8-week plan: How to relocate with your dog or cat
Relocating can be quite stressful, and moving with pets frequently makes it even more challenging! We've got you and your four-legged family members covered, so don't worry.
This is our paw-some guide to relocating with pets while ensuring everyone's safety and happiness. We have advice on proactive preparation, the logistics and safety of moving day, and how to help your dog or cat get used to their new home.
So, if you're planning a move, open this guide, put your concerns aside, and let's get going.
Your eight-week checklist for preparation before the move
Many common issues and stressors can be avoided with careful planning during the eight weeks prior to moving day! Here is a detailed how-to.
8 weeks out: Pet prep
The ideal time to arrange a veterinary visit is right now to:
- In the event that your pet must enter a boarding facility on moving day, make sure they have all of their current vaccinations, including any that may be necessary for your new location.
- If you don’t know it already, have your veterinary team confirm your pet’s microchip number and then consult them about changing the associated microchip registry database details to your new address prior to your move. Remember that every state and territory has a different database!
- See your veterinarian about safe supportive medication or supplement options for moving day if your pet is the anxious type or frequently gets travel sick.
6 weeks away: tranquil travel
- It makes sense that some pets might find the car a little frightening because they only go to the vet or boarding facilities! It's a great idea to begin acclimating your pet to calm travel if they are in this camp.
- This will entail assisting them in forming favorable associations with the vehicle and their carrier or travel crate.
4 weeks away: Planning and research
- Make sure you have enough for your pet to last at least a few weeks after the move if they are on any special medications or a prescription diet. Things might be stressful enough without worrying about your pet unexpectedly running out of their medication!
- Unsure about the GP or emergency veterinary clinics in your new location? Look up some information online or get recommendations from your current veterinarian.
- Call your present veterinary clinic and ask them to transfer your pet's medical records to the new location if you plan to switch after moving.
- Make arrangements for your pet's safety on moving day. Will they stay with you, go to boarding, or visit a reliable friend or pet sitter?
- Make sure your pet has a collar and a tag with your mobile number on it.
The previous week: Packing
If you haven't already, start packing and bringing boxes into the house gradually. This will help you stay on schedule and give your pet time to get used to the new routine.
Make sure your pet's necessities, including food, toys, medicine, a collapsible water bowl, a leash or carrier, bedding, and paperwork (such as vaccination records), are in a bag that is ready for the day of the move.
Pet quarantine regulations may take months to fulfil, so it's best to speak with your veterinarian or a reliable pet travel agency up to six months in advance of your trip (depending on your destination and how long you plan to stay there).
A veterinarian's viewpoint: The microchip that made a cat come home
The family of domestic shorthair cat Moe was preparing for their sea change. Moe, who was completely unimpressed with the entire situation, was hiding under a bed while the family was packing!
One of the house's doors was inadvertently left open during the chaos of packing. Moe's family shut the door and started looking for him as soon as they realized. Sadly, Moe had vanished from sight. Since Moe was an indoor-only cat and didn't know the area, his family was extremely concerned that he would be terrified.
Following hours of fruitless neighborhood searching, Moe's distressed family gave their information to the local council, veterinarian clinics, and neighbors. They moved forward with heavy hearts, hoping that someone would get in touch with them shortly to let them know about Moe.
The family was thrilled to learn two days later that a terrified Moe had been discovered crouching in a garden a few suburbs away from the old house. He was taken to a veterinary clinic where his microchip was scanned. The veterinary clinic was then able to contact Moe's family because the related contact information was current. Moe went to his new seaside house for some relaxation after being reunited with his relieved pet-parents later that day!
During the move: A survival guide for moving day
For pets, especially those who are more susceptible to change and especially reliant on a stable environment and routine, the disruption of moving can be very upsetting. The best way to keep your pet safe, relaxed, and out of the way is usually to confine them to a quiet area.
This can be a great way to shield your pet from the stress of moving day if they feel comfortable boarding or staying with a reliable pet sitter or friend for a few days.
Otherwise, it's advised to exhaust your pet in the morning (with a long walk for dogs and an active game for cats) and then place them in a cozy, escape-proof space if you believe they would be most comfortable with you. In the early stages of the move, it's usually a good idea to put your pet in a quiet room with comfortable bedding, water, a few toys and treats, and clear signage on the door so removalists know to ask you before opening the door.
While dogs should wear a lead and a secure harness or collar so they can be taken outside for frequent potty breaks, cats should be left with a clean litter tray. Your pet might need to stay with you for the last hour or so, either on a lead or in a safe, well-ventilated crate with some soft bedding.
Consulting your veterinarian about the preventive use of calming pheromone sprays, supplements, or anti-anxiety medications can be very beneficial if your pet is prone to anxiety.
After the relocation: Getting used to the new house
You've finally made it to your new house! Though you’ll probably be feeling relieved (and maybe exhausted), your pet may feel a bit lost or nervous in this new and unfamiliar environment.
During the initial days, make an effort to help your pet settle into their new surroundings by:
- Arranging a cozy space with their old bedding, toys, and bowls (as well as a few cat litter trays) so they can take in some familiar smells and have a secure place to sleep while you unpack. When they appear ready, you can then progressively grant them access to more of the house.
- Walking dogs on leash with lots of opportunities for sniffing allows them to start
- Whenever feasible, try to stick to your pet's established routines, such as regular feeding and play/exercise periods.
- Provide your pet with frequent opportunities to use the restroom until you are confident they can locate their new location with ease.
Before releasing your pet into a new yard, make sure it's safe and free of any obvious dangers (like poisonous plants they could eat). Cats should be kept confined indoors until they have adapted to their new surroundings.
Common inquiries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are a lot of questions when moving with pets. We've addressed some of the most frequent worries cat owners have when relocating to a new home to help ease the transition for you and your animal companion.
After moving, how long should I keep my cat inside?
Even if your cat is used to going outdoors, it’s best to keep them inside for a week or two until they’ve settled in. You can progressively start letting your cat out into a secure yard under supervision once you believe they are comfortable indoors. If your cat is a nervous person, you might want to think about doing a "soft launch" by taking them outside for the first few times on a suitable harness and lead or in a safe pet pram.
When moving, should I give my pet medication or soothing treats?
Feliway and Adaptil are two calming pheromone diffusers and sprays that can help your pet feel more at ease in their new surroundings. However, it's best to speak with your veterinarian in advance if you think the move will cause them a great deal of stress. Your veterinarian can provide tailored advice on calming supplements and/or anti-anxiety drugs based on your pet's anxiety level and overall health.
After our move, my pet appears to be under a lot of stress. How should I proceed?
After all, it might take some getting used to to live somewhere entirely different, so try to follow your pet's regular daily schedule and show them extra patience and kindness! However, it's best to see your veterinarian for more guidance if your pet isn't settling in after a week or appears especially nervous (e.g., exhibiting signs of inappetence or separation anxiety).
Are you moving soon?
Moving with pets doesn't have to be difficult. You can make your pet feel secure and comfortable at every stage with a little preparation, lots of love, and the appropriate assistance.
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