Moving With Pets Tips: Keep Your Animals Safe and Calm
Moving is stressful enough for people, but for pets, it can be downright confusing. Whether you’re moving nearby or far away, having a plan for your pets can help keep them calm and safe. We’ve gathered helpful tips to make moving with pets, like dogs, cats, fish, birds, and exotic animals, less stressful for everyone.
Before the Move: Prepare Your Pets
Getting your pets ready for a move starts long before moving day.
Schedule a vet check-up.
Make sure vaccinations are up to date, request health records, and ask for any prescriptions your pet may need. This is also a good time to ask for tips specific to your animal and travel plans.
Update identification.
Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip with your new address and phone number. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, now is a great time to get one.
Stick to routines.
Pets thrive on routine. Try to feed, walk, and play with your pets at their regular times, even as your home fills with boxes.
Moving With Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are the most common companions people move with, and they’re often the most sensitive to change.
On moving day:
- Keep them in a quiet, closed room or with a trusted friend while movers are packing and loading.
- Make sure they have access to food, water, and familiar items like beds or toys.
- Keep your pets safely contained during the move so they don’t get hurt or slip out unnoticed.
During transport:
- Use secure crates or carriers, even for short moves.
- Take breaks during long drives to let dogs stretch and relieve themselves.
- Never leave pets in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
After the move:
- Set up a small, quiet space with their belongings before letting them explore.
- Stay close and reassure them while they adjust.
- Maintain routines as much as possible to help them feel secure.
Moving With Fish
Moving with fish can be tricky because their environment is so sensitive.
Tips for moving with fish:
- Use a clean, sealed container like a plastic bag or fish-safe transport tank filled with tank water—not tap water.
- Avoid feeding them for 24 hours before the move to reduce waste in the water.
- Transport them in a temperature-stable cooler or box to prevent shock.
- Set up their tank in your new home as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that long-distance moves are risky for fish. In some cases, it may be safer to rehome and start fresh.
Moving With Birds
Birds can get nervous around noise and change, so it’s important to make them feel safe.
Moving tips for birds:
- Use a small travel cage with a cover to reduce stress.
- Keep the cage in the back seat secured with a seatbelt.
- Talk or play calming music to reassure them.
- Avoid drafts and temperature swings during transport.
After the move, give your bird time to adjust before returning to a regular cage setup.
Moving With Exotic Pets
Exotic animals like reptiles, rabbits, hamsters, or ferrets each have unique needs.
General advice:
- Look into any specific travel needs or rules for your pet.
- Use well-ventilated, escape-proof carriers.
- Maintain temperature and lighting conditions for cold-sensitive animals like snakes or lizards.
- Keep pets calm by minimizing handling and loud noises.
For high-stress or fragile animals, talk to your vet about sedation or alternative transport options.
Let Aaron Bros. Make Moving Easier for Everyone
At Aaron Bros. Moving System, Inc., we know how important your pets are to your family. While we don’t move pets ourselves, our experienced team handles everything else quickly and carefully, so you can focus on keeping your pets calm and comfortable.
Ready to move with peace of mind? Get in touch with Aaron Bros. today for a free estimate, and let our team handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your furry, feathered, or finned pets.
