11 pet relocation tips for moving abroad 

You’re starting a new chapter in your life, you’ve gotten a incredible job abroad in your dream city but you want your furry friend to join you, what do you do?  

Is moving stressful for pets?

Moving is stressful for everyone, including your pets. Change and moving to an unknown location can give pets anxiety so it’s important to plan and prepare your furry friend for the move. Try to stay calm. Sometimes pets tend to imitate their human’s emotions. So if you’re stressed, you might make your pet stressed out as well and that will just complicate the entire situation.

How do I prepare my pet for a move?

Visit the vet: your vet should provide all the documents that you’ll need for your new city. Also, one last health check before you go to make sure your pet is healthy and actually able to travel is crucial. It is recommended to get your pet microchipped as it is required in some countries but also is useful in case of emergency.  

Get new tags: update your pet’s tags with your new contact information. Losing a pet is already difficult, now imagine losing them in a new country with no way for anyone to contact you. Take the precaution and do this before you move to avoid any future problems.  

Find a vet in your new neighborhood and transfer records: make sure there’s a vet near your new home. It can be hard to pick a vet so check reviews and maybe ask colleagues at your new job if they have any recommendations. Once you find a vet that you trust, transfer your documents so they have all the information they need about your pet, especially if your pet is on a certain medication.  

Don’t get rid of your pet’s favorite things: people tend to get rid of things when moving, however, for your little companion it’s better to keep their favorite items. You could just replace them but the familiar smell of toys or blankets make the animal calm and will help them adjust to a new environment. Having a familiar item with your pet during the actual move will allow them to relax.

Get them used to their kennel: let your pet become comfortable in their transport carrier. Adding toys or blankets can help. If they aren’t scared to be in the crate, it will reduce stress during the trip and will make things easier for you.  

Find out about your pet’s travel requirements as soon as possible: there are different requirements depending on the kind of pet or breed you have. You may have to send your pet in the cargo area of the plane instead of the cabin. It’s better to find out this information sooner rather than later. Ask your vet for advice to give your pet the best travel option.  

Check entry requirements for pets in your new country of residence: each country has different rules when entering with animals, that could include your pet having certain vaccines or staying in quarantine. Find this out as soon as you can to avoid confusion. You will also need time to complete the requirements.

What to do with pets while moving?

On the day before and the day of your actual move, try to give your pet a bit less food to calm their stomach.

Try to keep them away from the moving chaos: try to keep them in a separate room while packing or during moving days. This process is loud and can include a lot of unknown people to the animal. Keep your pet somewhere quiet or even have them stay with a family member or friend.  

Get moving boxes early: this gives your pet the chance to realize that a change is occurring. Leave out a suitcase or moving boxes and let them sniff or get used to them. This positive association can reduce some of stress during the moving process.  

Bring a bag for your pet, include:

– Pet food

– Blanket

– Favorite toys

– Treats and chews

– Travel-sized or collapsible food and water dishes

– A leash – Your pet’s ID or documents

– Extra paper towels or pee pads

– Plastic bags to clean up after your pet

– Anything else your pet will need

Let them run around: one way to reduce travel stress in your pet is by letting them run around and go to the bathroom before putting them in their kennel or transport bag. This will tire them out and they’ll be able to sleep better.  

Take the pet’s collar off: having a harness or collar on your pet’s body could be a safety hazard while traveling.

How do I make my pet feel safe in a new home?

Be patient, give your pet time to adjust. Gradually introduce them to different spaces in your new home so they can feel more comfortable and get back to their normal self. 

Make a space just for your pet in a corner of your new place. Place their bed or favorite toys and blankets for them to have a familiar and safe spot. They’ll begin to explore the new environment but it’s important for them to have scents from your previous home.

For cats, make sure they’re aren’t any open vents that they might squeeze their way into.  

Check for any places where your pet could escape.  

Check for any wild animals that may be in your new neighborhood.

You made it past the hardest part, now enjoy

It will take you and your pet a bit of time to be fully settled in your new home but this is just the beginning of a new adventure! So relax, discover your new neighborhood and relish in this exciting experience with your furry friend.