Moving with Pets: How to Make It a Smooth Transition

When moving with pets, you need to make sure both you and your pets experience a smooth transition to minimize the stress of the experience. Moving can affect your pet’s health, so by taking a few simple precautions, you can both settle comfortably into your new home.

Step 1: Use Calming Supplements

Over-the-counter calming supplements can help relax your pet during the trip and once they arrive at your new home. They can be especially essential if traveling with pets via airplane. Test the dietary supplements on your pet a few weeks before the move to make sure they don’t trigger an adverse reaction. Speak with your Veterinarian about your supplement and dosage recommendations for a long trip.

Step 2: Designate an Area for Pets at Your New Apartment

Although the trip itself is stressful, what makes the situation even more so for your pet is the new environment and all the moving that won’t give them a chance to relax right away. You can make their adjustment go more smoothly by designating a small area or room in the new apartment for your pets. Fill the area with beloved toys, a food and water bowl, a pet bed or blanket, a litter box (if applicable) and anything else your pet loves and needs to feel at home. Ask movers and guests to avoid this area for the first week to make the area a more relaxing and quiet place.

Step 3: Stick to Routines

You can help your pets make a faster adjustment to their new surroundings if you stick to their routines as much as possible. Feed them at the same time each day, take them outside to relieve themselves, go on walks at the same times each day, and make time to play with them each day. No matter how busy you are with the moving experience, try to keep a normal routine for your pets’ sake.