Everyone finds moving stressful, but it becomes even more so when pets are part of the move. When pets are part of the picture, summer introduces unique hurdles, as soaring temperatures and humidity can heighten the risk of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety. Planning ahead and understanding the risks can help your pets stay safe and at ease during your upcoming move. Keep reading for hot-weather pet moving tips that can make this summer’s move easier for everyone!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
During a move, summer temperatures can present pets with several distinct challenges. Heat and humidity affect people too, but these conditions create extra challenges for pets. Heat impacts animals differently than it does humans. Dogs and other animals, for example, lack the ability to sweat, which means they can’t cool their bodies like humans can. Because of this, pets are at increased risk of overheating, dehydration, and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
The upheaval of a move can be hard on pets as well, since breaking from routine or facing unfamiliar surroundings can leave them feeling anxious or scared. High levels of anxiety can result in destructive or self-harming behaviors, something that’s upsetting for both pet and owner.
To avoid these issues, it is important to include pet safety in your summer move plans.
Beat the Heat Whenever Possible
The most important aspect of keeping pets safe during a warm-weather move is to manage how much they are exposed to high temperatures. One smart approach, given this risk, is to time your move for the cooler early morning or late evening hours. It also helps to plan on keeping pets in a cooled, closed-off room with little foot traffic throughout most of the move. Keeping pets in cooled areas and staying away from the hottest times of day can help the move go more safely and comfortably for everyone.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
As moving disrupts a pet’s routine, it’s a good idea to keep essential items accessible throughout the day. A dedicated “pet essentials” bag or box that travels alongside your pet can help ensure their needs are met and keep their routine feeling as normal as possible. Items worth packing include:
- Meals and treats
- Bowls for water, suited for travel
- Required medications
- Leash and/or harness
- Bags for waste cleanup
- Preferred toys or chewables
- Familiar comfort items, such as a blanket or bed
Having every pet supply within reach on moving day can help take some of the stress off you and your pet.
Keep Pets Hydrated Throughout the Move
Among the risks pets face during a summer move, dehydration is one of the most significant. Keep your pets hydrated all day by making sure fresh water is always available, taking frequent breaks for water, and bringing extra water along for long-distance moves. It doesn’t have to be complicated—a jug and bowl in your pet’s travel vehicle, or a few extra water bottles in a cooler, will do.
Moving stress can make some pets less willing to drink water, and some degree of reluctance is typically normal. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. If any symptoms seem serious or don’t go away after the move, take your pet to the veterinarian right away.
Travel Safely in Hot Weather
Keeping pets safe and comfortable in summer heat is challenging enough, and even more so when the move includes extended travel. A modest amount of planning, however, can help minimize stress and keep pets safe.
As an example, a pet crate or carrier can help keep your pet secure and stop escapes throughout the day, provided they can tolerate it. Placing the carrier in a cool, quiet room during the move can also help ease their anxiety. When a crate isn’t feasible or you’re especially concerned, a pet sitter or boarding facility for the day can be a good alternative. It’s a way to keep your pet secure while you dedicate your attention to the move.
If your pet will be traveling with you during the move, it’s important to stay mindful of how dangerous hot vehicle temperatures can be. Never leave your pet by themselves inside a parked vehicle. Vehicle interiors can climb well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit surprisingly fast, even on mild days, which is extremely hazardous for pets. Keeping them safe and comfortable means running the AC and limiting car time strictly to travel periods. If the trip is long, be sure to plan rest stops and carry plenty of water. Putting their safety first is essential if you want moving day to go well.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
With proper planning and the right information, keeping pets safe and comfortable during a summer move is achievable.
Need a pet-friendly rental home? Real Property Management Tri-Cities offers quality rentals in your area, designed with residents and their pets in mind so everyone feels right at home. Contact our team today to learn more about available pet-friendly rental opportunities near you!
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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