Moving Tips

Moving with pets surely presents its own unique set of challenges. Ostensibly common, sporadic acts—like packing boxes, stretching bubble wrap, or hearing the roar of moving trucks—can unsettle our furry friends, who find security within their usual routines and environments. As such, it’s essential to plan for their needs and comfort.

First, familiarize your pets with their carriers. Keep carriers open in accessible areas, incorporating them into your pets’ daily activities to help reduce their stress. Remember, it’s not the destination but the journey that matters; ensuring they are comfortable and secure during travel sets the tone for a successful transition.

Second, pack their favorite toys, comfort items, and food, maintaining consistency in their feeding habits. Moving is not the best time to introduce new diet changes.

Third, ensure your pets have up-to-date ID tags and are microchipped if possible. New environments could trigger exploring tendencies, increasing the risk of them getting lost.

Fourth, schedule vet visits before moving, procuring any medications they might need and discussing travel anxieties. This helps to mitigate unexpected health crises in new locations where vet options might be unknown.

Fifth, consider hiring pet movers if you’re grappling with long-distance transit. They provide specialized services ensuring your pets are catered to exclusively.

For birds, use comfortable, adequately ventilated cages during transportation. Maintain elements of their usual habitat within the cages—like favorite perches or hanging toys.

Fish, on the other hand, can be transported in special fish bags filled with their tank water. Remember to transfer them back as soon as possible to mitigate stress.

Reptiles require particular attention to temperature—pack them in well-insulated carriers with heat packs if needed.

Finally, gradually introduce your pets to their new environment, starting with one room before expanding their terrain.

In essence, moving with pets demands meticulous attention to detail and empathy, recognising that change, though inevitable, is always best when it’s cushioned with care, warmth, and a sense of familiarity.