Moving with pets can be stressful for both you and your fur-kids.  This list will ensure you can avoid lost or stressed out pets during your move.

Vaccinations, Licenses & Records

Make sure all of your pet’s vaccinations and paperwork are up to date. If you’re moving to a new city or state, be sure to have proper licenses applied and paid for before the move.

Now is a great time to ask your current vet for a copy of all pet records so you can give those to your new vet when you arrive in your new destination.

Essentials Bag

Create a travel bag with your pets’ favorite toys, treats, bedding, and other items they’re familiar with.

If you’re moving far away, schedule plenty of breaks during the drive, and allow your pet to stretch and go to the bathroom.

If you’re moving a short distance, consider have family, friends, or a doggy daycare watch the pets for the day of the move. 

GPS Tag or Micro Chip

Getting your pets microchipped by a vet is highly recommended by most animal healthcare professionals. If this isn’t an option, make sure your pet wears an up-to-date ID tag in case they get lost during the move.

A step up from this would be to hang a GPS tag on your pet’s collar in case they get lost in the new destination. You can find many on the market, but this one on Chewy.com has great reviews and is incredibly affordable. Pawscout Dog & Cat Tag

Extra Attention & Love

Give your pet plenty of love and reassurance throughout the move. They don’t understand if all the changes are good or bad and pets typically thrive on routine. Do what you can to reassure them throughout the process by spending extra time soothing them.

Let them Warm Up First

f it’s possible, before you arrive at your new home, take your pet for a walk and familiarize them with the new neighborhood. All the new smells, sights, and sounds are going to be a lot to take in. Make some good loops around the neighborhood days before the big move.

Get a Pet Sitter

The best advice I can leave you with is to arrange for your pets to not be around during the move. If you can have them stay with friends a day or two before the move and until after you’ve unpacked a bit that’s even better.

You’re going to be moving loading and unloading trucks and this is when most pets accidentally get let out, get lost, and this puts them in unnecessary danger.

This way, they skip out on the stress, you skip out on the risk of a lost pet, and you can introduce them to the new home gracefully.

Move Their Things in First

Before you bring your pets to the new home for the first time, be sure you’ve moved all their favorite beds, toys, and creature comforts into the home first. Having their own smells in a new home can help ease the stress.

I hope this information was helpful – it’s always my intention to educate and empower you to make the best real estate decisions for you.

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You can find more helpful information on my YouTube Channel At Home in Saint Paul.