Moving with Pets Just Got Easier!

Moving is a significant life event that affects millions of Americans each year. According to recent data, more than 27 million Americans relocated in 2023, driven by various factors such as job changes, the desire for more space, or the pursuit of a better lifestyle. While relocating offers the promise of a fresh start, it is also widely recognized as one of the most stressful experiences people face. When you add pets into the equation, the challenges multiply.

The Stress of Relocating

The American Psychological Association notes that relocating is among the top five most stressful life events, right up there with divorce and job loss. The process involves not only the physical demands of packing and transporting belongings but also the emotional toll of leaving behind familiar surroundings and routines. The logistics can feel overwhelming—coordinating movers, setting up utilities, and handling endless paperwork are just a few of the tasks that need to be managed.

For pet owners, the stress of relocation is even greater. The additional challenge of finding accommodations that welcome pets during the transition period compounds the stress, particularly for those with multiple or larger pets. Further, pets are creatures of habit, and the disruption of their environment can lead to anxiety and behavioral changes.

A Nation of Pet Lovers on the Move

The United States is a nation of pet lovers, with 70% of households—roughly 90.5 million homes—sharing their lives with pets. For families with pets, relocating requires careful planning to ensure their furry family members are safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for throughout the process.

As cherished family members, pets well-being is a top priority, and this often means making special arrangements when moving to a new home. The need to find pet-friendly lodging along the route and at the destination adds another layer of complexity to an already stressful experience.

The Challenges of Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations

The difficulties of relocating with pets are compounded for families with more than two pets and/or larger breeds . Many hotels have strict pet policies, including limits on the number of pets allowed and weight restrictions. Finding accommodations that welcome multiple and larger pets can be a daunting and quite time consuming task. This often requires extensive research, numerous phone calls, and the flexibility to change plans at the last minute if suitable lodging can’t be found.

To address this challenge, TripsWithPets has launched the TWP Pet Travel Assistant , a unique service designed to ease the burden for families relocating with pets. This service offers personalized assistance in finding pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring that every member of the family is taken care of during the move.

Kim Salerno, CEO and Founder of TripsWithPets, explains the need for such a service:

“Relocating is challenging, and finding accommodations for multiple or larger pets can feel nearly impossible. Our goal with the TWP Pet Travel Assistant is to ease that burden by offering personalized support, making it easier for families to relocate with their pets, no matter how many they have.”

Real-Life Stories and Solutions

One family that recently relocated from California to Florida with five pets found the experience particularly challenging. After struggling to find pet-friendly hotels that would accommodate all their pets, they turned to TripsWithPets (TWP) for help. With TWP’s assistance, they were able to secure accommodations for their entire crew, ensuring their pets were comfortable and safe throughout the relocation.

"We couldn’t believe how difficult it was to find hotels that would accept all five of our pets," said the family. "But once we got help from TripsWithPets, everything fell into place. It made a world of difference knowing that hotels were secured to accommodate all our pets. This allowed us to focus on the move."

The Takeaway

Relocating with pets doesn’t have to be a source of stress; with the right planning and resources, it can be a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved—humans and pets alike.

For those navigating a move with pets, the TWP Pet Travel Assistant is a one-of-a-kind resource available to make the journey easier. Whether you have one pet or five, taking the time to plan and prepare can make all the difference in ensuring a successful move to your new home.

About the Author

Christina Canterbury is a small business owner and dedicated pet parent who supports other small businesses through virtual assistance and consulting. Her passion for pets, combined with her experience working with clients in the pet industry, makes her especially attuned to the needs of pet owners. Plus, her two furry co-workers, Dali and Remi, are experts in all things "dogs" and always have pawsome input.