Moving with Pets in Toronto: A Comprehensive Guide
Dogs and cats pick up on your signals, so if you’re all wound up, they will be too. Plus, they’ll know something is going on with all the activity. Familiar things will be packed away, and strange people will be coming in and out of their house, culminating in an unfamiliar new environment.
Ensuring a smooth move requires meticulous planning. And while most of the organizational aspects can be handled with time and checklists, moving with your pet adds an extra layer of concern. Here are some tips to help you make the moving experience easier for your furry, finned, and feathered friends.
Preparing your Pet for the Move
Before you move, obtain your pets’ veterinary records. Your current office might be able to forward them to the new vet, saving you the trouble. Speak to your vet about recommendations; they may be able to suggest a colleague or clinic they know. This could be particularly important if you have exotic pets, like reptiles or birds, as not all vets care for these animals.
Obtain extra medication and supplies to last you until you can get settled with a new vet. If your pet is usually quite anxious, you may want to request a tranquillizer to keep them calm on moving day. If medication is not an option, consider a herbal formula like Rescue Remedy.
Pack a pet essentials bag with enough supplies for a few days:
- Food
- Litter
- Grooming tools
- Treats
- Toys
- Medications
- Blankets
- Bed
- Bowls
- Crate or carrier
Finding a Pet-Friendly Neighbourhood in Toronto
Toronto is dog-friendly, and you’ll find off-leash dog parks in every neighbourhood. However, leash and vaccination laws are very strict in the city of Toronto. Ontario law requires rabies vaccines for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Dogs must be leashed if they are not in off-leash areas. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $365. Leashing a dog to a pole or bike rack is also not allowed, and owners must pick up after their dogs in public areas and private property.
While most animals are welcomed in Toronto, there are restrictions on keeping wild animals and some types of reptiles as pets. Chickens are also prohibited in all but four areas of the city.
Choosing a Pet Moving Company in Toronto
When moving your pets, ensure they are safe and well looked after throughout the process. While the best approach is to handle them yourself and carry them in your own vehicle, that’s not always possible or practical—especially when doing a DIY move where you’ll be hands-on with everything. You might want to consider a pet moving company if this is the case.
Keep in mind that if you’re using a pet service or putting your pets on a plane, they will need to have their shots up-to-date. Be sure to have your vaccination certificates handy when you make your arrangements.
Settling In: Helping Your Pet Adjust to the New Home
Your pets will need to acclimatize once you’ve arrived at the new place and everything is moved in. Some pets will be eager to explore, while others will be hesitant and anxious.
For dogs, keep them on a leash to begin with. Take them to every room in the house and all outdoor areas. Give them treats and communicate with a happy, upbeat tone. Play with their favourite toys so they know it’s a good place to be. Put out their bowls and give them their own place to hang out. The kitchen is often a good choice if the room can be closed off. If there is still a lot of activity, you may want to remove them from the area to a quiet place and keep them crated until all strange people are gone.
Cats are a little more skittish about new environments. Ideally, keep them closed in a bedroom with all their amenities, food, water, toys, and something that smells like you. Introduce them to the new house one room at a time until they are confident.
Final Thoughts
Moving with pets doesn’t have to be any more stressful than moving itself—but it does take a bit of extra planning and care to ensure your animal family remains happy, safe, and secure throughout the process.
Research your new neighbourhood to find the services and amenities you need, confirm a new veterinarian, and stock up on essential supplies and medication to last a month or so. When you arrive at your new home, slowly ease your pets into their surroundings. Give them lots of praise and keep them close. Your loving energy will help them adjust nicely.
Toronto Pet Resources
Pets may try to escape from unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure your pets are microchipped and have collars with tags that include their name and your mobile number so they can find their way home safely.
- For a list of local pet resources, check this guide from Poop Patrol.
- Find a veterinarian through the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
- Toronto Mobile Vet Services
- Toronto Humane Society
Moving is hard, just give it to us
The impact of moving stress can vary depending on the person. Some common ways it can affect you include trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, and feeling disconnected or out of sorts.
It’s vital to address these feelings and find healthy ways to cope. If left unchecked, moving stress can have long-term implications, leading to depression, relationship problems, and physical health issues.
Relevant for your move
An Ultimate Checklist for Change of Address in Ontario
Toronto Neighborhood Guide: Choosing the Right Area for Your Move
Pre-Move Decluttering: How to Lighten Your Load Before a Big Move