Relocating is rarely easy, and it gets even more challenging when you have pets to consider. The summer season poses distinct challenges for pets, with high temperatures and humidity raising the odds of 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. Heat and humidity impact people as well, but pets encounter extra obstacles because of them. Pets and humans just respond to heat differently. 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 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. When anxiety runs high, it can lead to self-harming or destructive behavior, which is difficult for both pets and their owners.
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. That’s why one of the smartest moves you can make is scheduling your relocation for the cooler hours of early morning or late evening. Consider keeping pets in a quiet, air-conditioned room that sees little foot traffic for the bulk of the move—another smart approach. If you avoid the hottest stretches of the day and keep pets in cooled rooms, the move can be safer and more comfortable for all.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Since a move throws off a pet’s routine, it helps to keep important items nearby throughout the day. Building a “pet essentials” kit that travels with your pet helps ensure they have what they need and makes it easier to keep their day-to-day schedule intact. Be sure to include:
- Their usual food and treats
- Water along with travel bowls
- Necessary medications
- A harness or leash for walks
- Bags for cleaning up after your pet
- Beloved toys or things to chew on
- Comfort items like blankets or a 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
Few risks are bigger for pets during a summer move than dehydration. Ensure your pets stay hydrated throughout the day by keeping fresh water accessible, taking regular water breaks, and packing extra water for long-distance travel. 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. When symptoms look severe or continue past the move, it’s time to bring your pet to the vet without delay.
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. With a bit of planning, though, you can reduce stress and keep them 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. If crating isn’t an option or you have real concerns about your pet, a pet sitter or boarding facility for the day may be a better fit. 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 pet should never be left alone inside a parked car. 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. 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
The right planning and know-how can make it possible to keep pets safe and comfortable throughout a summer move.
Searching for a rental home that welcomes pets? Real Property Management Instant Equity (SW Michigan) provides quality rental properties in your area, designed to help both residents and their 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.
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.
