Moving involves a lot of change for everyone, and your pet is no exception. My customers report to me that pets understand there’s change in the air, and can become nervous as you pack, and as strangers come into the house to pack and load. It’s often helpful to give pets like dogs or cats some relief from all the unusual activity by finding them a place to stay during the busy move days – a neighbor’s house, or even a “pet spa day” at the kennel. I did a quick check on the Internet and got over 500,000 results from a Google search for “pet spa”! Who knew?

If you’re traveling to your new destination with your pet, here are some tips to keep in mind:
-Check out the state and local laws in your destination area. Keep in mind that some states have border inspection.
-Make sure you have all the proper health documents on your pet, and the proper identification.
-If you’re traveling by motor vehicle, check out hotels and motels that offer pet stay.
-Pack a travel kit for your pet: food, water, favorite toy, blanket-whatever makes them comfortable and at ease.

The website of the Humane Society of the United States has information your may find useful on moving with pets and traveling with pets.

There are lots of commercial sites that list pet friendly hotels and resorts. A quick Google search for “pet friendly lodging” will get you started.

Pets are important parts of our lives, so making sure that their move is as stress-less as possible is important. Be sure to ask your move coordinator for more information as you plan your move – we’re here to help.

If you’re not familiar with the moving business, you may not be aware of some very important details about moving that can impact your entire move.

How long it takes: The size of your shipment is the factor that most affects timing. Weather can affect the time it takes to load, unload, and of course it affects transit time too. Your location and the circumstances at your residences also play a part. Stairs, elevators, and what we call long carries add time to loading and delivery. Sometimes the street in front of your residence is too narrow, too steep or too hilly for an over-the-road van to approach or park. It may be necessary to “shuttle” belongings in that case – from the over-the-road van to a smaller truck that can get close to your residence.

Make sure that your coordinator and your estimator know about all the factors involved in your move – it helps us make it a smoother process for you. We can give you better time estimates, and cost estimates too. The only kind of surprise I like is a fun one – so I try to avoid the ones that cause delays or dismay for my customers. The more I know about your move, the better I can help you make it a smooth one.