A Complete Guide to Moving & Living with Pets

Packing and planning for a move

Our pets are smart. They know when they see piles of boxes being packed and stacked in strange areas of their home that something is happening.

Pets understand that when the luggage comes out, either mom and dad or both are going somewhere.

It’s the same with boxes and packing tape.

If you’re moving, with your senior dog in tow, for instance, he will immediately recognize that those big boxes meant big change. And packing tape may not be not his friend.

Loud tape noises can be like a lightning bolt going off behind a pup’s ears — so they may prefer to retreat to a safe place while packing is going on.

Dogs are den animals like foxes and coyotes, so a crate can be their safe space. If your dog can be trained to go to their crate as a place of refuge (as well as where they sleep or travel), that’s a good thing.

It’s also crucial to maintain your pet’s routine as much as possible, during the packing and moving process.

Keep to their usual feeding, walking, playing, and just-hanging-out-together schedule during the move. Pack boxes when they take their naps or are engaged with a stimulating treat or toy. Comfort them and use positive reinforcement as much as possible so they feel reassured all throughout the moving process.

You may want to make a vet visit part of your moving plan too. Ensuring that all vaccinations are up to date and that any required medications are on hand —

enough to get you and your pets comfortably past your moving date — will save you from scrambling to complete those tasks post-move.

If you’re switching vets following your move, do your research well ahead of time, because in some regions it can be more challenging to find a vet taking on new patients.

If possible, it’s ideal to secure your vet before the move and make sure that your pet’s records will be transferred to their office.

Preparing and showing your home

If you are selling your home as part of the move process, you’ll have to prepare to show it to potential buyers. This can create some friction for pets who are protective or territorial. Even for friendly, social animals, crowds of strangers coming into their space can still be stressful.

STAGING A HOME WITH PETS

• First impressions are everything, and the objective of staging is to make the home as widely appealing as possible. This means being sensitive to prospective buyers with animal allergies or aversions.

• Some sellers may choose to board their pets, to keep their home in pristine condition, but this isn't the only option. Deep cleaning the home and designating some pet zones can help keep the home ready for showings. In particular, shampooing all rugs and carpets in your home, is also recommended — in case prospective buyers have pet allergies.

• Have a plan and a place to stash away pet toys, scratching posts and food dishes. Wipe down the walls, sweep and vacuum regularly to reduce loose fur and pet odours.

• If it's within your budget, you may even want to splurge on a professional cleaning service. An extra pair of eyes may help detect stains and scents that might otherwise be overlooked.

SHOWING YOUR HOME

• We love our furry family members of course, but not all people are "pet people."

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• If possible, remove dogs and cats from your home during showings. Consider boarding them for a short time, leaving them with friends, scheduling a day at the pet spa, or taking them on a long walk.

• Bird and reptile cages should be covered. And if you have a rare or exotic pet — such as a snake, spider or rodent — perhaps consider removing them during showings or temporarily placing them in a low-traffic area of the home, so as not to scare off potential buyers.

Moving-day musts

The safety and comfort of our pets is a top priority on this hectic and stressful day.

If at all possible, find a familiar friend, family member, or regular pet sitter to care for your animal during the move (preferably somewhere other than in your home).

If that isn’t possible, then a securely closed crate or habitat is the safest place for a pet to be. Some calming treats or pills may also be a good idea if your pet gets anxious on moving day.

Routine is important for both dogs and cats.

So that you can quickly re-establish it in your new home, be sure to pack all of your pet’s needed items separately and take them with you when you go rather than trusting them to the moving company.This will avoid the need to rifle through multiple boxes when it’s meal time in search of kibble and dishes.

When it comes time to transport your pet between the old home and the new one, the right gear will support you in keeping your pet secure.

Crates and carriers are a good choice for cats and small dogs. Seat belts and harnesses will keep bigger dogs safely in their seats. For small pets, temperature control is important. Make sure they don’t get too cold and that their habitats are situated securely inside your vehicle.

And if your move requires travelling a long-distance, your pet will need access to food and water. For pets unaccustomed to car rides, doing short practice drives before you make the big trip will help your bestie get used to (and maybe even like) the experience.

New Vet

Introducing pets to their new home should be a slow and steady process. Some aspects can be tackled beforehand, like finding and saving information about emergency 24-hour vet clinics, the location of the best off-leash dog parks, or your closest Pet Valu store.

New Yard

If your new home has a yard, inspect the fencing for holes, gaps, and possible pet escape routes. Do an inventory of your property's landscaping to check for plants and vegetation that may not be pet-friendly.

New Home

When you bring your dog or cat into your new home, let them explore room by room. Begin with the place where they can find their bed, food, toys, and (for cats) litter.

New Smell

Take dogs through the house on-leash so they aren't overwhelmed and remain in sight. Start cats out in one quiet room with their belongings so that they can adapt surrounded by items that smell familiar and of their former home.

Settling in together

Making your new home as familiar as possible to your pet will help them settle into a new space smoothly. Avoid purchasing new bedding, dishes, or toys until after your pet is comfortable in their new environment.

Similarly, don’t wash their old items ahead of the move so that they can retain their familiar, comforting scents. Place these items where your pet has easy access to them whenever they want.

It’s not only a new home that your pet has to get used to, but a new neighbourhood with new sights, sounds and smells, too. These can have a big impact, especially if you’re moving from an urban to rural area or vice versa. Spend time walking around the neighbourhood to get your dog accustomed to their new surroundings.

Exploring your new neighbourhood together will help you understand how your pet feels about certain routes, areas, and traversing them at different times of day. Take note if certain routes are busier during specific hours — and whether that makes your pet uncomfortable.

Investing in a harness and a strong leash is also a smart strategy for keeping you and your pet together in the event that something in this unfamiliar environment spooks or scares them.

Your new neighbourhood may also come with new laws and regulations that affect you and your pet. Look into leash laws and licensing requirements before you venture out to explore, and double check to make certain that you’ve updated your pet’s microchip data and ID tag so that they reflect your new address and contact information.

Our pets don’t understand that moving is something we all do together and that they’re included. They may act out in the midst of so many big changes. Be patient with them and give them lots of time to adjust — and they’ll feel at home sooner rather than later.

Moving with your dog →

Moving with your cat →

Long-distance moves →

Living with pets →