4 Tips for Moving with Pets

Moving can be a stressful experience, not just for humans but for your beloved pets as well. Pets can become anxious when faced with sudden changes in their environment and routine. However, with careful planning and consideration, you can make the transition as stress-free as possible for your animals.

If you’re planning your move to your new San Francisco home, read on. This guide will provide several comprehensive tips to help ensure that your relocation is smooth and comfortable for both you and your fuzzy pals.

Before you move, make an appointment with your veterinarian. This visit is crucial to ensure that your pet is healthy for the move and to update any necessary vaccinations. Ask for your pet’s medical records and any medications they might need.

If your pet isn’t used to traveling in a crate or carrier, begin the acclimatization process several weeks before the move. Place their favorite blanket or toy inside to make it a comforting and familiar space. Gradually increase the time your pet spends inside the carrier so that it becomes a safe haven rather than a source of stress on the moving day.

Keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible in the days leading up to the move. Sudden changes in routine can stress out your pets, so try to feed, walk, and play with them at their usual times. This continuity can provide a sense of peace amidst the chaos of packing and preparations.

Prepare an easily accessible overnight kit that includes all the essentials for your pet, such as food, litter, toys, beds, collars, grooming tools, and any necessary medications. This kit will ensure that your pet has everything they need to feel comfortable during the first few days of unpacking in your new San Francisco home.

On the day of the move, keep your pets away from all the action. Ideally, you should keep them in a quiet room that’s out of the way, or if possible, have them stay at a friend's house or a pet daycare. This helps with their stress and reduces the risk of them running out amidst all the commotion.

When traveling to your new San Francisco home, keep cats and small dogs safely secured in a carrier in the backseat of your car. For larger dogs, consider a travel-safe dog harness that attaches securely to the seat. Never place your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. Plan for frequent stops if you’re driving a long distance to allow your pet to stretch and relieve themselves.

Once you arrive at your new San Francisco home, set up a small area to serve as your pet’s new "home base" with all their familiar items. Gradually introduce them to other areas of the house as they begin to feel more comfortable. This can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed with too many new sights, sounds, and smells all at once.

Keep pets, especially cats, indoors for a few days to allow them to adjust to their new environment safely. This can prevent them from getting lost or trying to return to your old home.

As soon as you move, update your pet’s tags or microchip information with your new address and contact details. It’s also a great idea to locate a new veterinarian and register your pet with them sooner rather than later.

Moving with pets requires additional planning, but by following these top tips, you can ease the transition for your furry friends. Remember, they sense and react to your emotions, so keeping calm and positive can help them adjust more quickly to their new home. With time and patience, your pet will settle into their new environment just as you will, ready to make happy memories in your new home together.

Find a wonderful new home in San Francisco today with the experts at Novo Real Estate.