MOVING WITH PETS

OnPoint Moving Services - Tips for Families Moving with Pets

At OnPoint Moving Services, our motto is “Your Move, Our Honor” — and that includes moving your entire family, pets included! Whether you’re moving with cats, dogs, birds, fish, or other small pets, we understand that moving day can be stressful for both you and your four-legged friends. While our professional movers are specially trained to handle moving with pets, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure a smooth transition for your pets during the move and in their new home.

Here are some of our top moving tips to make pet transportation easy, safe, and stress- free:

Moving with Cats: Ensuring Comfort and Safety

Introduce Your Cat to Movers with Treats- Cats are often territorial and may be shy around strangers. To ease their anxiety, have treats available so the movers can offer them as an icebreaker. This will help your cat become more familiar with the movers and reduce stress.
Keep Familiar Items Nearby- Before and after the move, surround your cat with familiar items like their favorite blanket, bed, feeding bowls, or toys. If you're using a crate for transportation, leave it out in a familiar space before the move so they can get used to it.
Travel Safely in a CrateCrate - For the safest transportation, place your cat in their crate for the trip to your new home. This not only protects them during the move but also provides them with their own space, helping them stay calm and relaxed during the ride.
Gradual Introduction to the New Home- Once you arrive at your new home, introduce your cat slowly to their new environment. Start by keeping them in one or two rooms, where they can acclimate to the new space without feeling overwhelmed.

Moving with Dogs: Managing Anxiety and Comfort

Greet Your Dog with Treats- Just like cats, dogs can be territorial and may feel anxious with all the moving activity. When the movers arrive, have them greet your dog with treats and a friendly hello to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Use a Dog Travel Crate- The safest way to transport your dog is in a dog travel crate. If this isn't an option, make sure your dog has ample space in the car and cannot distract you while driving.
Introduce Your Dog to Their New Surroundings- Once you arrive, slowly introduce your dog to their new environment. Keep them on a leash while outside and allow them to explore at their own pace. Ensure your dog has up-to-date pet ID tags or a microchip in case they get lost during the move.
Help Your Dog Settle In- If you're unable to stay home immediately after the move, consider arranging for a pet sitter or friend to visit a few times a day. This will help ease your dog’s anxiety and give them an opportunity to burn off some energy in their new home.

Moving with Small Pets: Safety First

Keep Small Pets Protected from Temperature Changes- Small pets like gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs are especially sensitive to extreme temperatures. During transport, protect them from cold drafts and direct sunlight.
Secure Their Cage- When traveling, you can use the cage your small pet normally lives in, but be sure it’s properly secured to prevent any escapes during transit.

Moving with Fish: Handling Fragile Transport

Transport Fish with Care- Transporting fish requires extra attention. Place your fish in clear bags filled with a mix of new water and water from their aquarium. Make sure the bags aren’t overcrowded. Use rubber bands to seal the bags, and keep them inside a dark, insulated cooler during transit.
Limit Time Outside of Their Tank- Minimize the time your fish spend outside their tank—ideally, no more than 48 hours. Once at your new home, let the filter run for a few hours before returning your fish to their tank.

Moving with Birds: Secure and Safe Travel

Use Proper Bird Carriers- For birds, use appropriately sized carriers and line the bottom with litter. Be sure to secure the carrier doors with a clip from the outside to prevent any escape.
Keep Birds Cool and Hydrated- While transporting birds, make sure to keep them protected from the sun and ensure they are cool and comfortable. Bring along their usual food and water to keep them hydrated during the journey, and gradually transition to new supplies once you’ve settled in.

Additional Tips for Moving with Pets: Make Your Move Easy

Plan Ahead for Pet-Friendly Moving Day- Moving with pets can add extra stress, but we’re here to help. OnPoint Moving Services specializes in making the relocation process easier for both families and their pets. We suggest preparing by keeping a pet-friendly moving day kit with everything your pets may need, including their favorite toys, food, and any medications they take.
Explore Pet-Friendly Areas in Your New Neighborhood- After the move, take your dog or cat for a walk around the new neighborhood. Find local parks or dog-friendly areas to help your pet adjust to their new environment. Introduce your pets to new places to make the transition smoother and give them a sense of familiarity.

Conclusion: Moving with Pets Made Easy

At OnPoint Moving Services, we understand that your pets are part of your family, and we’re here to make sure they’re well taken care of throughout the moving process. Let us help you with the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in and making your new house a home for the whole family, including your four-legged friends.

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