How to Keep Pets Safe and Happy When Moving

Cats are territorial. They don’t like finding themselves in unfamiliar places either. It’s why you have to segregate them for the first few days so that other pets and people in the house can adapt to the new cat and the new cat can adapt to everything else. With dogs, they are quicker to adapt, but they can still be stressed by the changes too. If you are moving to a new house or apartment, you should try a few tricks to reduce the stress for your furry friends during this harried process.

Board Them

If you aren’t moving far, board your cats and dogs for a couple of days. They will feel more safe and secure, and you will feel better not worrying about them getting out of the house and becoming lost on the street or getting in the way of the movers. When you are done moving all of your belongings into the new house or apartment, then you can pick your pets up and bring them into the new house to explore. 

Crate Them

Neither cats nor dogs like being fenced in, but if you aren’t going to complete the moving process all in one day, it helps to put your animals in crates to keep them from getting underfoot during the boxing and truck loading processes. Give them treats and pet them every once in a while, to reassure them. If you will stay one or two more nights in the old residence, let them out at night. Take the dogs out for toileting and walks if you are able. When it’s time to move the pets, they go back in the crates and driven straight to the new home.

Moving Long Distance? Plan on Making Multiple Stops

Dogs don’t seem to mind long car rides, so long as they can get out to relieve themselves and get something to drink every hundred miles or so. Cats are different. They generally don’t like car rides and will cry pitifully. Use a portable litter box and make a few extra stops along the road more than you would with the dogs.