Moving Season: Take Care When Moving with Pets

Moving can be stressful for your four-legged friends, who rely on you to keep them safe and comfortable along the way. When planning a move, taking care of your pets’ needs can make for a smoother trip for everyone.

Millions of households move with their dogs and cats each year – the most common pets among Americans. The Animal Rescue League of Berks County suggests that your pets be secured safely as a good first step.

“Do secure your pet for the trip,” said Beth Ireland, director of marketing and communications, Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. “A crated or belted animal is less likely to cause distraction to a driver, and in the unfortunate event of an accident, a secured animal has less chance of injury.”

Also, it is important to remember that animals should only travel in the cabin of a Penske rental truck where the driver can control the temperate and keep an eye on their pets. You should never place pets in the back of a moving truck, as the temperature can become dangerously high and create an unsafe environment for animals.

Ireland also recommends consulting a vet prior to the trip if your pet suffers from anxiety or gets motion sickness, as there are medications available to make the trip more enjoyable for your pet.

Penske Truck Rental recommends the following additional tips to help movers and their pets have a safe and pleasant experience aboard their Penske rental truck.

Before the Move

• Research some emergency animal care centers or veterinary hospitals along your route in advance. Store their numbers in your cell phone to have in the event of an emergency.
• Pet crates provide a safe haven for your pets during the long ride in a moving truck. This will help reduce their anxiety and keep them comfortable. If your pet prefers travel without a crate, use a restraining harness instead. Penske customers save 30 percent on pet travel gear from Kurgo. Use Promo Code PENSKE30.
• Pack a travel bag for your pet that includes food, water, treats, plastic bags, and anything else you think they may need.
• Make sure your pet has a sturdy collar with its name, your name, your phone number and your destination address.
• Stock up on at least one week’s worth of your pet’s medications and food before the trip so you have some available at your new destination.

On Move Day

• Refrain from feeding your pet for a few hours before the trip to avoid an upset stomach, but be sure to keep them hydrated with plenty of water.
• While furniture is being loaded into the truck, give your pet a safe place to stay away from the commotion. This gives your pet a chance to relax, and prevents chances for them become scared and escape.
• Be sure that your pet is leashed any time it is outside of the Penske truck and that it is always wearing its ID tag.
• Avoid leaving your pet in the truck unattended, especially on warm day. Vehicles can act like an oven even on a mild day, and a pet can become overheated quickly.
• In the event your pet does become overheated, take them into an air-conditioned area if possible and use cool water to rub them down.
• Don’t leave your pet alone in your truck as it can be an invitation to thieves.

By Tony Kozuch