Moving with Dogs and Cats

Moving can be a very stressful experience for pets. Dogs and cats are territorial creatures of habit. So, moving to a new home means taking your pet out of its comfort zone, creating new habits, and marking new boundaries. Some people don’t realize that pets can get homesick. Like children, they need to be comforted during the moving process.

Preparing for Change

The best way to make the transition easy is to surround them with their favorite items and food. This includes:

• Chew toys
• Food bowls
• Treats
• Blankets/bedding

Having these items when you reach your new home will assure your pets that they aren’t being abandoned and recreate their comfort zone. If you will be travelling separate from your pet (i.e. on an airplane or bus), leave an article of clothing or blanket that smells like you in their carrier. This will help calm them.

Planning for Travel

Car

Prepare your pet for travelling in a car by taking them on car rides before the big trip. If you have a cat or small dog, it would be a good idea to travel with them in a carrier. This will help them block out an environment that is potentially uncomfortable and prevent any behavior that may distract you when you are driving. However, make sure you have a carrier with enough room to allow them to move around to prevent sore muscles.  

Plan to stop for potty breaks every two hours and allow them to get 5-10 minutes of exercise while stopped. Make sure you pack bags for properly disposing of excrements. You could potentially be fined if you do not dispose of them. If possible, travel with dry food. If your pet will only eat wet food, then carry canned food and do not keep leftovers, because they will spoil without refrigeration. 

Do not leave your animal alone in the car for extended periods of time. If you must leave them alone at all, make sure that the windows are cracked for cooling and ventilation. The Summer sun can raise car temperatures in minutes causing animals to die from heat stroke. 

Finally, dogs LOVE to stick their heads out car windows. It is a rush to have the wind blowing in their face; however, it is not good for them. Cold air and particles in the wind can cause illnesses and ear infections. So, do not open car windows enough to allow animals to stick their heads out. 

Airplane, Bus, Train, or Boat

Contact your travel line of choice well ahead of when you plan to travel. Some buses and cruise ships allow your animal to travel with you, but many don’t. So, you want to make sure you know the rules for pet crates and carriers, and reserve a place for your pet on the transport. If your trip potentially includes multiple stops or layovers, try to book a direct flight or bus ticket, and verify that your pet will be residing in a pressurized and/or climate controlled area of the transport. Also, do not forget to include food and water in the carrier.

Conclusion

Moving to a new home is a big change for EVERYONE in your family. Because animals don’t speak, we often forget their concerns. Owners should plan ahead to make the trip and transition comfortable for their pets. Also, some animals are prone to motion sickness. Even if your pet hasn’t shown signs of motion sickness in the past, you may want to request appropriate medication from your vet.

© Meghan M. Riley, April 2009