Tips for Moving with a Pet

Moving to a new home is exciting. It’s easy to forget how our pets can be affected. Pets can get nervous and anxious during the moving period. This guide can help you to ensure that bringing you furry or feathered friend along for the ride is less stressful for everyone.

Planning Ahead

Choosing a Home and Neighborhood with Pets in Mind

American Households with

1+ dogs - 47%

1+ cats - 46%

Scout various neighborhoods to find a new home in an area conducive to pets

If you have a dog, make sure you’ll have a safe place to walk him

Look for dog parks, walking trails and reserves

Make sure the living space is big enough and appropriate for your pet

If you have a cat, they’ll need space to climb and roam

If you have a younger/active dog, space to run and play is important

If you have an older dog, try to avoid moving to a place with lots of stairs

Hardwood and LVP are buyer favorites, but carpet and plenty of large rugs are more dog-friendly, especially for seniors that may find slick surfaces difficult to navigate

Pet Moving Expenses
(Includes airfare, pet-friendly hotels, etc.)
61% - $0 - $500 per move
11% - $501 - $1,000
28% - $1,000+

Reduce Pet Stress Related to Packing

Do everything gradually in the weeks leading up to the move

Give them a safe, well-ventilated space to escape to during the final packing phase

No matter how you're traveling, allow your pet plenty of time to become familiar to the crate by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before the trip

Plan Ahead

Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip with the relevant authority

Though you plan to keep your pet inside, the moving process can get hectic and pets can escape or become lost – Make sure your pet is wearing a collar that is labeled with your current contact information and includes your destination location and cell phone number

Long distance moves may also require hotel stays with your pet(s) - Call ahead to find pet-friendly hotels along the way

If you’re moving over a long distance, find a new vet at your destination beforehand – Gather your pet’s current vet records to have them ready for the new vet

Depending upon your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications or health certificates. Contact your vet to inquire about special needs

Moving Day

Place your pet in their crate with some items they love and keep them away from the hustle and bustle of the move itself

If they are easily stressed, ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on them until you are ready for him/her to join you in the car or moving truck

If you’re traveling with cats, they can usually go 6-8 hours without a litter box. Long distance travel may require you to have disposable litter boxes for use along the way.

If they are easily stressed, talk to your vet about medications that can help them relax for the journey.

Pet Relocation Statistics
<0.1% of pets who relocate by air have accidents
62% of pets travel 50+ miles at a time per year
80% of owners said pet safety is top priority in moving

• 
  
  

  Travel Bag & Moving Day
  Food (at least a week’s worth in case of emergency)
  Pet medications (at least a week’s worth in case of emergency)
  Treats
  Favorite Toys
  Water
  First Aid Kit
  
  

  
  
  

  Upon Arrival at the New Home

  
  

  • Remove your pets from the vehicle and tend to any food/bathroom needs, don’t forget to give them plenty of affection and attention.
  • Put them in a quiet room with some familiar items and toys (and water, of course) to keep them entertained while you move. Be sure there are no open windows, narrow gaps between appliances, etc. where they may try to hide.
  • Inspect the home for potential issues before letting your animal out (Open windows or gates, curtain chords that cats love so much, etc).
  • Don't let your pet out to explore the new surroundings until the furniture has been placed and larger items are where they will remain - This helps them to feel familiarity with their surroundings.
  • Try to make the new house familiar for your pet. Put objects in locations similar to where they were in your old home.
  
  
  

  Travel Difficulties
  32% finding pet-friendly airlines
  14% lack of info on safe pet traveling
  28% finding pet-friendly hotels
  26% high cost of pet-friendly facilities

  
  
  This information is provided by KBT Realty Group in association with Keller Williams. If you’d like to speak with us about selling a home, please contact us at 910-679-6577 or info@kbtrealty.com.