Relocating is often a stressful process, and pets can feel the effects of change just as much as people do. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, preparing properly can help reduce stress for your pets and create a smoother transition. Below are 15 practical tips for moving with pets that can make the experience safer and easier for everyone involved.
1. Schedule a Veterinary Visit
Before the move, take your pets to the veterinarian for a checkup. Make sure vaccinations are up to date, refill prescriptions if needed, and request a copy of medical records. This is especially important if you are moving to a new area where you’ll need to establish care with a different veterinarian.
2. Update Identification and Microchip Information
Ensure that your pets have collars with ID tags that list your current phone number. If your pet is microchipped, update the registration details to reflect your new address and contact information.
3. Research Local Pet Regulations
If you’re moving to a different city or state, research local pet laws and requirements. Some places may have leash laws, breed restrictions, or licensing rules that you’ll need to follow once you arrive.
4. Prepare a Pet Travel Kit
Pack a small bag with food, water, medications, toys, bedding, and cleaning supplies for the journey. Having these items readily available will help keep your pets comfortable during travel and once you arrive at your new home.
5. Keep a Consistent Routine
Pets thrive on routine. Try to keep feeding and walking times as close to normal as possible before, during, and after the move. Familiar routines can help reduce anxiety.
6. Reduce Stress on Moving Day
On the day of the move, set aside a quiet room in your old home where your pets can stay safely away from the activity. This prevents them from escaping through open doors and keeps them calm while movers work.
7. Choose the Right Carrier or Crate
Use a well-ventilated carrier or crate that gives your pet enough space to stand and turn around comfortably. Familiarize your pet with the carrier in advance to make the trip less stressful.
8. Plan for Safe Travel
If you’re driving, secure carriers in the back seat with a seatbelt for stability. For air travel, check airline regulations about pet transport well in advance and choose direct flights whenever possible.
9. Don’t Leave Pets in a Parked Car
If you’re traveling by car, never leave pets unattended inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures can rise or fall quickly, creating dangerous conditions. Plan rest stops where your pets can stretch and relieve themselves.
10. Introduce Pets Gradually to the New Home
Once you arrive, introduce your pets to one room at a time. Allow them to explore slowly instead of giving them access to the entire house at once. Gradual introductions help pets adjust more comfortably.
11. Maintain Familiar Scents
Bring along items that smell like home, such as your pet’s blanket, bed, or favorite toy. Familiar scents can provide comfort and reassurance in a new environment.
12. Pet-Proof the New Home
Before letting pets roam freely, check the new home for potential hazards. Secure loose wires, check for small objects they could swallow, and make sure windows and doors are safe and secure.
13. Explore the Neighborhood Together
Once your pets are comfortable inside, start introducing them to the neighborhood. Take dogs for short walks to help them get used to the new sights, sounds, and smells. Cats may need more time before adjusting to outdoor spaces if allowed outside.
14. Give Extra Attention
Moving with pets can be stressful for them, so provide extra comfort and reassurance. Spend time playing, petting, and engaging with them to help them feel secure.
15. Be Patient with Adjustment
It’s normal for pets to need time to adjust to a new home. They may eat less, hide, or act differently at first. With patience, consistency, and reassurance, most pets settle into their new environment within a few weeks.
Moving with pets requires planning, patience, and awareness of their needs. By preparing in advance and following these steps, you can minimize stress for both you and your pets. Whether you’re relocating across town or purchasing a new property in a different community, making the transition smooth for your pets helps the entire household adjust more easily.
About The JudyMac Team
Judy McLellan is a lifelong Memphian who graduated from Germantown High School and later attended the University of Memphis. Real estate has always been part of her life, as she grew up learning from her mother, who was her mentor and one of the earliest members of the million-dollar sales club. Judy has carried forward her mother’s advice to conduct business with her heart, a principle that continues to guide her success. She believes in the philosophy that “hustle and heart set us apart,” and it is a value she demonstrates every day in her work.
In 2016, Judy, often referred to as JudyMac, received Crye-Leike’s Lifetime #1 Agent award, an honor that recognized her outstanding career achievements and retired her from agent competition. Her career sales volume remains the highest in Crye-Leike’s history. After receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award as an agent, JudyMac has continued her career as the rainmaker for The JudyMac Team. Since its inception, The JudyMac Team has been and continues to be the #1 Luxury Home Team in the Memphis area.
Ready to explore real estate in Germantown, TN? Contact The JudyMac Team today to begin the search for your dream home.
