If you have pets, moving can be especially challenging. However, knowing how to move if you have pets is the key to getting through your move without any major incidents, or worse. Unfortunately, many people don’t think about what should be done before, during and after a move when it comes to their pets. Oftentimes, their pets are just an afterthought, if at all, which leaves plenty of room for error. Here are a few guidelines you can follow when moving with pets that will help you avoid any major mishaps.
Should You Schedule A Visit To The Vet Before You Move?
Yes, you should always schedule a visit to your veterinarian before you move with any pet. Your vet will examine your pets to make sure they are healthy enough to handle something as stressful as a move. Ask your vet to give your pets any shots they are not up to date on, especially the rabies and kennel couch vaccines.  You will also want to make sure your pets’ microchips are up to date with your new address and that they contain your current phone number.
What Paperwork Do You Need To Take On A Move With Pets?
Before you move, you will need to put together a file for your pets’ information. You should include a copy of their shot records, microchip numbers, license numbers, their spay/neuter certificates’, the phone number for your current veterinarian and recent pictures of your pet that can be used if they become lost. If you plan on boarding your pets, or even if you are keeping them with you, all kennels will require your pets to be up to date on their shots before they will be allowed in and even some hotels will ask for this information before they will allow you to book a room, if you will be bringing your pets. Additionally, if you get pulled over, a state trooper has the right to ask for your pets health certificates and if you don’t have them handy, you could be fined.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!  – One important thing to note is that you should check the local pet regulations for your new location, prior to bringing your pet to the area, especially if you will be taking your pets across international borders. Many localities have very specific health regulations and/or quarantine requirements that must be adhered to and you will need to know exactly how to proceed, if you don’t want your pets taken from you, or worse!
How Should You Prepare Your Pets For A Move?
Your pets are probably not used to being in your vehicle for long periods of time, if at all. It’s best to begin acclimating your pets for a move several months prior to your moving day. You can begin by taking them on frequent small trips around town. This will get them used to other cars, people, various traffic noises, etc. Then you can transition into taking them on longer rides. If your pet or pets don’t seem to be adjusting well to traveling in your vehicle, you should talk with your vet about some of your options, such as sedatives, tranquilizers or other suggestions that might make your pet more comfortable.
How Do You Pack For A Move With Pets?
When packing for a move with your pet, you will need to make sure you have all the comforts from home to help keep them feeling safe and secure. Â You will need their normal pet food, water, pet bowls, toys, bedding, extra towels, treats, leashes, collars, medications, a first aid kit, litter and litter boxes, their carriers and anything else they are used to having in their normal environment. Â You should also make sure your pet is wearing a collar and all accompanying tags, such as their rabies tags and pet identification tags with their name and your phone number on them so they can be easily identified.
What Accommodations Do You Need To Make For Your Pets When Moving?
On your moving day, it’s best to make arrangements for your pets to be off-site during the moving process. However, if that’s not possible, then you should make sure your pets are securely contained in their carriers and confined to one room or better yet, in the backyard.  Just remember to double check their enclosures to make sure they are secure. Moving will often stress even the most docile pets causing them to become aggressive or territorial. Therefore you should warn everyone to keep away from them during the move.
Prior to your moving day, if your trip will be overnight or several nights, you should call ahead and only book hotels that allow pets. Otherwise, you might find yourself sleeping in your vehicle at the nearest Rest Area, because it can be hard to find hotels that will allow pets, especially if you have large dogs. Additionally, you should never assume that since a hotel chain’s website states they do accept pets, that’s actually not always the case. Call ahead to each particular hotel where you anticipate staying and confirm they do allow pets, because some don’t, even when the chain website states they do.
Watch For Hidden Dangers When Moving With Your Pets
You should be aware and actively looking for hidden dangers at all times. During a move, you will be in unfamiliar surroundings that could pose dangers you never anticipated. The first rule of pet safety during travel is to never transport your pet in an open truck bed, car trunk or moving van.  There are plenty other hidden hazards as well. Once you get to your hotel, look for open windows, holes in the screens or walls, potentially dangerous hiding places, check the flooring for anything that can be eaten or swallowed, sharp furniture edges, broken glass, etc. And that also goes for once you arrive at your new location. The same hidden danger inspection should be performed. Additionally, you should be extra careful when entering and exiting a hotel room because your pets, who are probably already stressed and disoriented, could easily escape and might be so full of anxiety they exhibit unusual behaviors, such as not obeying or running into traffic or possibly even biting someone. If possible, never leave them alone, but if you do, you need to take extra precautions.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to move with pets doesn’t have to be hard; however, the more pre-planning and forethought that’s given to the process, the better off you and your pet will be. Use common sense and spend some time anticipating their needs so you can be ready to handle any obstacle that might arise. And make sure you take plenty of potty breaks and walk your pets as much as possible to help drain out all that excess energy and anxiety. Following a few simple guidelines when moving with your pets will greatly reduce the chance of experiencing any unfortunate accidents.
2 Point Highlight
1. Â knowing how to move if you have pets is the key to getting through your move without any major incidents, or worse.
2.  One important thing to note is that you should check the local pet regulations for your new location, prior to bringing your pet to the area, especially if you will be taking your pets across international borders.
