Moving with pets is a delicate process. It involves transporting your pet’s entire environment, and this requires good organisation to preserve its well-being.
At Grupo Amygo we do not transport pets, but we give you some advice to make your move as friendly as possible.
If moving is a source of stress for humans, our pets also resent the change. You can ask for advice from the vet or from acquaintances who have already been through this situation.
Likewise, the experience of a moving company can be useful for transporting your pet. You will be guaranteed that it will arrive at its new home in the best conditions.
Transporting pets during the move
Transporting pets differs depending on the animal. It requires involvement from the owner to ensure that the transition process takes place in the best conditions. Here are some tips:
- For exotic animals: Logistics can be complex, as is the case with aquariums. Simple cardboard boxes will not suffice, but containers that can carry water, accessories and decorative elements.
- For cats and dogs: You can start making cardboard boxes gradually, and let the animal get used to this new structure.
- Maintain their daily habits, such as meal times, walks, and objects: Keep your pet’s toys, bed, bowl, etc. in the same place for as long as possible.
- You can entrust your pet to a family member or friend to protect it from this change and to make moving easier.
- Spend more time than usual with your pet, to reassure it and show affection.
- Take it to the new home so that it becomes familiar with its new home.
- Consult a veterinarian. He will be able to advise you on appropriate medications and on the attitude to adopt in case of great stress for the animal during the move. In addition, your pet may need to be vaccinated or obtain a health certificate in case of air travel.
- Buy a pheromone diffuser and connect it in the new home before the move.
- Prepare the items (cardboard boxes, container, blankets, toys, etc.) that you need. Consider the various accessories to consider to protect your pet during transport. We remind you that the moving company is not responsible for pet transport, but it is responsible for its equipment.
Preparing to move with your pet
During moving day, pets can experience stress. To alleviate this, you can isolate them in a room with familiar objects. Once the move is complete, it will be time to transport your pet.
You may find it difficult to get your pet into the transport crate. You can encourage them by placing a bit of food and some familiar items inside. Take several breaks during the journey, so your pet can get some fresh air and move around a bit.
Placing their belongings in the new home upon arrival will help promote your pet’s well-being and ease their adaptation to the new environment.
For fish, reptiles, or rodents, it is not recommended to transport them in their tank, cage, or terrarium. If you have no other choice, you should partially empty the tank (or sand) and pay attention to the technical aspects (air pump, filter, thermometer, etc.) that could be damaged during transport between the two homes.
It is also advised against deep cleaning the tank or terrarium, as the bacteria present inside help the animals acclimate better after the move.
Once you’ve arrived at the new home, closely monitor your pet’s adaptation to their new surroundings. In some cases, dogs and cats may try to return to their previous home.
Be mindful that your pet may undergo behavioral changes after a move. For example, if the new home is smaller than the previous one. If your pet seems disoriented or does not familiarize themselves with the new environment, you may need to spend more time with them. The key is to avoid too many changes in their routine.
Tip: Update your pet’s identification address. Pets with an identification system will be protected in case they get lost.
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian if the behavioral changes persist for weeks after the move.