Learn How to Prepare for Moving With Pets

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Considering two-thirds of all households in the US have an animal under the roof, moving with pets is a very common occurrence. Still, many don’t know how to move canines and felines properly, let alone other more exotic species. There’s also the fact that no Sacramento moving companies will relocate them, making the situation even more difficult. If you don’t know what to do, this guide will help you prepare any critter for travel with ease.

Whether you own a cat, a dog, or something more exotic, you’ll have to be very patient when preparing them for travel. The adjustment process can vary significantly, meaning you’ll often be left with very little time to organize the rest of the relocation. Thankfully, you can always count on Professional Sacramento Movers to assist you.

Planning Everything Will Make the Relocation Process Easier For the Animal

While every move requires some preparation, anyone relocating with a pet will have to take several necessary steps to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you don’t know where to start, add the following tasks to your to-do list:

  • Prepare an overnight kit – Having all the essentials ready will allow your pet to adjust to their new surroundings much more quickly. Make sure you’ve packed enough food, its favorite toy, or anything else it might need immediately after you’ve moved.
  • Consult with your veterinarian – If you’re relocating from the suburbs to one of the best neighborhoods in the capital, you’ll likely have to find a veterinarian closer to your new home. Informing the current vet about the move will allow you to get all the records and prescriptions, and you might even get a recommendation on who to see next. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a veterinarian yourself.
  • Get the necessary equipment – Animals are one of the most common things movers won’t move, meaning you’ll have to move them yourself. No matter how well behaved they might be, the only safe way to move them is with the appropriate equipment. Cats and dogs are already commonly carried inside carriers, but other animal types also have specialized containers.
A veterinarian holding a cat
Remember to visit the veterinarian, especially if you’re going to change to a new one after relocating

Make Sure the Pet Doesn’t Experience Too Much Stress During the Preparations

Animals are even more susceptible to relocation stress than humans, so you’ll need to keep them away from all the action. Most of the time, you can place them in a quiet room, occasionally checking on them to make sure they have enough food and water. However, if you have to move in a hurry, you’ll have barely enough time to finish everything, let alone check on the cat and dog. In case you’re preoccupied with packing plates and other fragile items, it might be better to leave them with a friend or place them in a kennel for the day. The same goes if you’re planning to have a huge going away party, as they can get overwhelmed by the sheer number of people around them.

Give the Pet Enough Time to Adjust to the Carrier

Considering no Sacramento local movers can move animals, you’ll have to find another way to relocate your furry friends. Most people choose to transfer pets in their car, as hiring a professional pet moving company in Sacramento can significantly increase your overall relocation expenses. When transporting them yourself, be aware that they can get pretty ruffled during the ride. Birds can easily fly out of an open window, while cats are known to jump out of a vehicle in motion. To avoid any unnecessary accidents, it’s better to keep the animal in a carrier during transport at all times.

If you can’t get your furry friend to cooperate, you can slowly get them adjusted to the carrier by placing some food or their favorite toy inside. It might take them some time to relax, so leave the door open for them. Once they feel comfortable, you can also slowly familiarize them with traveling. Although many dogs love car rides, cats and birds will likely have a harder time adjusting to a moving vehicle. Birds are especially susceptible to stress, but covering their cages will keep them calm for the duration of the trip.

A kitten standing in front of an open carrier
Transport your furry friends in carries to keep them from getting too stressed during the car ride

Learn How to Move With Pets With These Excellent Tips

If you’re going to move your furry friends with a car, be aware that the process is not as simple as it might seem. There are plenty of things to consider before embarking on the trip, so don’t be surprised if you have to use relocation hacks more often than you’ve initially planned. If you’re not sure what to do, the following moving with pets tips will allow you to move efficiently and transport your furry companion without much trouble:

