Moving can be a rough time for everyone in a household, and the furrier members of the family are no exception. So what can you do to help your pet have a more comfortable moving experience? With a bit of knowledge, care, proper research, and preparation, you’ll find there’s plenty of measures you can take to give your pet ease of mind during a move.
Before the Move
As with any major change in life, it helps to get things in order ahead of time. Review your pet’s collar and tags to make sure they are up-to-date with your name and phone number, and consider an ID microchip as a backup option if your pet loses its collar. For long-distance moves, look up pet-friendly hotels along your route. If you’re moving to a new town or city, do some research on leash laws and dog-friendly parks near your new home. If you’re moving within Chicago, check out our complete guide to dog-friendly parks in the windy city! If you know your pet is particularly prone to anxiety or car sickness, speak with your vet ahead of time. Medications, diet changes, and products such as ThunderShirts or CBD products can help make this transition easier for your pet.
On the Road
On the day of the move, you’ll need to take some extra precautions to make sure your pet has a safe and comfortable journey. Smaller animals should be kept in secured, well-ventilated carriers, while larger pets should be kept on a leash. While it’s a good idea to have one of your pet’s favorite toys available to help their stress or boredom, it could become a safety hazard. Sudden speed changes can possibly throw toys into the driver’s seat and even under your pedals. Opt for something soft and light instead of large rubber toys. It can also help to have plenty of treats in an accessible container if they need an extra distraction or to calm them down. Give your pet plenty of potty breaks and fresh water during the journey, especially if they’re anxious travelers.
After Your Move
Finally, it’s every bit as essential to give your pets some extra care and attention after the move as it is before. Remember that they’re in an entirely new habitat, so great patience is called for while they learn about their new surroundings. Consistency will be your best strategy during this time – it’s much more challenging for pets to feel safe and comfortable if they don’t know what to expect.
Keep these tips in mind and approach your move with care, and you can make it into a fun adventure for all your four-footed family members! Happy moving!
Thank you, Morgan, for your guide to making your next move easy for your pet! Windy City Paws is a Fear Free Chicago dog walker and petsitter committed to providing helpful information to Chicago dog owners through its blog.
Written for Windy City Paws by Morgan P.