As a pet owner, you probably already have your fur baby’s needs at the forefront of your mind. Are they healthy? Are they happy? Are all of their needs met? Even if you can satisfactorily answer “yes” to all of these questions, things can get much trickier when moving with pets. Moving from one house or apartment to another is very stressful for humans, but it can be just as stressful for pets.
To make the process as painless as possible, you’ll want to understand why moving with pets is different than moving on your own or with other people. In today’s guide, we’ll cover all the most important things to consider before moving with pets. So, let’s get started!
What To Consider When Moving With Pets
Just like when you’re staying at home or taking your furry friend for a ride, you’ll want to make sure that they’re healthy, happy, and comfortable. You may not be able to guarantee happiness during a move, as many dogs, cats, and other domestic animals tend to get stressed when they sense a major change. In any case, we’re going to take a look at some of the most important things to consider to keep your pets as healthy, happy, and comfortable as possible during a move:
Type of Transportation
Are you moving by plane, train, or automobile? If you’re like most people doing a big move, you’re probably moving yourself, your loved ones, and most of your belongings in vehicles. This means that your pet will be in a vehicle, too. If you want to ensure that they’re comfortable, you’ll need to make sure that there is a temperature-controlled space to keep your pet during the move. Using a bed or a crate will be up to you and will likely depend on how your pet behaves, but you definitely need to make sure that they’re not overly cold or hot at any point during the move.
Length of Travel
The length of travel is a big factor when moving with pets. Any car ride over two hours long should include at least one bathroom break for your pet. If you’re traveling by train or plane, you should make sure that there are opportunities (stops or layovers) for you to take your pet out so that they can relieve themselves. Either way, make sure you know how long it will take to get from point A to point B, and how many stops you should make in between to let your pet go to the bathroom or simply stretch their legs (we generally recommend one stop every two hours).
Food & Water Access
Once again, a big move can make your animal stressed. While stress can affect animals in different ways, domestic pets like dogs and cats often show stress by panting and even drooling excessively. This can result in a greater loss of energy and water. To ensure that your pet can be comfortable and has all the nourishment they need, you’ll want to have a portable water container handy, as well as food and/or treats. You may be able to forego the food on a shorter trip, but any trip over two hours should include snack breaks!
Additional Costs
Moving can be expensive, but moving with pets often comes with costs you may not have anticipated. If you plan to travel by plane or train, you’ll have to pay extra fees for your pet and call in advance to ensure that you’re meeting all of the transportation company’s pet policies. Even if you’re just taking your pet in the car, you may need to buy certain items to make the trip more comfortable for them, such as a suitable crate, bed, toys, and a travel-friendly water container.
Get Help Moving With Your Pets
Do you need help moving with pets? Are you located in the greater Kansas City area? If so, the experts at Mike Hammer Moving are here to help! We have more than 30 years of experience helping people move within Kansas City or even from Kansas City to locations out of state. To get help with your next move (and keep your pets happy), reach out and get a quote today!
