Moving is stressful enough as it is, and having pets along makes it even more so. Pets face their own set of summer-specific risks, since elevated temperatures and humidity can lead to dehydration, overheating, and anxiety. Planning ahead and understanding the risks can help your pets stay safe and at ease during your upcoming move. Here are some hot-weather pet moving tips to help simplify your summer move!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
Summer heat brings a range of challenges for pets, especially amid the chaos of a move. Although humans feel the effects of heat and humidity as well, pets face additional challenges from these conditions. Heat impacts animals differently than it does humans. Unlike people, dogs and other animals don’t sweat, which limits their ability to cool their bodies. This leaves them more vulnerable to overheating, dehydration, and potentially fatal heatstroke.
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. Elevated anxiety can trigger destructive or self-harming behaviors, causing distress for pets and owners alike.
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. Because of this, it’s wise to plan your move around the cooler early morning or late evening hours. You might also plan to keep pets in a cooled, closed-off space with little foot traffic during most of the move. 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
As moving disrupts a pet’s routine, it’s a good idea to keep essential items accessible throughout the day. Putting together a “pet essentials” box or bag that stays with your pet can help make sure they have what they need while keeping their schedule as close to normal as possible. Items you’ll want on hand include:
- Pet food and snacks
- Bowls for water, suited for travel
- Necessary medications
- A harness or leash for walks
- Pet waste bags
- Preferred toys or chewables
- Items for comfort, such as their bed or a blanket
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
Few risks are bigger for pets during a summer move than 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. 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.
Because of the stress involved, some pets may be hesitant to drink water, and that reluctance can be fairly normal. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. Severe or ongoing symptoms after the move call for an immediate trip to the vet.
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. A modest amount of planning, however, can help minimize stress and keep pets safe.
As an example, a pet crate or carrier can help keep your pet secure and stop escapes throughout the day, provided they can tolerate it. Anxiety can also be reduced by placing the carrier in a cool, quiet room throughout the move. For pets that can’t use a crate, or if you’re especially worried, consider a day with a pet sitter or boarding facility instead. It’s a way to keep your pet secure while you dedicate your attention to the move.
Traveling with your pet as part of the move means staying alert to the risks that high temperatures inside vehicles can pose. Never leave your pet by themselves inside a parked vehicle. On even a mild day, a parked vehicle’s interior can rapidly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is extremely risky for any pet. To ensure their safety and comfort, run the air conditioning continuously and only have them in the vehicle while actively traveling. On longer trips, plan for rest stops and pack plenty of water. Putting their safety first is essential if you want moving day to go well.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
The right planning and know-how can make it possible to keep pets safe and comfortable throughout a summer move.
On the hunt for a pet-friendly place to rent? Quality rental properties from Real Property Management All Connect 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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