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Moving with pets: The ultimate guide to a stress-free move
A new home brings excitement and anticipation. But while we pack boxes and make plans, our pets often experience the change as pure stress. Unfamiliar noises, hectic activity, and the loss of their familiar surroundings can be very unsettling for dogs, cats, and small animals.
As an experienced Moving company We know from Easy Moving GmbH, Moving with animals requires special care and attention. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide. With the right preparation, you can ensure that your four-legged or feathered friend arrives relaxed and safe in their new home.
The golden rule: Maintain routine and calm.
Animals are creatures of habit. The most important measure during the entire moving phase is therefore to maintain as much normalcy as possible.
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Fixed feeding times: Strictly adhere to your usual meal times.
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Dog walking & playtime: Schedule your daily walks and cuddle sessions in advance. These rituals will give your pet a sense of security.
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Radiate calmness: Your nervousness is directly transferred to your pet. Try to remain calm and confident despite the stress.
Weeks before the move: The preparation phase
Good planning is everything. Start preparing for your pet early.
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Visit the vet: A pre-move check-up is always a good idea. Have the chip checked and registered to your new address. If needed, get some sedatives (herbal or prescribed by a doctor) for the day of the move.
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Training in a transport box: The crate should be a safe haven, not a prison. Place the open crate in the living room weeks in advance. Put favorite blankets, toys, and treats inside so your pet associates it with positive experiences.
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Packing with a system: Don't pack the entire apartment at once. Start with rooms your pet rarely uses (e.g., basement, office). This way, the core environment remains familiar for as long as possible.
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Register new address: Register your pet (especially dogs) with your new municipality and deregister it with your old one. Remember to also notify animal welfare organizations like AMICUS (for dogs in Switzerland) of your change of address.
Moving day: How to keep your pet relaxed
Moving day itself is the biggest challenge. Here's a tried-and-tested plan:
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Setting up a "quiet room": In your old home, set aside a room that will be the last to be cleared out. Place your pet's bed, food, water, litter box, and toys there. Bring your pet into this room before the movers arrive and close the door. Hang a sign on the door that says, "Please do not open!"«
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Organize childcare (Plan B): The very best, most stress-free option for your pet is a "holiday day" with friends, family, or in a familiar pet boarding facility. This way, it won't be affected by any of the hustle and bustle.
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The transport:
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Safety first: Secure the transport box in the car so that it cannot slip or tip over. Never let your pet travel freely in the car or in the cargo area of the moving van!
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Last meal: Give your pet its last light meal about 3-4 hours before the journey to avoid nausea.
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Take breaks: When planning longer journeys, be sure to include regular breaks for water and a short walk (always keep the dog on a leash!).
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In the new home: The settling-in period
Arrival is a critical moment. Proceed systematically here as well.
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Another "quiet room": Before you start unpacking, first set up a safe space for your pet in its new home. Place all familiar items (bed, blanket, food) there.
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Let the animal arrive: Bring your pet into this room, give it water and food, and let it settle in peacefully while you transport the furniture.
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Exploration tour on the Leine River: Once the biggest commotion has subsided, let your dog (on a leash) or cat explore the new apartment room by room. This will prevent the animal from becoming overwhelmed or escaping through an open door.
Special tips for cats
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House cats for weeks: Even cats that roam freely outdoors should be in their new home. at least 2-4 weeks They should stay indoors. This way they learn that this is their new, safe territory before exploring the surroundings.
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Familiar smells: Rub your cat's cheeks with a soft cloth and wipe the corners and edges at cat height in its new home. The familiar scent will have a calming effect.
Special tips for dogs
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The first walk: Make the first walk in the new surroundings a positive experience. Choose a quiet route and take plenty of treats with you.
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Old furniture, new rules: Stick to the old rules. If the dog wasn't allowed on the sofa, that rule applies in the new living room as well. This creates consistency.
Special tips for small animals & birds
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A cage as a safe haven: The cage should be transported as a whole, without being completely cleaned beforehand. The familiar smell provides a sense of security.
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Avoid drafts and noise: Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free location during transport and in its new home. Partially cover the cage with a cloth for the journey.
Special tips for aquariums
Moving with an aquarium is a logistical feat and should be meticulously planned. It is often advisable to hire specialized companies for this task.
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Fish last: The fish should be the last to be moved out of the old apartment and the first to be moved into the new apartment.
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Bring water: Collect approximately 50-70 ml of the old aquarium water in clean containers. This will help maintain the biological balance.
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Safe transport: Fish are transported in special transport bags that are filled with only one-third water and two-thirds air/oxygen.
Conclusion: Success through empathy and planning
Moving with pets is more than just transporting them from point A to point B. It requires planning, patience, and empathy. If you prioritize your pet's needs, they will cope well with the move and quickly feel comfortable in their new home.
Are you planning a move? Easy Umzug GmbH has experience with the specific needs of pet owners. Contact us! We'll be happy to advise you and ensure a considerate and smooth process for you and your pet.
