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. A little early planning combined with the right knowledge can help ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable during your move. Read ahead for tips on handling hot-weather pet moves, so your summer relocation goes 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. While people also struggle with heat and humidity, pets face further challenges as a result of these conditions. 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.
Pets also struggle with the disruption a move brings, often feeling scared or anxious when their usual routines are thrown off or they’re in unfamiliar places. Severe anxiety can cause pets to engage in destructive or self-harming behaviors, distressing for everyone involved.
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. For that reason, scheduling your move during the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—is one of the smartest strategies. Another good strategy is keeping pets in a closed, air-conditioned room with minimal foot traffic for most of the move. Steering clear of the day’s hottest hours and keeping pets in cooled parts of the home can make the move safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
A move disrupts your pet’s normal routine, so make sure key items stay within reach all day long. 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
- Necessary medications
- Their leash or harness
- Waste disposal bags
- Preferred toys or chewables
- Familiar comfort items, such as a blanket or bed
Making sure pet supplies are readily available on moving day can reduce stress levels for both you and your pet.
Keep Pets Hydrated Throughout the Move
During a summer move, dehydration ranks among the most significant risks for pets. 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. Something as basic as a water jug and bowl in the vehicle, or extra water bottles packed in a cooler, can get the job done.
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. Should symptoms appear severe or persist after the move, get your pet to the vet immediately.
Travel Safely in Hot Weather
Extended travel during a summer move can make it harder to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Still, some advance planning can go a long way toward reducing stress and keeping them safe.
When your pet can tolerate it, a crate or carrier is a good way to keep them secure and prevent escapes during the day. Keeping the carrier in a cool, quiet space during the move can further help calm your pet’s anxiety. 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.
Should your pet be traveling with you during the move, it’s essential to remain aware of the risks posed by hot vehicle interiors. 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. Longer journeys call for planned rest stops and a good supply of water. To make moving day a success, their safety needs to come first.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
A summer move can be safe and comfortable for pets, as long as you have the right knowledge and plan ahead.
Searching for a rental home that welcomes pets? Real Property Management Valor Team has quality rental properties in your area designed with residents and their pets in mind, so everyone feels 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.
