Tips to ensure your local or long distance pet move is as stress-free as possible for your best friend.
At Ridgewood Moving, we understand that pets are part of the family, and moving with them requires special consideration. As many pet owners can attest, our four-legged friends often sense changes in their environment. To assist our moving families, we’re thrilled to offer some essential tips to ensure the safety and comfort of your pets, whether you’re relocating nearby or embarking on a long-distance journey.
Key Preparation Steps
Update Identification: Before your move, make sure your pet’s identification tags are updated with your new address and contact information. Also, if your pet is microchipped, remember to update this as well. I’ve recently updated mine with HomeAgain, a reliable service available at 1-888-466-3242 or [email protected].
Maintain Routine: Pets thrive on routine and familiarity. During the chaos of moving, try to keep their feeding times, walks, and playtime as consistent as possible. Surround them with their favorite toys, beds, and blankets to provide comfort during the transition.
Visit the Vet: Schedule a check-up before the move to ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations. Discuss any moving concerns and if you’re moving long-distance, ask for vet recommendations in your new area.
Pack a Pet Essential Kit: Prepare a separate bag with your pet’s food, water, medication, toys, bedding, and grooming supplies. Keep this kit easily accessible during the move.
Moving Day and Beyond
Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, secure area away from the moving day activity where your pet can relax. This area should be well-ventilated and equipped with their food, water, and, for cats, litter boxes.
Secure Transportation: Ensure your pet is safely secured in a carrier or crate. For longer trips, a comfortable travel crate that allows them to stand, sit, and turn around is essential. For pet transportation services, we recommend Furry Paws Transport, LLC in Valley Stream, NY (visit here or call 516-855-3292), and Happy Tails Travel in Arizona for both ground and air transportation (visit here or call 800-323-1718).
Gradual Introduction to New Home: Allow your pet to explore their new surroundings one room at a time, providing plenty of reassurance and positive
reinforcement.
Establish a New Routine: Quickly establish a new routine in your new home, maintaining consistent feeding, walking, and playtime schedules to help your pet adjust.
Neighborhood Exploration: Walking your dog in the new neighborhood can be a fun way to meet new friends and help both of you settle in.
Moving with pets requires careful planning and plenty of love. With these tips, your pets can safely and comfortably transition to their new home.
Supporting Local Animal Rescue Organizations
We also want to highlight some local animal rescue organizations where you can donate supplies or consider adopting a new friend:
- Hounds in Pounds Rescue, Allendale NJ: Aiming to end the killing of adoptable dogs in the U.S. Learn more about their mission and how you can help at Hounds in Pounds.
- Real Dog Rescue, Inc, Mahwah NJ: Dedicated to rescuing dogs regardless of their age, breed, or medical condition. Find out more at Real Dog Rescue.
At Ridgewood Moving, we are committed to making your move as smooth as possible, for every member of your family, paws included!