A move can be a stressful experience for anyone, and that stress often multiplies when pets are involved. The summer season poses distinct challenges for pets, with high temperatures and humidity raising the odds of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety. With the right knowledge and some early preparation, you can keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout the moving process. Read on for tips on moving with pets in hot weather, designed to make your summer move go more smoothly!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
Several challenges arise for pets due to summer heat, especially in the middle of a move. Heat and humidity impact people as well, but pets encounter extra obstacles because of them. Pets experience heat in a fundamentally different way than humans do. For instance, dogs and other animals don’t sweat, so they’re unable to cool themselves the way people do. This makes them more susceptible to overheating, dehydration, and heatstroke, a condition that can be life-threatening.
Pets can also find the disruption of a move difficult, becoming scared or anxious when their routines are interrupted or they’re somewhere new. 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. With that in mind, it makes sense to schedule your move for the cooler hours, whether early morning or late evening. A further strategy worth considering is confining pets to a cool, closed room with minimal traffic for most of the moving process. By avoiding peak heat hours and keeping pets in air-conditioned areas of the home or apartment, you can make the move safer and more pleasant for all involved.
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. Packing a “pet essentials” box or bag that moves with your pet can help guarantee they have everything they need and make their schedule easier to maintain. Be sure to include:
- Regular food and treats
- Water along with travel bowls
- Any medications
- Their leash or harness
- Bags for cleaning up after your pet
- Toys or chew items they love
- Comfort items like blankets or a bed
Keeping all your pet supplies easily accessible on moving day can help lower stress for both 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. Make sure your pets remain hydrated by providing fresh water regularly, scheduling frequent water breaks, and bringing along extra water for longer moves. This can be as easy as placing a water jug and bowl in the vehicle your pet rides in, or packing extra water bottles in a cooler.
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 your pet’s symptoms are severe or persist once the move is over, seek veterinary care right away.
Travel Safely in Hot Weather
It can be challenging to keep your pet safe and comfortable during a summer move, particularly if extended travel is involved. That said, planning ahead can help ease stress and keep them out of harm’s way.
If your pet tolerates it well, using a crate or carrier throughout the day can keep them secure and prevent them from getting loose. Setting the carrier up in a cool, quiet room while the move is underway can help reduce their anxiety too. Should you be particularly worried about your pet, or if a crate won’t work, hiring a pet sitter or boarding facility for the day is worth considering. This keeps your pet safe and secure while freeing you up to focus on the move.
If your move includes traveling with your pet, be sure to stay aware of just how dangerous hot temperatures inside a vehicle can be. A parked vehicle should never be left with a pet inside alone. Even on days that feel fairly mild, a vehicle’s interior can heat up past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in no time, posing extreme danger to any pet. For their safety and comfort, keep the air conditioning on and restrict their time in the vehicle to when you’re actually driving. For extended trips, make sure to plan rest stops and bring along plenty of water. Making their safety a top priority is key to a successful moving day.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
With proper planning and the right information, keeping pets safe and comfortable during a summer move is achievable.
Ready to find a pet-friendly rental home? In your area, Real Property Management Vanguard offers quality rental properties built to help residents and their pets feel truly 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.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
