When it comes to relocation, there are so many things to think about. If you own a pet, this process becomes even more of a worry. Looking for a way to safely execute this moving with pets adventure? You’ve come to the right place for advice. We will touch on all topics considering their transport, pre-moving care, and common mistakes made in the process. Here’s your crash course on how to move pets across the country.
You may have already checked the general safety of a neighborhood, chosen a new home, and booked packing services. You’ve also maybe found a job before moving to another state, or you may still trying to decide what’s the best time of the year and where you should move.
Whatever reasons to move you might have, revisit the choice, and think about your furry friends. Chances are, you have some. In fact, 66% of households in the US have one. When it’s time to relocate, you should consider their needs even while house hunting. This whole ordeal can be a highly stressful event for them and they too are prone to relocation depression.
The change of environment, especially the relocation to a smaller home if you’re not going to the suburbs, is a huge deal for some pets more than others. Cats, unlike dogs, have a harder time getting used to the new surroundings. Because of that, it’s super important to take care of our feline friends during this time.
Of course, you can’t replicate the interior of your old house in your new home. However, you can put in extra effort to have a similar furniture placement and organization, even if you sell or donate some unwanted items. Bringing in their old toys and a cat tree will help with the adjustment. If you and your partner are moving in together, and they were at some point pet owners, they can help you make a new house feel like home faster.
Even though less likely to react, your dog might also have some trouble adjusting to the strange area, so keep that in mind if you’re moving with dogs. Make sure that your pets have their things with them, such as crates, toys, and food, and that they are visible. Spend time with them whenever you can, so that they know they are not alone through this strange, strange time.
Sure, you can talk to them about the big change like you would if you were moving with kids. Lots of people talk to their pets – there’s no reason to be embarrassed. However, they won’t really understand much about moving cross-country. It would be concerning if they do.
Among various moving with pets tips, being prepared is probably the most important one. And no, this doesn’t mean booking your long-distance moving service on time – although this is important, too. We’re talking about the things you need to do before relocating with cats or moving with dogs.
No matter if you are moving during the holidays or in summer, the most important thing to think about now is the health of your pets. First and foremost, your vet should give your furry friends a clean bill of health. Secondly, you could ask them for a recommendation, or find a new vet by yourself even before you get in touch with a long-distance moving company.
You will need to update their microchip information as soon as you change your place of residence. Also, regardless of the way you choose to transport them, you should check which permits your furry friend may need in the state you are going to.
For instance, if you’re relocating to one of the suburbs of Chicago, keep in mind that The Office of the City Clerk requires all dogs above the age of four months to obtain a city dog license. If you plan on living in Boston, the same deal goes – every dog owner is required by state law to obtain a license for their furry companion each year.
There are a few ways you can choose to transport your furry friend. You can decide to bring them with you in your car. But you might already have the plan to learn how car shipping works, hire a company for auto shipping services and ship your vehicle to your future address. After all, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the two-in-one-deal businesses like Cross Country Moving Company provides?
If that’s the case, and you’re booking long-distance movers to transport your car across the country, you’ll travel by plane and transport them inside a carrier. Some people even use pet-transporting agencies to execute their move. While all of these can have plenty of advantages and disadvantages, we are going to list the most common ones.
If you opt for the road trip, you’re in for a long drive. Making frequent stops won’t exactly help you expedite the move, but it will be necessary. While most dogs either love or hate car rides, this one won’t be much fun for them. On the bright side, you get to spend time with them throughout the trip, not worrying about how they are taking it.
While on the plane, you might not have contact with them, and that can be frustrating for both you and the animals. Pet-transporting solutions are great, but you will be putting your companions in the hands of complete strangers.
Both are valid options – you just need to choose which one works best for you and follow some general moving day tips, like noting all the things your pets might need on your relocating to another state checklist. The most significant advantage of moving alone to another state with your furry friend is that you’re never really alone, so try to make this experience as pleasant as possible.
If you’ve never moved your pet before, you’ll be prone to making some common moving mistakes. Some of them may be light-minded, some more serious, but either way, you shouldn’t risk it. You don’t want your cat or dog to suffer – you want to be kind to them during this period of transition. Let’s dissect some of the common issues that can come up.
If your cats get riled up before the actual move, or during the morning of the big day, they may experience some moving stress during transport. You can’t let them roam around and be exposed to the mess and the chaos that will happen when you start unpacking after the move. They should be kept in a separate room, where things are neat and calm, without being exposed to the hustle and bustle of the relocation day.
If your home is in a constant state of chaos before the big day, your pet will likely suffer. It’s impossible for them not to feel bad energy or your anxiety about moving out when you’re all over the place. So, if you have trouble executing the move on your own, you may want to seek the cross-country moving services of a highly recommended professional company. Here are just some of the benefits of hiring professional cross-country movers:
Your mental state will change, and all of your household items will be packed and ready for a move within days. Choosing the cheapest way to move out of state to help you reduce costs when moving might not be the best for your pets, so plan the moving budget wisely.
Hiring professionals who will come fully equipped with packing materials for moving and plenty of knowledge about all of the packing tips and tricks, is also an option, as well as relocating during the cheapest time of the year. And if you’re worried about lacking control throughout the whole ordeal, creating a household inventory list or even a photo inventory of the stuff you’re taking with you will help.
If you don’t keep the same routine throughout the move, your animal friends are very likely to become disobedient. Their sudden mischief is not uncalled for – they are very well set in their routines and it can be hard for them when things change.
Maintain the usual routines, especially the feeding schedule, and go about your business like nothing is going on. Additionally, if you are on the lookout for where to move from Los Angeles, consider pet-friendly towns and cities where you can continue your routines right after the move. And don’t forget about visiting the nearest Pet Smart as soon as you reach your destination!
There are many instances where pets can act out during or after the move. You might have trouble finding them a few days after you reach your new residence, as they have been known to hide as a way of dealing with the change. We can’t verbally explain to them what is going on, but you can make sure to be as consoling and caring as you can.
Make sure to close off all the areas and exits where your cat or dog can wander off, even though they haven’t tried escaping yet. You should go around your new home and check out all the spots of potential danger to your little beloved furry friend. And if you’ve moved to Oregon’s largest city, ensure you get to know all the spots for pet activities while you’re looking for things to do in Portland. The same goes for other cities as well.
When you get the hang of packing clothes, furniture, and the whole relocation process, it is time to think about your furry friends. If you have more than one pet living with you, settling them in is one of your top priorities. Obviously, it should be one of the most important things among things to consider when relocating to a new state. Don’t assume that your dogs will settle in just fine, but keep an eye on them and provide plenty of toys to play with.
Take them exploring as soon as you can, so that they can get used to the area and unfamiliar people. Going for a walk around the new neighborhood might help you make friends in a new state, as well. Keep a photo of each pet on your phone in case one of them wanders off looking for a way back home. Move them with caution and have an understanding of their needs in this very sensitive period of their lives.
Relocating with pets can feel like herding cats (sometimes literally), but with the right preparation and a dash of humor, it can be a fun adventure. Remember, keeping your pets calm and comfortable is key. Think of it as a road trip where your co-pilot just happens to have fur and four legs.
If the thought of managing all this on your own has you barking up the wrong tree, consider hiring Cross Country Moving Company. Our team of professionals can handle everything from packing to transporting your belongings, letting you focus on your lovable balls of fur and creating a stress-free journey for them. Contact us today, so you and your pets can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride to your new home.
