Pet-friendly moving: Tips for keeping your furry friends happy and safe

Today, there are more American households with pets than children. In fact, 70% of households have a pet, while just 40% have children. In addition, among all homebuyers, 19% factored their pets into their neighborhood choice. For unmarried couples, 32% considered their pets when choosing a neighborhood, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

More than 40 million people move every year in the U.S., so naturally, millions are moving with a pet. Keeping a pet safe is a priority during any move. Pet owners also want to reduce the stress a move can create for their furry family members.

Your experience and advice as their trusted advisor can help your buyers and sellers with every part of their real estate transaction, including moving with a pet.

8 ways your clients can put less stress on their pets when moving

Whether your buyers and sellers are moving locally or long distance, moving is stressful for them and their pets. Here are some tips you can share to help your clients put less stress on their pets when they move:

1. Consult your vet. Your vet is the best source of advice specific to your pet. Some anxious pets may benefit from medication on moving day. If you're leaving the area, your vet can provide the necessary paperwork and possibly recommend a new vet.
2. Try to keep your routines the same. As you prepare to move, during the move, and as you settle into your new home, try to follow your normal patterns with your pet. For example, walk your dog at the same time and feed your cat at the usual hour; play with them as you usually do to help them understand that even if their home is changing, you aren't.
3. Get your pet used to boxes and packing. As you start to pack, your pet may seem skittish or curious about what's happening. Since packing can take days — or even weeks — allow your pet to explore a little and get comfortable around the boxes.
4. Pack a moving day bag for your pet. Whether you're traveling by car or plane, the day's excitement may cause your pet to have an accident or need extra food and water. So be sure you have a bag with items to clean up a mess, a toy or two, food, treats and water.
5. Find them a safe space on the day of the move. Moving can be noisy and involves many people going in and out of your home. Ensure you have your pet under control with you or in a carrier or a cage and locked in a room while the movers are active. Make sure your new home is safe by checking window screens, doors, vents, balcony railings and fences so your pet can't accidentally escape during your first few days in the new home.
6. Check-in on them frequently. While you’ll have a lot to do on moving day, reassuring your pets by talking to them and petting them can reduce stress. Frequent check-ins are essential to know they’re safe and haven’t managed to escape, but also to let your pets know they are loved.
7. Talk to the movers. Movers have plenty of experience moving families with pets, so they can share advice with you when you hire them. Let your movers know upfront about your pet and your plans for moving day to see if they have suggestions about making the move easier for everyone.
8. Prep your new home with their favorite things. Try to replicate your pet's space in your home now, such as a place to sleep, where you keep their food and water bowls, and a litter box in a similar location if you have a cat. Have toys and comfort items that smell familiar to make them feel safe. It’s best if you have this prepared before your pet arrives, but if you can’t do that, bring everything with you and set it up right away.

Moving, especially with beloved pets, can be highly stressful. One way you can reduce stress for your buyers and sellers is to make sure they are covered by a Cinch home warranty. Learn more at cinchrealestate.com.