Moving with pets can be a stressful experience - not only for you, but also for your beloved companions. Whether you have dogs or cats, it is important to ensure their safety and comfort during a step. In TMT Logistics Packers and Movers, we understand how to make PET transfer smooth and anxious.
When it is known how to move with a dog, start creating a calm and familiar environment. Use their normal beds, toys and behavior during infection. If you are traveling long distances, keep their routine as normal as possible and plan a brake regularly. Our team offers special provisions to keep their dog safe and calm during the entire journey.
Do not forget moving house with pets checklist. This will include essential items such as food and water bowls, VET records, medicines, ID tag and a PET first-ed kit. Planning in advance helps prevent final-minute stress and ensures that your pet's needs run completely.
For cat owners, tips for moving with cats often begin with containment. Cats may be worried and try to escape in an unfamiliar environment. Use a safe, well ventilated carrier and introduce them to them before this step. Also, try to limit them to a room a day to reduce anxiety.
Relying on TMT logistics packers and movers to prefer your pet's comfort. Our expert handler is trained to take care of animals during tricks, so you and your pet can settle in your new home with peace of mind.
Why Moving Stresses Pets (And How to Help)
Animals thrive on routine and familiar surroundings. The moving process disrupts both, causing:
Anxiety Symptoms
Pacing, whining, hiding, loss of appetite, or excessive grooming in cats/dogs
Health Risks
Stress-induced conditions like cystitis in cats or digestive issues in dogs
Behavior Changes
Accidents, destructive chewing, or aggression due to stress
Escape Attempts
Pets may bolt when doors open during moving activities
Mumbai-Specific Challenge
The city's noise levels, heat, and traffic congestion amplify pet stress during moves. Plan travel during cooler morning hours and request quiet elevators in apartment buildings when moving pets.
The 4-Week Pet Moving Plan
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Begin preparations to acclimate pets gradually:
- Vet Visit: Update vaccinations (rabies certificate required for Mumbai housing societies). Get health certificates if moving internationally.
- ID Updates: Microchip your pet and update contact info. Add temporary "moving" address tags.
- Carrier Training: Help pets associate carriers with positive experiences through gradual introduction.
- Research: Identify pet-friendly hotels if needed during transit. Mumbai requires pets to be registered with the local ward office.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Prepare for the transition:
- Medication: Discuss anti-anxiety options with your vet if needed. Test any new medications beforehand.
- Packing Strategy: Keep pets in one room with familiar items while packing other areas.
- Pet-Proofing: Designate a safe room at both properties with water, litter boxes, and familiar bedding.
- Travel Prep: For car travel, practice short trips. For air travel, confirm airline pet policies (IndiGo allows pets as cargo only).
Moving Week
Minimize disruption:
- Routine Maintenance: Stick to regular feeding/walking schedules as much as possible.
- Moving Day: Board pets or keep them in a quiet room with a "Do Not Enter" sign for movers.
- Essentials Kit: Prepare food, medications, leash, litter, and favorite toys in an easily accessible bag.
- Travel Safety: Never leave pets in parked cars - Mumbai temperatures rise dangerously fast.
After the Move
Help pets adjust:
- Initial Confinement: Keep pets in one room initially, gradually expanding access.
- Scent Transfer: Rub towels on furniture at old home to bring familiar scents to new space.
- New Vet: Locate a veterinarian near your new home. South Mumbai has several 24-hour pet clinics.
- Registration: Update pet registration with new housing society and ward office within 14 days.
Species-Specific Moving Tips
Dogs
Car Travel
- Use crash-tested harnesses or carriers
- Schedule rest stops every 2-3 hours
- Bring portable water bowls
- Never let dogs ride with heads out windows
New Home
- Walk perimeter on leash to establish territory
- Maintain previous feeding schedule
- Introduce to neighbors' dogs gradually
- Watch for attempts to return to old home
Cats
Travel Prep
- Use pheromone sprays in carriers
- Line carriers with absorbent pads
- Cover carriers with light blankets
- Withhold food 4-6 hours before travel
Settling In
- Set up litter box in quiet location
- Use same litter brand initially
- Provide vertical spaces to observe
- Expect adjustment period of 2-8 weeks
Birds
Safe Transport
- Use small travel cage with perch
- Maintain temperature control
- Cover cage to reduce stress
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises
New Environment
- Set up cage in similar location
- Gradually introduce to new room
- Watch for stress plucking
- Maintain consistent light/dark cycles
Mumbai Pet Regulations
All pets must be registered with the local municipal corporation. Dogs require annual rabies vaccinations and licenses. Certain breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans) may face additional restrictions in housing societies. Always check building pet policies before moving.
Travel Options for Mumbai Pet Owners
| Transport Method | Pros | Cons | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Vehicle | Most control over environment | Stressful in Mumbai traffic | Fuel costs only |
| Pet Taxi Services | AC vehicles, experienced handlers | Limited availability | ₹1,500-₹4,000 within city |
| Air Travel (as cargo) | Fast for long distances | Extremely stressful for pets | ₹8,000-₹25,000 domestic |
| Professional Pet Relocators | Door-to-door service, handles paperwork | Most expensive option | ₹15,000+ for full service |
Essential Pet Moving Checklist
Finding Pet-Friendly Housing in Mumbai
New housing societies often have pet restrictions. Prepare a "pet resume" with vaccination records, obedience training certificates, and references from previous neighbors. Offering an additional security deposit for pets can help overcome objections.
When to Consider Pet Boarding During a Move
Professional boarding may be safer than exposing pets to moving chaos in these situations:
Multi-Day Moves
When furniture delivery spans several days
International Relocation
During quarantine periods or paperwork processing
Anxious Pets
Animals with noise phobias or health conditions
Home Preparation
While painting, deep cleaning, or assembling furniture
Recommended Mumbai Pet Boarding Facilities
Pawfect Stay (Powai), The Kennel Club (Malad), and Petville (Thane) offer climate-controlled boarding with webcam access. Book at least 4 weeks in advance during peak moving seasons.
