Extra noise.

Commotion and change.

New sights and scents.

All things to be expected and adapted to when preparing to move into a new home near the Houston metroplex area. People adapt. For pets, without some preparation, the changes can be challenging. Let’s plan your upcoming move with your pet in mind and help them adjust quicker and with less stress for them which equals less stress for you, too. Follow these added care measures for a smooth transition to the new home and surroundings. 

Before Moving to the Houston Metroplex Area

·        Know the pet rules and regulations. If applicable, homeowner’s associations may have specific pet rules. Get familiar with these beforehand. Depending on where you are moving you may need to provide proof of vaccinations, medications, or other related certificates.

·        Consult your veterinarian. Let your vet know you will be moving and seek their suggestions for helping your pet travel comfortably. Let the vet know if your pet will need to travel by plane or automobile. The doctor will help you be informed about any suggested behavior modifications techniques or medications to keep your animals as comfortable as possible. Your vet may even be able to recommend a trusted colleague in the new community for your pet’s regular wellness care.

·        Your pet’s medical records. Keep a copy of the records with you along with the contact information for the closest emergency animal hospital.

·        Order new identification tags. Have new tags with your new address and phone number made before you move. If your pet is microchipped don’t forget to have the chip information updated to your new address.

·        Reintroduce a pet crate or carrier. You pet may not be used to sleeping in a crate or carrier but will soon need to travel in one. Get the crate or carrier out ahead and even do some practice short drives with your pet riding in one to help your pet get used to this experience. Place your pet’s favorite blanket or toy inside and allow the pet to get used to napping inside before you move. Perhaps give treats and a bit of playtime around the crate so your pet begins to have positive associations and will be at ease. This gentle, gradual acclimation will keep them at ease when moving day arrives.

·        Getting used to boxes and packing materials. Cardboard boxes flapping, the crackling sound of packing materials and tape, and the crunching of crumbled newspapers can be new sounds to get used to for timid pets. Allow them to sniff these or hear you shuffling the packing materials so they know it’s nothing too frightening. If your pet is unsettled consider moving your pet to another room or having them stay with a friend while you pack in a specific room.

Arranging Transportation Plans & Moving Day to the Houston Region

·        Consider a pet sitter while you load. Whether you’ve hired professional movers or have the help of family and friends there will be many more people around on moving day and even your most obedient pet may not be at ease with some desire to run away into unfamiliar surroundings. If you can remove your pet to a pet sitter’s location your pet will enjoy some one-on-one attention and care while you load the truck. Additionally, you won’t need to be concerned about an excited animal slipping out the door unnoticed or having to place your pet in a crate or carrier for an extended period of time before you start traveling.

·        Air travel preparation. If getting to your new home requires travel by plane, check with the airline for all the rules and regulations days ahead of the flight and keep your pet’s documents with you.

·        Vehicle travel preparation. If you’re driving your pet yourself, you can check on their comfort as you travel. Make plans for stops to exercise and care for their needs along the way. Your pet will enjoy some time outside of their carrier on a leash if it’s been a longer trip.

Transitioning to Your New Houston Area Home

·        Adjusting room by room. Choose one room to serve at the pet’s home base, complete with their food dish, water, some toys, litter box for a cat, and their crate or carrier. Allow your pet to get used to this one room first before introducing them to more rooms or the whole house. Everything will feel new. It may take some time for them to become comfortable.

·        Introduce a new room as comfort levels increase. As you notice your pet becoming more relaxed with this room allow them to explore another room or two. During this time, you may be able to relocate your cat’s litter box to another room in the home. Try moving the litter box a foot at time each day until you have it in the permanent location.

·        Use a leash until they acclimate. Never allow your pet to roam a neighborhood until they have acclimated to their new territory. Use a leash for walks and show them how to get home. Always have your pet wear their identification tags in case they get stressed and run away.

We want to keep the move less chaotic for your pets. I’m here to help you get familiar with your new community and answer any questions you may have around your move. Reach out any time.  

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.