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How to Handle Moving Cross Country with a Dog or a Pet?

Moving is an overwhelming moment for everybody involved. When it comes to long-distance relocation, it may get even more intense and challenging. It’s wise to get informed about some tips for packing and organizing. Also, you most likely are looking for How to Handle Moving Cross Country with a Dog or a Pet?

In case you’re planning to bring your pets along, it’s essential that you make sure they are safe and sound during the move. In this article, we will provide you with some advice on how to handle moving cross country with a dog or a pet.

If you want to find out how to make your fur babies as comfortable as possible during this time, we’ve got you covered.

Table of content

  • Make sure your dog is ready for the move
    • Restrain your dog when movers come
    • Pay a visit to the veterinarian
    • Get your pet comfortable with your vehicle
    • Bring their food (and water) along
    • What to consider if you’re traveling by airplane
    • If possible, make stops along the way
  • How to make a cross-country move with other types of pets
  • Conclusion

Make sure your dog is ready for the move

Before going through with a move, it’s important to know what to expect. There are many things to consider in the organizational stage – be it a local move, cross country one, or a move to a different province.

A great first step in planning is, of course, making a moving checklist. You are the one who’s planning this relocation, thinking it through, and working on its realization. Basically, you are preparing mentally for the fact that you are moving. But is your pet prepared?

Before going through with the move, make sure that your pet is ready for it too. Here are some steps you should follow.

1. Restrain your dog when movers come

One of the most important questions when planning to move is whether to hire professional movers. If you are undecided, it may be a good idea to make a list of the pros and cons.

In case you decide to hire professionals to help you with your move, you will probably need to do some research beforehand. Taking your time to do research will help you find the best reputable movers in your area.

This way, you will avoid any unpleasant surprises or even scams. Some of the best ways to check if a moving company is legitimate and reputable are:

Having movers constantly going in and out of your house increases the chance of your pets getting out of the house.

To decrease the risk of your pets running away, you should make sure they aren’t on the loose. Here are some ideas on how to contain your pets when movers are present:

  • Put them on a leash to restrain them
  • Contain your pets in a secure room
  • Get a family member or a friend to look after your pets while the movers are there
  • If no one is available, hire a pet sitter
A dog being examined by the veterinarian

2. Pay a visit to the veterinarian

The most important thing to do before setting out on your journey is to make sure that your pet is healthy.

When you plan your moving cross country with a dog or a pet, you need to ensure that they are in good health. This way, you will avoid any unnecessary complications during your move.

It is a good idea to de-worm them before leaving and provide them with any needed vaccines.

3. Get your pet comfortable with your vehicle

This might not be a big deal if your pet has traveled in your vehicle before. However, it is a cross country move after all. Comparing it to a short trip to the grocery store would be absurd.

Your furry friend might get agitated during the trip. Not only would that be bad for them, but it would also create problems for you. No one wants distractions in the car while they are driving.

The safest option would be to try to keep your pet restrained. Look into seat belts, harnesses, and restraints to ensure that the car ride to your new home goes as smoothly as possible.

Dog sitting in a car when planning on how to handle moving cross country with a Dog

4. Bring their food (and water) along

This is often taken for granted. Of course, you are not going to let your pet starve during the move. Sometimes, however, in a rush, things get looked over. Try to bring the food they typically consume to avoid making stops along the way to buy food for them.

Don’t forget to stack up on water as well. Your pets need to keep hydrated, especially if you’re moving in the peak time – during the summer.

5. What to consider if you’re traveling by airplane

There are plenty of things to consider if you wish to move by plane. Does your fur baby have a passport and all the necessary documentation?

Apart from all the paperwork, there is another problem related to taking your pets aboard a plane.

How to ensure they stay calm during the ride? Avoid giving your pets tranquilizers. Instead, look into other methods to keep them calm.

6. If possible, make stops along the

Naturally, if you decide to travel by airplane, you won’t be able to do this. However, if you’re moving by car, it’s advisable to make frequent stops during your trip.

These are useful for allowing your pet to go potty and drink water. They will also appreciate getting some fresh air every few hours and seeing beautiful sights along the way.

A fish in an aquarium

How to make a cross country move with other types of pets

If you have pets that are not cats and dogs, making a move might be a little trickier. Fish and reptiles are particularly difficult to move. In fact, traveling with reptiles is highly discouraged.

If you still wish to take your pet along, place them in cargo and make sure that the temperature and the pressure are right for them.

Conclusion

When it comes to moving fish, you should take them out of their aquarium and put them in a safe place. Ideally, that’s a dark and cool environment. You may also need to add some supplements to the water to keep the fish safe during the trip.

Before attempting to handle moving cross country with a dog or a pet, talk with a veterinarian and make sure that the duration of your journey is not too much for your pet to handle.

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