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. Summer adds its own set of challenges for pet owners, since high heat and humidity can raise the risk of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety in animals. A bit of know-how and advance planning can go a long way toward keeping your pets safe and comfortable during your next move. Keep reading for hot-weather pet moving tips that can make this summer’s move easier for everyone!

Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets

Pets face a number of challenges from summer heat, particularly when a move is underway. Humans deal with heat and humidity too, yet these conditions bring added difficulties for pets. Heat simply affects them in a different way than it affects people. Dogs and other animals, for example, lack the ability to sweat, which means they can’t cool their bodies like humans can. That puts pets at a greater risk of overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke severe enough to be life-threatening.

The upheaval of a move can be hard on pets as well, since breaking from routine or facing unfamiliar surroundings can leave them feeling anxious or scared. Pets under high anxiety may turn to self-harming or destructive behaviors, which can be tough on both the animal and its owner.

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. Another good strategy is keeping pets in a closed, air-conditioned room with minimal foot traffic for most of the move. Steering clear of the day’s hottest hours and keeping pets in cooled parts of the home can make the move safer and more comfortable for everyone.

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. Consider including:

• Their usual food and treats
• Travel bowls and water
• Required medications
• A leash or harness
• Cleanup bags
• Their favorite toys or chew items
• 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

During a summer move, dehydration ranks among the most significant risks for pets. To help your pets stay hydrated, offer plenty of fresh water throughout the day, pause often for water breaks, and pack extra water if you’re moving 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. Should symptoms appear severe or persist after the move, get your pet to the vet immediately.

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. With a bit of planning, though, you can reduce stress and keep them safe.

For instance, if your pet can handle it, a crate or carrier can keep them secure and prevent escapes during the day. Placing the carrier in a cool, quiet room during the move can also help ease their anxiety. 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. That way, your pet stays safe and secure, and you can concentrate on the move itself.

When your pet is along for the ride during your move, keep the dangers of hot vehicle interiors in mind. Do not leave a pet unattended inside a parked vehicle, under any circumstances. Vehicle interiors can climb well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit surprisingly fast, even on mild days, which is extremely hazardous for pets. Run the air conditioning throughout, and only keep them in the car while you’re actually en route, to keep them safe and comfortable. If the trip is long, be sure to plan rest stops and carry plenty of water. A successful moving day depends on prioritizing their safety above all else.

Making Pets Feel Right at Home

A summer move can be safe and comfortable for pets, as long as you have the right knowledge and plan ahead.

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