Moving with Your Pet

Are you one of the many households relocating post-pandemic?  Over 15 million households have moved according to the USPS in 2020 alone, and the COVID-moving trend looks like it is continuing into 2021.[1]  Since just under 70% of households have pets, we thought we’d share a few tips for you that can ease the stress of moving for the entire family.[2]

Moving Tip #1:  Have a Travel Plan

Whether you’re moving across the street, or across the country, having a plan is essential.  Will you be driving?  Websites such as www.petswelcome.com and www.bringfido.com provide useful links for pet-friendly lodging and restaurants, along with “trip planner” filters should you need to schedule overnight stays or a bite to eat on the way to your new abode.

If you’re flying to your destination, be sure to check with your airline’s pet travel policy for details on in-cabin travel.  Or, check out specialty airlines such as https://petairways.com or http://www.dogtravelcompany.net/ that provide flights that are pet-centric.

Moving Tip #2:  Packing Up

Moving supplies typically involve lots of boxes, bags, tape and paper (yay!).  If your playful pet loves to get into messes, use a little pre-game time to set aside some of the packing products and introduce them to the home so they aren’t seen just as new toys.  No mess is best when packing up, and you don’t want to see all your supplies shredded overnight!

Moving Tip #3:  Shipping Out

If you’re going to be on the road, be sure to pack ample supplies for your furbaby.  Water bowl, extra food, toys and blankets for comfy sleeping during travel.  Does your pet have car travel anxiety?  Before you finish packing, and definitely prior to shipping out, be sure to make one last stop at your local veterinarian’s office to find out some solutions to make the experience less stressful for you and your pet.  Simple options such as “anxiety vests” may also be a great way to help your pet feel more secure during the travel time.

If you’re flying your pet to your next destination, have a pick-up plan confirmed and in place so your pet doesn’t feel any additional stress or anxiety.  Be sure you’re on time if you’re not flying together and have a contingency plan should you have any delays.

Moving Tip #4:  On the Road

Frequent stops are a necessity, especially for dogs, while on the road.  Be prepared with all your walking supplies so your pet can “stop-and-go” with ease.  Provide ample water and food (if they don’t have a tendency for car sickness).  This is a great time for all of you to stretch your legs and for you to grab a coffee, too.  Those pet-friendly restaurants really come in handy for cross-country trips, so be sure to use your pre-trip planning to your advantage!

Moving Tip #5:  Try Not to Stress

We know it sounds easier than it is:  Moving can be stressful.  But with some careful planning, lots of supplies on hand, and a great sense of adventure, you and your pet can have a move that’s not only fun, but one that’s full of memories!  Take advantage of this time together, with pictures at your stops and put together a little memento as a keepsake for your new move to your new home!

[1] “While it seemed like everyone was staying at home, they were actually moving in even larger numbers than usual. Looking at the number of movers who filed for mail forwarding from February to July 2020, requests are up 3.92% from the same time the previous year. There have been more than 15.9 million requests in 2020. In comparison, there were just over 15.3 million requests during the same period in 2019.” https://www.mymove.com/moving/covid-19/coronavirus-moving-trends/

[2] “Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This is up from 56 percent of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted.” https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-pet-ownership-and-insurance

 Sources: 

http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp