Tips for moving with dogs, cats or other pets

Key insights

• Purchase pet tags with updated contact information before moving day.
• Stock your car and accessible moving boxes with pet-friendly gear such as a water dish, food, toys, a leash, and a crate or gates.
• Familiarize yourself with the area before your big move by locating dog parks and other pet-friendly locales.
• You can’t spell homeowner without meow (groan!).

After you’ve completed your home closing, there are some things to keep in mind as you move into a new property with your furry friend. Moving homes can be a confusing time for your pets, but there are tips you can implement to make the transition for your animals as seamless as possible.

Here are insights homeowners can use when packing up their lives and their pet’s toys to settle into a new property. Before you know it, a welcoming committee — aka your tail-wagging pup — will be situated and ready to greet you at the steps of your new home.

Prep your pet in advance for a home transition

Whether you move to a nearby town or across the country, there are many ways to prepare for your pet’s house change, including:

• Order new tags. Include your essential contact information and create a short-term tag if necessary. Pro tip: Consider putting an AirTag or other tracking tag on your pet for the short or long term.
• Check your new city’s requirements for pet licensing. Complete important paperwork prior to the move to avoid any inconveniences. Homeowner associations may also require pet registration.
• Make sure all shots are up-to-date. Maintain a copy of your pet’s records (like proof of rabies vaccination or health certificates). Check that your pet meets the new city’s vaccination guidelines.

The final step of your pre-move checklist is to select a new veterinarian. Schedule a welcome visit in your new town and have your pet’s medical history transferred over. Should anything happen to your pet in the first few days after the move, your new provider will be fully ready to help your pooch, kitty or cockatoo.

Create a smooth move-in day for you and your pet

You’ll want to take special precautions to keep your pets comfortable and safe on move-in day. Wherever you choose to have your pet stay on move-in day, make sure that these essentials are stocked and within reach:

• Food and water
• Bowls or other dishes
• Favorite toys or treats
• Blankets
• Bags to dispose of pet waste
• Leash and collar (with proper tags)
• Carrier or crate
• Cleaning supplies in case of an accident
• Medication

If you’re relocating to a home nearby, it may work best to have your pet stay with a dog- or cat-loving friend or relative on moving day. Or, you can board your animal for the day to ensure they won’t be underfoot during the move.

However, if you need to pack up to move further away, it will be easiest to bring your pet right alongside you. Be sure to take breaks every so often throughout the drive to check in on or walk your pet. If your drive is expected to take multiple days or you want to wait to sleep in your home until everything is unpacked and in place, double-check that you book overnight stays with pet-friendly hotels.

Driving with doggo to your new house

Part of keeping the transition more manageable for your pet is to involve them in the move. Here are some ways to have a worry-free moving day with Fido or Fifi along for the ride:

• Assign a family member to pet duty. Ask someone to tag along with you in the car or moving vehicle, so they can supervise your animals as you drive.
• Bring a pet carrier. A kennel or crate will help keep your pet safe during the drive and mitigate the possibility of a runaway dog or cat upon arrival.
• Keep them comfortable. Have plenty of treats and toys nearby to keep your pet at ease — or to encourage them into the car or crate.
• Try some test runs. If your pet isn’t used to riding in the car, take a drive to the dog park or around the block before the big day.

Get your furry friend familiar with the new property

Once you arrive at your new home, consider the top tips for homeowners with pets. For starters, your pet will pick up on your energy. If your dog or cat can sense that you’re feeling overwhelmed by the move, their mood is likely to match yours. Try to make peace with the potentially stressful situation and your pet will feel calmer, too.

Next, you’ll want to make sure that your animal has time to adjust to their new surroundings. To make your pet feel right at home, set up their water bowl and bed or special sleeping area as soon as possible. If you’re planning to have certain pet-free rooms or furniture, be sure to set those parameters immediately so your pet doesn’t get confused or develop unwanted habits.

Once your pet is situated in the new home, it’s important that they stay there. If you have a runner, keep Max leashed up during the first few days — especially when you may be leaving doors open to bring in your belongings. It’s quite common for dogs to run away when they feel unsure of new surroundings, so take extra precautions and leash your pets.

Make a move to a pet-friendly place

In and around our region, animal lovers have access to numerous properties located next to dog-friendly parks or even specialty pet shops like Cafe Meow, the first cat cafe in the Twin Cities metro area. This area is also home to some of the most dog-friendly cities.

Whether you enjoy being surrounded by a dog- and cat-loving community or you want your animal to have access to pet-friendly amenities, consider a home in Minnesota or western Wisconsin. For more information, reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents.