Moving takes a toll on everyone’s nerves, especially when you’re bringing pets along for the ride. High heat and humidity in summer can put pets at greater risk of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety, creating unique challenges during a move. With the right knowledge and some early preparation, you can keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout the moving process. Read ahead for tips on handling hot-weather pet moves, so your summer relocation goes 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. Pets experience heat in a fundamentally different way than humans do. Unlike people, dogs and other animals don’t sweat, which limits their ability to cool their bodies. That puts pets at a greater risk of overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke severe enough to be life-threatening.
Moving disrupts a pet’s normal routine too, which can leave them feeling scared or anxious in unfamiliar surroundings. 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. For that reason, scheduling your move during the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—is one of the smartest strategies. Consider keeping pets in a quiet, air-conditioned room that sees little foot traffic for the bulk of the move—another smart approach. By avoiding peak heat hours and keeping pets in air-conditioned areas of the home or apartment, you can make the move safer and more pleasant for all involved.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Since a move throws off a pet’s routine, it helps to keep important items nearby throughout the day. Assembling a “pet essentials” bag or box that goes wherever your pet goes can help ensure their needs are covered and their routine stays as normal as possible. Some essentials to pack are:
- Pet food and snacks
- Portable water and food bowls
- Prescription medications
- Harness or leash
- Pet waste bags
- Toys or chew items they love
- 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
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. This could be as straightforward as keeping a jug and bowl in the pet’s travel vehicle, or storing extra water bottles in a cooler.
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. 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.
If your pet tolerates it well, using a crate or carrier throughout the day can keep them secure and prevent them from getting loose. Keeping the carrier in a cool, quiet space during the move can further help calm your pet’s anxiety. For pets that can’t use a crate, or if you’re especially worried, consider a day with a pet sitter or boarding facility instead. Doing so keeps your pet protected and secure while letting you focus on getting the move done.
Traveling with your pet as part of the move means staying alert to the risks that high temperatures inside vehicles can pose. A parked vehicle should never be left with a pet inside alone. On even a mild day, a parked vehicle’s interior can rapidly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is extremely risky for any pet. Run the air conditioning throughout, and only keep them in the car while you’re actually en route, 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
A summer move can be safe and comfortable for pets, as long as you have the right knowledge and plan ahead.
Ready to find a pet-friendly rental home? Real Property Management 360 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!
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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