Whether you have just a single pet or many, moving with animals can be a challenge. Pets are generally sensitive to commotion and changes in their surroundings, both of which are inevitable during a relocation. And an agitated pet only serves to complicate an already stressful move further.
At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’ve been moving Twin Cities families since 1958, and in that time, we worked with thousands of pet owners. Over our decades of experience, we’ve witnessed what works and what definitely doesn’t, so to help you move your pets as smoothly as possible, we’ve listed some helpful tips below.
Don’t Count on Your Movers to Transport Your Pet
Professional movers and packers cannot transport pets, so it’s up to you to arrange a safe and comfortable means of transportation for your animal friend. Most relocators prefer to bring their pets with them in their personal vehicles, but if you’re short on room, make alternate arrangements early.
If you have a trusted friend or relative who’s familiar with your pet, consider asking if that person will pet-sit on move day. If you’re relocating locally, see if he or she can also transport your animal to your new home.
Prepare Your Pet for Your Relocation
In the days leading up to your move, do your best to maintain your pet’s normal routine even if you’re busy and stressed. Pets do best with structure, so if you normally take your dog for a morning jaunt, make sure you do that—even on the morning of your move.
If you typically feed your pet a specific type of food, keep that consistent too. Many people mistakenly think that bringing along special treats is a good way to comfort their pets during a move; however, that’s usually not the case. You never know how your pet’s stomach will respond to new foods, so unless you’re willing to clean up an accident inside your vehicle, keep all routines and foods consistent.
Tips for Transporting Your Pet
The best way to transport your pet depends on how you plan to travel to your new home. But keep in mind: you know your pet best, so pick the transportation method that’s most likely to keep him or her calm.
If you’re planning a local move and you have enough room in your car or truck, transport your pet inside your vehicle. Keeping your animal with you is a great way to maintain a calm, happy pet since he or she no doubt feels comfortable in your presence. If you’re moving across state lines or to another country, consider hiring an animal transport service or transporting your pet on a plane.
Driving With Pets: 5 Helpful Tips
The best way to drive with pets depends on what species of pet you own. But in general, you should keep your pet safely contained in a pet carrier or harness throughout the duration of your drive.
Though you can certainly let a well-trained pet (depending on the species, of course) roam free in the front seat, it’s probably not a good idea. Since there’s a long list of hazardous and valuable items your moving company cannot or will not transport, you’ll need to pack those things in your personal vehicle. And if you want to keep both your pet and your belongings safe, it’s best to prevent your animal from sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong.
For long drives, here are a few additional helpful tips:
● Try to pull over every two hours or so to let your pet relieve itself and get a little bit of exercise.
● Bring dishes for food and water, so you can feed your pet according to your normal feeding schedule.
● Do your homework if you plan to stop and eat at restaurants because you should never leave your pet in your vehicle unattended. Websites like DogFriendly.com and BringFido.com are useful for determining which restaurants along your route can accommodate your pet. During a long, stressful move, you can probably both use a breather.
● Visit the vet before your drive to ensure your pet is in good health and up to date on all necessary vaccinations and checkups. If you’re moving a dog, it’s never a bad idea to opt for a microchip, just in case something unexpected happens during your relation.
● Prepare for nausea by asking your vet about medications for car sickness. Even if your pet does well on short car rides, you never know how he or she will respond to an extended trip.
Flying With Pets: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning on flying to your new home, make arrangements for your pet as early as possible. Many airlines have a cap on the total number of animals allowed on a single flight, while some airlines don’t allow animals on the plane at all—make sure you do your research!
You should also expect to pay an additional fee for your airline ticket when you plan to transport your pet on a plane. As far as accommodations go, if your pet is small, you may be able to situate a carrier beneath the seat in front of you, much like you’d situate a normal carry-on bag. But if you have a large pet, you may have to put your animal in the cargo hold of the plane. If that’s the case, your pet may be quite timid or agitated after the flight, so be prepared for that.
Finally, just as you should visit your vet before a long car ride, you’ll also need to take your pet in for a checkup before you get on a plane. Most airlines require an up-to-date health certificate for all animals on the flight, so make sure you get that before you’re set to take off.
Ace Moving & Warehousing: Your Twin Cities Source for Reliable Moving Services
If you’re planning an upcoming move, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team Ace Moving & Warehousing. We know moving with a pet can be a challenging, stressful experience for both of you, and we’re here to help. We specialize in a variety of moving services designed to streamline your relocation, including full packing services, climate-controlled storage solutions, furniture moving, and more. When you need experienced professionals you can trust, we’re the team to call!
To request a fast moving quote or learn more about our services, give our team a call today at 763-755-2045 or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch promptly.