their information with your new address and phone number. This will make it easier for them to be returned to you in case they get lost during the move.
- Familiarize yourself with the new environment: Bring your pet to the new location before moving day. Let them explore the area so they start recognizing the smells and sights of their new home.
2. Create A Safe Space On Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic with boxes, people coming and going, and many unfamiliar noises. This can be incredibly stressful for pets.
- Set Up a Pet Room: During the move, create a safe, quiet space for your pets. Keep them in one room with their favorite toys, bedding, and a familiar object like a blanket or a shirt that smells like you. This can help calm their nerves.
- Hire a Pet Sitter: Consider hiring a pet sitter or taking your pet to a friend’s house or kennel for the day. This ensures they stay safe and out of the way while the movers handle everything.
3. Transporting Your Pet Safely
Whether moving across town or cross-country, transporting your pet safely is a top priority.
- Use a Carrier or Crate: Small pets like cats and dogs should be transported in a well-ventilated carrier. Make sure the carrier is secure and comfortable. For larger dogs, use a sturdy leash and ensure they are safely confined in a car with proper seat restraints or crates.
- Plan for Breaks: If you’re moving a long distance, plan for regular breaks during the drive. Let your pet out for bathroom breaks, stretching, and exercise. Remember to keep water handy to keep them hydrated.
4. Help Your Pet Adjust To The New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, your pet may take time to settle in. They will likely feel disoriented, so be patient.
- Stick to Routine: Try to maintain their usual feeding, walking, and bedtime routines. Familiarity helps them feel more comfortable.
- Unpack Their Things First: Before you start unpacking the rest of the house, set up a space for your pet with bedding, food, and water bowls. This will give your pet a sense of stability and help them adjust to their new surroundings.
- Introduce New Rooms Gradually: Don’t immediately overwhelm your pet by giving them access to the entire house. Let them explore one room at a time, especially in an ample space. Gradual exposure helps prevent anxiety.
5. Dealing With Special Cases: Birds, Fish, And Reptiles
Moving with pets that are not cats or dogs requires special handling.
- Birds: Birds can be sensitive to change and easily stressed during moves. Keep them in a covered cage to minimize stress, talk softly to reassure them, and make sure the temperature in the car is stable during the move.
- Fish: Moving fish can be tricky. Depending on the distance, you may want to move them in bags filled with water from their tank or in sturdy containers. To reduce stress, set up their tank as soon as possible after arriving.
- Reptiles: Reptiles need specific temperature and humidity levels, so ensure their travel container maintains their required environment. Pack their enclosure materials last to avoid delays when setting up their habitat in the new home.
Make Your Pet’s Move Stress-Free With Winter Moving & Storage
Moving with pets requires extra attention, but with some planning and help from a reliable moving company, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. At Winter Moving & Storage, we understand the importance of your furry, feathered, or scaled family members. As an award-winning moving agency, we specialize in making every move efficient and stress-free. Whether you’re moving to a new neighborhood in Northwest Arkansas or across the country, trust Winter Moving & Storage to help every family member – pets included – arrive safely.
Explore our full range of moving services and get started with a free quote today at Winter Moving & Storage.
