Tips for Moving with Pets - Help Your Pets Love Your New Florida Home

In the hustle and bustle of moving to your new Florida home, it’s important to remember to take time and prepare your pets for the move. Your furry (or scaly) friends can pick up on the stress and chaos often associated with moving, leading to a variety of problems that can be avoided with a little bit of planning and preparation.

Here are some tips for moving with pets, to help your pets feel purr-fectly calm and ruff-laxed before, during, and after the move.

Before You Move

Update Your Pet’s ID Tag and Microchip Information

Include your new address, phone number, and updated rabies tag. Be sure the collar that the tags are on is well-fitting and secure so that they don’t slip out of it in a moment of panic.

Even if your pet is microchipped, it’s important for them to wear a collar, if possible. If they do get loose during the move or in your new neighborhood, this puts your contact details immediately at the fingertips of whoever finds them.

Organize Your Vet Records

If you’re moving to a new city that will require finding a new veterinarian, be sure to get all of your vet records from the previous office. While you’re there, you can ask your vet for a recommendation of an office in your new town. If your pet is naturally nervous or high-stress, also consider talking to your vet about a sedative or stress-reducing medication for the move.

Get Fido and Fluffy Used to Their Travel Accommodations

If your pet is traveling in a new carrier, or not used to traveling by car, get them used to their moving accommodations in the days ahead of your move. Leave a new carrier out in an area of your house where your pets can sniff it, rub on it, lie in it, and get comfortable with it. If they’ve not had many car trips and you are traveling a long-distance in the car, take short trips around your neighborhood so they can get used to the sensation of driving.

Prepare a Pet Kit

When packing, ensure you have a pet kit ready to go and that it is with you and your pet during the move.

• Plenty of food, water, and treats, and dishes for the food and water
• Your pet’s favorite blanket or bed
• Medications, first aid, and basic grooming supplies
• Scoopers, bags, litter, and a travel-sized or disposable litter box for cats, and doo doo bags for dogs
• A leash or harness

During the Move

Moving by Car

Whether you are driving across the country or your new Florida home is just a short drive away, here are tips for traveling with pets in the car.

• Ensure your pet is kept safe in their crate or carrier; preferably select one which can be seat belted or secured in your vehicle.
• Put your pet's favorite bed or blanket in the carrier, or an article of your clothing so they will feel comforted and at home.
• If you’re driving more than two hours, be sure to plan regular rest stops, feeding, and potty times into your route and try your best to follow your pet’s normal routine.
• For long-distance moves, scout out pet-friendly hotels and book ahead as possible, so you are certain of accommodations. Orbitz and other travel sites offer Pet-Friendly filters to help your hotel search and booking.
• If you can, travel with another person who can keep your pet company along the way.
• Never, ever open the door to your vehicle if your pet is loose in the car. Even the most laid-back animal can be spooked in abnormal surroundings, and the last thing you want is for your best friend to get loose.

Moving by Plane

If you’re relocating to Florida by plane, start by making sure that your airline caters to your pet. You’ll have to make sure you have all of the appropriate documentation and supplies required by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

To create a smooth experience for your pet when traveling by plane:

• Talk to your vet to make sure your pet is fit for travel, get their advice on sedatives, and get up-to-date vaccines
• Purchase a regulation-friendly pet carrier
• Book your flight early and arrive early to avoid complications
• Contact the airline directly for travel policies and be sure your pet is booked
• Make sure your pet has proper identification on their carrier and collar

Arriving at Your New Florida Home

The biggest advice pet professionals give to movers is to have a comfortable space set up for your pets in your new home, and to get them back on their normal routine as soon as possible. Before you let your pet free to explore your home, follow these precautions:

• Inspect the home for open windows, gates, and anything else you think they’ll get into.
• Start them off in one room, set up with their favorite beds, toys, food, water, and litter box, and let them get comfortable with the new sounds and sights before letting them roam the house
• While moving in, keep them secure in their special room so they do not escape out of an open door. Sometimes they can feel like they need to go back to “their home," movers can look like burglars, and overall stress levels are high! Keep your pet in an isolated room, a fenced-in backyard, or consider keeping them in a kennel for the day.
• Don’t let your pet explore too much of the new home before setting up big pieces of furniture, as it helps them to get familiar with their new home.

It may take some time for your furry friends to acclimate to their new home, and every pet will handle a move differently. Ultimately, you know your pet best, and continuing to shower them with plenty of love, affection, and reassurance throughout the move will help keep you both happy and stress at a minimum!

Looking for a Florida new home with extra pet-friendly amenities? For more information on our new homes in Florida, call or email our New Home Specialists today.