Everyone finds moving stressful, but it becomes even more so when pets are part of the move. High heat and humidity in summer can put pets at greater risk of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety, creating unique challenges during a move. A bit of know-how and advance planning can go a long way toward keeping your pets safe and comfortable during your next move. Here are some hot-weather pet moving tips to help simplify your summer move!
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. Pets and humans just respond to heat differently. As an example, dogs and other animals can’t sweat, leaving them unable to cool down the way humans can. This leaves them more vulnerable to overheating, dehydration, and potentially fatal heatstroke.
Moving disrupts a pet’s normal routine too, which can leave them feeling scared or anxious in unfamiliar surroundings. When anxiety runs high, it can lead to self-harming or destructive behavior, which is difficult for both pets and their owners.
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. That’s why one of the smartest moves you can make is scheduling your relocation for the cooler hours of early morning or late evening. Consider keeping pets in a quiet, air-conditioned room that sees little foot traffic for the bulk of the move—another smart approach. 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
Moving day upends a pet’s routine, which is why important items should stay within easy reach the whole 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. Some essentials to pack are:
- Meals and treats
- Portable water and food bowls
- Required medications
- Leash and/or harness
- Bags for waste cleanup
- Beloved toys or things to chew on
- Comfort items, for example blankets or beds
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
One of the biggest risks your pets face during a summer move is dehydration. Staying hydrated means keeping fresh water on hand throughout the day, stopping frequently for water breaks, and carrying extra supplies if your move covers a long distance. A simple setup, like a water jug and bowl in the travel vehicle or extra bottled water in a cooler, works well.
It’s not unusual for some pets to be reluctant to drink water because of moving stress. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. When symptoms look severe or continue past the move, it’s time to bring your pet to the vet without delay.
Travel Safely in Hot Weather
A summer move can make it difficult to keep your pet safe and comfortable, especially when the trip involves extended travel. That said, planning ahead can help ease stress and keep them out of harm’s way.
For instance, if your pet can handle it, a crate or carrier can keep them secure and prevent escapes during the day. Anxiety can also be reduced by placing the carrier in a cool, quiet room throughout the move. 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. Doing so keeps your pet protected and secure while letting you focus on getting the move done.
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. A pet should never be left alone inside a parked car. Even mild weather can allow a vehicle’s interior to quickly climb well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a dangerous condition for any pet. To ensure their safety and comfort, run the air conditioning continuously and only have them in the vehicle while actively traveling. 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 the right knowledge and planning, it’s entirely possible to keep pets safe and comfortable during a summer move.
Need a pet-friendly rental home? Quality rental properties from Real Property Management Vesta are available in your area, designed to help both residents and pets feel 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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