  • Bring all the essentials – Even if your move takes just a few hours, you should still have some essentials ready before starting the trip. The list includes some snacks, water, a toy, a leash or harness, and even some bathroom supplies.
  • Plan a break – While most local moves occur within 50 miles from the previous residence, you might want to consider planning a break or two for larger distances. This is particularly important for dogs, as many breeds require a lot of exercise throughout the day, without which they would become frantic.
  • Don’t overstuff them with food – Besides being very nervous during the car ride, our four-legged friends can also become carsick. If you don’t want them to soil themselves in the vehicle, it’s better to avoid giving them too much food a few hours before the trip. To be completely certain, try to get them to relieve themselves before leaving the house. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feed them at all, as some snacks here and there won’t hurt. Just remember not to overdo it.
  • Have a separate carrier for each animal – While some critters tend to be friendlier than others, it’s better to keep members of different species separated from one another. It’s mostly common sense, as you wouldn’t want to confine a bird to the same space as a cat.
  • Keep them close – Social critters travel much easier with their friends around. If you’re relocating several pets at once, try to keep them together as close as possible. Make sure that they can see and smell each other, even if they are separated.

How to Handle Smaller Pets Like Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Fish

Considering they are known for being very susceptible to stress, smaller critters should always be transported in appropriate carriers. Mammals like guinea pigs and hamsters have delicate hearts, so be confident that their small enclosures are comfortable and adequately secured to prevent any movement during travel. Fish also find relocations traumatizing, and the added weight of their tanks makes these moves particularly complex. If you’re not sure how to move your fish safely, the video below goes through all of the details you need to know.

Exotic Animals Often Require Very Specific Conditions When Relocating

Most exotic animals usually require very specific conditions when transported. For example, snakes and other reptiles need to be appropriately secured in their enclosures, leaving them with enough room to move around. The enclosure should have proper ventilation and as few objects as possible, as these might trip over and squash the reptile. The same thing goes for insects, moths, and spiders.

A person holding a chameleon-like lizard on their palm
Reptiles and other exotic species might require special care during the relocation

Update Each Pet’s Tags and Microchip Information After the Move

Even if you’re relocating to one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, most pet parents would recommend you update the information on their tags or microchips right after the move. We already mentioned that the relocation process is very stressful for animals, particularly if they are left alone for long periods. Cats can easily get lost when exploring an entirely unfamiliar location, while dogs may even try to run away. If they end up in a kennel, updating the address and phone number ensures they can be safely returned to you. If your pet hasn’t been chipped already, you can add the new data before the actual move.

A woman pointing at the screen while talking on the phone with Sacramento movers
Updating the pet’s information will help you find them in case they get lost

Help the Pet Adjust to Its New Home

Many wonder, “How long does it take for a pet to adjust to a new home?” The answer can vary on many factors, mainly on the type of animal. Relocating with a dog is not the same as doing it with a cat, as they have very different needs that have to be taken into account. Try to spend some quality time with them every day, as creating a routine will help each pet adjust to its new home much more quickly.

Walks Are a Great Way to Get Your Dog Accustomed to Its New Surroundings

It’s a well-known fact that most dogs don’t like being left alone for too long. On the other hand, they love being out and exploring, so remember to take your dog for a walk several times a day. If you’re not going to be home for extended periods after relocating, keep the dog inside until it completely adjusts to its current surroundings.

Cats Usually Take Longer to Adjust to Their New Home

You’ll have to be patient when relocating with cats, as they often take a bit longer to adjust. A cat may disappear for a day or two, refuse to eat, or even “forget” how to use the litter box. Fortunately, the process can be sped up by introducing its favorite toys or leaving something with a familiar scent, like a t-shirt you wore recently.

A cat in a box
A cat will take longer to adjust, so you’ll often find it hiding in a box

Hire One of the Top Moving Companies in Sacramento to Prepare the Rest of Your Relocation

Taking care of animals will require your full attention, leaving you with little time to prepare for the move itself. The good news is that Professional Sacramento Movers can handle the rest of your relocation tasks. Our residential relocation is perfect for house moves, enabling you to move a piano and all other larger belongings with ease. If you don’t want to pack books and other smaller items, our packing service is the perfect option for you. We also provide some of the best commercial moving services in Sacramento, allowing you to move a company without unnecessary delays.

Contact Us to Get a Free Estimate on Our Excellent Sacramento Moving Services

Hiring professional movers in Sacramento, CA, to assist you is one of the best decisions you can make when relocating with your four-legged friends. To learn more about the services we mentioned and our pricing, don’t hesitate to contact our representative and request a free quote on your local move.

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