When making plans for moving day, don’t forget about the details you’ll need to square away for your pets. Moving is stressful for you, but even more so for animals. They typically don’t like their environment to be changed and take a few days to get adjusted to their new home. Here are some things you can do for them to make the trip and transition as easy as possible.

First you’ll need to check to make sure that pets are allowed in the new home you’ll be moving into. Certain large, aggressive breeds of dogs are unwelcome in many rental communities. There may also be a limit to the amount of animals you can have in your home. Make sure to find out these details beforehand so you won’t be in limbo on moving day trying to find somewhere that allows pets.

Your pets should make a visit to the vet before moving day to make sure they are current on their shots. If you’re going to be boarding your pets on moving day, check ahead of time to make sure they have their boardatella shot along with their regular immunizations. The boardatella shot needs to be administered to the animal at least 48 hours prior to the night they will be staying and is a shot that is required by almost all boarding facilities.

For aquariums you should contact your local pet or aquarium shop to see if they have special containers to transport your fish. They should also be able to recommend the safest way to get your fish to your new home depending on the varieties you have. Salt water tanks require extra care and it is suggested that you call or visit a specialist for recommendations.

On moving day, keep your pet in a room that will be disturbed the least such as a bathroom or closet. This will help keep them out of the way and prevents them from running out of the front door that will be open most of the day. Make sure to give them fresh water, food and toys to keep them occupied. If you have a an outside dog you might close the blinds to keep them from getting too excited and constantly barking about the noise inside. It’s best to keep your outside cat in the closet or bathroom so you don’t have to go searching for him when you’re ready to lock up the door and leave.

Your pets should be the last thing you move. Small animals like birds, guinea pigs, etc. should be kept in their cages. You can keep them calm and quiet by laying a light blanket over their cage. Pet carriers are great for larger animals like dogs or cats. If you don’t have one you can place an old blanket or sheet on your car’s upholstery for protection and have them sit on it. If someone’s available to hold your animal during the trip it will help to keep them from climbing around the car out of nervousness and will provide a little bit of comfort for them. Make sure to bring paper towels, a plastic bag and a bottle of cleaner for the ride because accidents happen. Bring a leash also so you can pull over for potty breaks. If you’re moving long distance, don’t forget to bring your pets food bowls, a ziploc bag of food and some bottled water for them. Bring any medications along also.

Either right before you move or upon arrival at your destination, make sure to have the tags on your pets collars changed to show the new contact information. Try to find a reputable vet at your new address as soon as possible and have your pets records transferred to them. That way if your pet isn’t adjusting well to the new environment you can have somewhere to take them as soon as possible and in as little waiting time as possible since they’ll already have all of your information on file.

Hopefully your pets will be able to make the transition easily and will love their new home as much or more than their last!