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

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. A bit of know-how and advance planning can go a long way toward keeping your pets safe and comfortable during your next move. Continue reading for practical hot-weather tips that make moving with pets this summer a little easier!

Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets

Several challenges arise for pets due to summer heat, especially in the middle 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. 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.

Pets can also find the disruption of a move difficult, becoming scared or anxious when their routines are interrupted or they’re somewhere new. 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. For that reason, scheduling your move during the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—is one of the smartest strategies. You might also plan to keep pets in a cooled, closed-off space with little foot traffic during most of the move. 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

Moving day upends a pet’s routine, which is why important items should stay within easy reach the whole 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. Items worth packing include:

• Regular food and treats
• Travel bowls and water
• Medicine your pet needs
• Their leash or harness
• Pet waste bags
• Preferred toys or chewables
• Familiar comfort items, such as a blanket or bed

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

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. Severe or ongoing symptoms after the move call for an immediate trip to the vet.

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. That said, planning ahead can help ease stress and keep them out of harm’s way.

For instance, if your pet can handle it, a crate or carrier can keep them secure and prevent escapes during the day. If possible, keep the carrier in a cool, quiet room during the move to help lessen anxiety as well. 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. That way, your pet stays safe and secure, and you can concentrate on the move itself.

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. 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. 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

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

Ready to find a pet-friendly rental home? Real Property Management Experts has quality rental properties in your area designed with residents and their pets in mind, so everyone feels at home. Contact our team today to learn more about available pet-friendly rental opportunities near you!