Regardless of the reason behind your next move, it is a stressful life event. Unfortunately, it is equally as stressful for our pets. From seeing their comfortable space moved into an entirely new home to the stress of riding in a big moving truck, we have to consider how all of these stressors will affect our pets. To be as prepared as you can, take a few minutes before you start packing to understand how you can keep your pets stress-free before, during, and after a move.

Firstly, contact your vet. It seems like a no-brainer, but often we don’t take our pets to the veterinarian’s office unless it’s a routine check up or an emergency. But, especially if you are moving a few hours away or even across the state or country, you’ll want to speak to your local vet about how you can make your pet more comfortable. For those with high-anxiety pets, you may need medication to help them brave the trip. When you visit the visit, as well, you can get recommendations for a new vet in the area to which you’re moving.

As you pack your belongings to be moved into one of the many pet-friendly apartments in Santa Fe, make sure you allow your pets to keep their safe space until the moment you leave your house. They will notice that you are packing up, that things are changing, and they are less likely to act out if they know they are still safe in their current living space. When you are moving boxes into a moving truck, convert this safe space into their kennel or a side room, so they’re out of the way. Check on your pets often, make sure they understand they’re safe, and packing  up your boxes should go smoothly.

As you make your way to your new home, keep your pets in the vehicle with you. Whether you are driving the moving truck or riding in your car, keeping them with you will help them understand that this change involves them and they aren’t being left behind. For particularly anxious pets that may need medication from the vet, you can keep them in the back in their kennel, even using a blanket to create a dark, neutral environment until you arrive at your new home. 

Moving stresses us all out. Whether you are chasing a great opportunity or getting away from a toxic place, we’re all anxious about change. So, keep that in mind when you are helping your pets move and adjust to a new place. When you move in, make sure they have a safe space immediately so the transition is much smoother.