An Easy Guide to Moving with Pets

Most animals thrive on a highly predictable daily routine. The second you start dismantling their environment and packing up the living room, that sense of security quickly disappears. Dogs and cats pick up on changes in their environment quickly, so they know something big is happening when packing materials start piling up in the living room.

Luckily, taking a gradual approach helps your pets adjust to the transition much better. Here's how to manage a pet-friendly move and keep your furry family members comfortable along the way.

Prep Work for Pet-Friendly Moving

Before you start loading up boxes, you'll want to handle your pet's medical needs. Try to talk to your vet a few weeks before you leave to ask for a health certificate for your records. If your pet hates car rides, this is also a great time to discuss medication options for motion sickness.

It's also a good idea to double check your pet's ID tag and microchip registration. Go ahead and update the contact information with your new address before moving, if possible. If your pet manages to slip out of an open door on moving day, having accurate contact details on their collar can help them get home safely.

How to Move with a Dog

Dogs absolutely thrive on daily routine. Because of this, try to keep their feeding and walking schedules as normal as possible while you pack. Sticking to their regular habits provides them with a sense of stability during the chaos.

You can also gradually introduce moving boxes into your home a few days before you actually start filling them. Let your dog sniff around and get used to the clutter first. Keep their favorite chew toys, blankets, and dog beds unpacked until the very last minute. Pack a separate overnight bag specifically for your dog with their leash, waste bags, treats, and food bowls so you can grab them easily during the drive.

How to Move with a Cat

Cats are notoriously territorial, and they tend to hate changes to their environment. Setting up a safe space in a quiet room keeps them secure while the rest of the house gets packed up. Keep their litter box and food bowls in this area until you're entirely ready to hit the road.

You can also leave their travel carrier open in the living room a few weeks early. Letting them explore it on their own terms makes it feel more familiar later on. When it's finally time to get in the car, try covering the carrier with a light blanket to block out the chaos and keep them relaxed.

Moving Small and Caged Pets

Relocating birds, reptiles, fish, and small mammals requires a slightly different strategy. These smaller animals are highly sensitive to temperature changes and drafts.

To keep small mammals like rabbits, hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs calm, leave them in their regular enclosures with plenty of familiar bedding. For birds, drape a light cloth over their cage during the drive. Just like with cats, this blocks out the scary outside world and keeps them calm.

If you have fish or reptiles, maintaining a stable temperature is your biggest priority. Transport fish in dark, insulated containers rather than leaving them in a sloshing glass tank. Reptiles usually do well in secure, ventilated travel carriers kept inside your climate-controlled car.

Moving Cross Country with Pets

Long-distance pet travel requires a bit of extra logistical planning. If you're driving for several days, you'll need to map out your route and book pet-friendly accommodations in advance. Fortunately, there are many major hotel chains across the country that generally welcome animals.

You can often find pet-friendly rooms at:

• Red Roof Inn
• Motel 6
• Best Western
• Choice Hotels
• Marriott properties
• Hilton brands (like Hampton Inn and DoubleTree)

Always call ahead before you actually book your room, since hotel policies vary heavily by location. Depending on the specific property, you might easily encounter breed restrictions or extra overnight fees.

Arrive at Your New Home

On moving day, keep your dog and cat secured in a closed room while you load up the heavy furniture. Once the storage container is locked, you can just load your pets up in your car like you normally would.

When you finally arrive at your new home, walk through the property alone before letting them out. Make sure the yard and interior are completely pet proofed. Then, unpack their beds and familiar blankets first so the new house immediately smells like home to them.

FAQs About Pet Relocation

Should I feed my pet on moving day?

Give them a light meal a few hours before you get in the car. A completely full stomach can easily lead to nausea during a long drive, so keep it light and make sure fresh water is accessible whenever you stop for a break. If you’re unsure, ask your vet.

How long does it take for cats and dogs to adjust?

It can take 3 weeks or longer for cats and dogs to settle into a new environment, so be patient with them as they explore. Try sticking strictly to their normal feeding schedules to help them build a new routine faster.

Can pets ride in a moving truck?

It is never safe to put a pet in the cargo area of a rental truck. Always keep them secured safely inside your personal vehicle instead.

A Better Way to Pack Your Home

Hiring traditional movers means a bunch of strangers coming in and out of your house. That sudden activity and loud noise easily frightens most animals. Thankfully, Go Mini's offers a much calmer approach to moving.

Our DIY model lets you pack at your own pace. We deliver a portable storage container directly to your driveway, allowing you to pack up gradually over a few weeks. This keeps your pets calm by completely avoiding a chaotic, rushed packing day.

If moving cross country with pets takes you out of state, just ask about our MINI Miles long-distance program. We'll handle the driving and delivery for you while you focus entirely on getting your family (furry friends included) safely to your new home.

Ready to get moving? Get an instant quote and schedule your container delivery today.