Moving to a new home is an exciting and momentous part of life, but it can also be a stressful one. The sudden upheaval of your everyday routine can greatly impact your family’s anxiety levels, especially your pets’. 

Creating a moving plan for your four-legged friends can help with the transition, keep their stress levels down (and in turn, yours), and get them acclimated to your new home faster.

Let’s get packing! Read on for our best tips on moving with pets and recognizing the signs of stress so you can help them adjust to the new normal seamlessly.

How to Prepare Your Pet For a Move

Enlist the Help of a Calming Aid

You can stay one step ahead of the stress by using a calming support supplement to fight anxiety at its source. That way, even with the commotion of movers, boxes, and the screech of the tape gun, your furry friends will feel more at ease. 

Our Calming Support powder for dogs and cats is perfect for scenarios like moving with pets. It’s made from all-natural ingredients containing L-Theanine, GABA, and a clinically studied probiotic strain that is proven to reduce stress and promote overall relaxation. 

Just sprinkle it into your pet’s food and watch the medley of calming ingredients bring on the zen. 

Stick to Your Normal Routine

Our pets are creatures of habit, and sudden changes to their day-to-day routine can confuse them and induce anxiety. 

If you normally take your dog for a walk first thing in the morning or your cat expects their dinner at a specific time in the evening, do your best to stick to those routines. It’s a simple yet effective way to help your pets feel more at ease during this busy time. 

Start Packing Early and Slowly

If you quickly bring in stacks of boxes and start packing everything all at once, your pets may get overwhelmed just as fast. Instead, try slowly integrating supplies like boxes and bubble wrap well ahead of your move and pack small, hardly used items over time. 

Not only will this ease your pets into the moving process, but it will help you get started on your packing early.

Create a Calm, Safe Space For Them

As you get closer to the big day, you’ll want to prepare a quiet space for your pets as far away from the hustle and bustle as possible. 

A room with a door that has already been emptied or will be emptied last is ideal. If this is not an option, a closet or calm corner also works. You can make the space even cozier with their favorite blanket, toys, and relaxing music. 

Once you move them into your new home, create another calm and comfortable space for them to retreat if needed. 

You know your pet more than anyone. If you believe that moving day will be too much for them, ask friends or family if they would be able to watch your pet for a day or two. You can also use sitter services like Rover or board your pet at their favorite daycare. 

Get Ready to Transport Your Pets

Introducing your pets to their new home is an exciting part of a big move, but it’s essential that they get there safely. 

If you’ll be traveling by car, secure your pets in a car-safe carrier, crate, or harness. This will keep them safe during your travels and prevent them from distracting you. Also, be sure to book pet-friendly hotels in advance if your trip will be multiple days. 

I do not recommend traveling by plane with pets, but if it’s absolutely necessary, try booking an airline that permits small pets in the cabin as long as they fit in a carrier such as JetBlue or United. If you have a larger pet, they must travel as cargo in the plane’s baggage compartment. 

Help Them Adjust to Your New Home

Your pets may feel out of their element during the first few days in your new place, but there are easy things you can do to help them feel at home. 

For dogs, walk with them through the new home and allow them to sniff and look around as much as they need. This will help them feel more comfortable as they explore and get used to all the new stimuli. Cats may need to seclude themselves until they feel comfortable, so give them some space and a dark, quiet place to hide until they acclimate. 

All pets could use a little reassurance during this time. Be sure to give them some extra love and positive interactions. If possible, try not to leave them alone in the new home for more than an hour. 

If your pet seems unhappy at first, don’t worry too much. Animals tend to adjust quickly, and with your encouragement, they’ll learn to embrace the change.

Signs of Stress to Watch Out For While Moving With Pets

The process of moving can be a stressful time for our pets, and just like humans, the extra anxiety can take a toll on their mental well-being and overall health. 

Here are some of the most common signs of stress in pets to look for during your move. If your companion is displaying one or more of the symptoms, you should implement the above strategies to help ease their anxiety. 

Signs of Stress in Dogs:

• Excessive yawning, drooling, and licking
• Dilated pupils
• Whining or barking
• Rigid posture
• Tail between the legs
• Panting
• Shedding
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Poor skin and coat health
• Avoidance behavior

Signs of Stress in Cats:

• Excessive meowing and scratching
• Hissing or growling
• Withdrawing and hiding more than usual
• Loss of appetite or overeating 
• Unusual bathroom habits (not using the litter box as much or using it too much)
• Poor skin and coat health

If any of these symptoms worsen or persist long after the move, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. 

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