Moving with a pet can be a complicated process. Animals don’t understand change, and they can have a difficult time adjusting to a new environment. Here are a few DO’s and DON’Ts when it comes to moving with your pets. 

DO

1. Get your pet used to his/her carrier.
When moving by car or plane, your pet will likely need to spend several hours in a small space. Many dogs are already crate trained, but this can be challenging with cats. Spend some time taking your cat on short drives in his/her carrier before the big move. And don’t forget to give them plenty of treats and praise when they behave. 

2. Move your pet first or last.
You need to be super careful that your pet can’t escape while doors are open and furniture is being moved in and out. Because of this, it’s wise to place your pet in a bathroom that doesn’t need to be accessed until you can put them in their carrier and move them last. If you bring them into your new space first, place them in a bathroom again, and keep them there until everything else is moved in and they can explore comfortably. 

3. Keep track of your paperwork.
Make sure you have all of your pet’s vet and vaccination records, tags, registrations, and any other important paperwork. All of this will be important if you have to transition to another vet.

DON’T

1. Pack everything.
Make the move easier on your pet by keeping all of their food, treats, toys, and beds out until the very last minute. Animals are super sensitive to change, and they’ll know something is going on.

2. Let them roam around.
In a new space, your pet is more likely to explore and get lost somewhere. This is especially true for cats, who manage to squeeze into tiny spaces, and will absolutely do so if they’re scared or anxious. Keep your pets close until they’re familiar with their new home. For cats, keep them in an enclosed space until all of your furniture and belongings are moved in and organized. 

3. Put them in the moving truck.

We hope this one is common sense, but don’t transport your pet in a moving truck. Vehicles can overheat or become too cold, and it’s very likely that items will shift while the truck is en route. This isn’t a safe environment for a pet.