Relocating is rarely easy, and it gets even more challenging when you have pets to consider. When pets are part of the picture, summer introduces unique hurdles, as soaring temperatures and humidity can heighten the risk of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety. By preparing early and knowing what to expect, you can help keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout the move. Read on for tips on moving with pets in hot weather, designed to make your summer move go more smoothly!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
Hot summer temperatures create several challenges for pets, especially during the moving process. Although humans feel the effects of heat and humidity as well, pets face additional challenges from these conditions. Heat simply affects them in a different way than it affects people. Unlike people, dogs and other animals don’t sweat, which limits their ability to cool their bodies. As a result, they face a higher risk of overheating, dehydration, and even life-threatening 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. 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. With that in mind, it makes sense to schedule your move for the cooler hours, whether 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. Making the move safer and more comfortable often comes down to avoiding the hottest hours and keeping pets in cool parts of the home or apartment.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Because your pet’s routine gets disrupted during a move, having important items close at hand throughout the day is essential. 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. Items worth packing include:
- Regular food and treats
- Water plus a set of travel bowls
- Medicine your pet needs
- Harness or leash
- Pet waste bags
- Their favorite toys or chew items
- Items for comfort, such as their bed or a blanket
When all your pet’s supplies are on hand and ready on moving day, it can ease stress for you and your animal.
Keep Pets Hydrated Throughout the Move
Among the risks pets face during a summer move, dehydration is one of the most significant. 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. This can be as easy as placing a water jug and bowl in the vehicle your pet rides in, or packing extra water bottles in a cooler.
The stress of moving may leave some pets reluctant to drink water, and a bit of hesitation can be 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
Summer moves that involve extended travel can pose a real challenge when it comes to keeping your pet safe and comfortable. Even so, a little preparation can help lower stress levels and keep your pet safe.
Using a crate or carrier, if your pet can manage it, helps keep them secure and prevents escapes throughout moving day. Setting the carrier up in a cool, quiet room while the move is underway can help reduce their anxiety too. 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 option keeps your pet safe while giving you the freedom to concentrate on moving.
Traveling with your pet as part of the move means staying alert to the risks that high temperatures inside vehicles can pose. Do not leave a pet unattended inside a parked vehicle, under any circumstances. On even a mild day, a parked vehicle’s interior can rapidly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is extremely risky for any pet. Keep the air conditioning running and limit their time in the car to actual travel to keep them safe and comfortable. Bring plenty of water and schedule rest stops if the trip is a long one. A successful moving day depends on prioritizing their safety above all else.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
With proper planning and the right information, keeping pets safe and comfortable during a summer move is achievable.
On the hunt for a pet-friendly place to rent? Real Property Management Value offers quality rentals in your area, designed with residents and their pets in mind so everyone feels 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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