Keep Tails Wagging: A Renter’s Guide to Moving With Pets in Summer

Everyone finds moving stressful, but it becomes even more so when pets are part of the move. Pets face their own set of summer-specific risks, since elevated temperatures and humidity can lead to dehydration, overheating, and anxiety. A bit of know-how and advance planning can go a long way toward keeping your pets safe and comfortable during your next move. Here are some hot-weather pet moving tips to help simplify your summer move!

Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets

Pets face a number of challenges from summer heat, particularly when a move is underway. Heat and humidity affect people too, but these conditions create extra challenges for pets. Pets and humans just respond to heat differently. Dogs and other animals, for example, lack the ability to sweat, which means they can’t cool their bodies like humans can. This leaves them more vulnerable to overheating, dehydration, and potentially fatal heatstroke.

A move’s disruption takes a toll on pets, who may become anxious or fearful when routines change or surroundings feel unfamiliar. 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. One smart approach, given this risk, is to time your move for the cooler early morning or late evening hours. A further strategy worth considering is confining pets to a cool, closed room with minimal traffic for most of the moving process. 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. A dedicated “pet essentials” bag or box that travels alongside your pet can help ensure their needs are met and keep their routine feeling as normal as possible. Items you’ll want on hand include:

• Their usual food and treats
• Portable water and food bowls
• Prescription medications
• A leash or harness
• Bags for waste cleanup
• Beloved toys or things to chew on
• 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

Dehydration stands out as one of the top risks pets face when moving in summer. 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. A simple setup, like a water jug and bowl in the travel vehicle or extra bottled water in a cooler, works well.

Some pets might resist drinking water due to moving-related stress, and mild reluctance is often nothing unusual. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. If your pet’s symptoms are severe or persist once the move is over, seek veterinary care right away.

Travel Safely in Hot Weather

Keeping pets safe and comfortable in summer heat is challenging enough, and even more so when the move includes extended travel. A modest amount of planning, however, can help minimize stress and keep pets safe.

For instance, if your pet can handle it, a crate or carrier can keep them secure and prevent escapes during the day. 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. Doing so keeps your pet protected and secure while letting you focus on getting the move done.

If your pet will be traveling with you during the move, it’s important to stay mindful of how dangerous hot vehicle temperatures can be. A pet should never be left alone inside a parked car. Vehicle interiors can climb well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit surprisingly fast, even on mild days, which is extremely hazardous for pets. To ensure their safety and comfort, run the air conditioning continuously and only have them in the vehicle while actively traveling. 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

Pets can stay safe and comfortable during a summer move when you’re equipped with the right knowledge and preparation.

Need a pet-friendly rental home? Real Property Management Tidal 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!