Pet Transport

How do we organize pet transport during a move?

Transporting a pet requires different preparation than moving furniture, boxes, and other items. Each animal reacts differently to travel, changes in environment, and the presence of unfamiliar people, which is why the method of transport is agreed upon with the owner before the move begins.

When organizing pet transport, it is important to consider:

• which animal is being transported
• the size and weight of the pet
• whether the pet is accustomed to traveling
• whether a carrier or transport box is used
• the planned duration of the trip
• whether breaks are needed during the journey
• whether the pet has special needs
• that the owner prepares water and necessary items for the trip
• that the pet's transport is coordinated with the rest of the move
• that there is a safe space for the pet at the new address

We do not consider the pet as part of the moving cargo. Its transport is planned separately from loading furniture and other belongings.

Preparing your pet before the move

Moving changes an animal’s daily routine. Boxes, moving furniture, open doors, and the presence of workers can cause anxiety in some pets.

Therefore, it is advisable for a dog or cat to be in a calm and safe room or with a familiar person during the intense moving process.

For complete apartment moves, it is useful to decide in advance when the pet will leave the old address, so that its transport does not take place amid the busiest moments of moving out.

A carrier, leash, collar, water, and other items needed for the pet should not be packed together with the rest of the belongings.

Transporting Dogs During a Move

For dogs, the method of organization depends on their size, temperament, and accustomedness to travel.

A dog that regularly travels by car will usually accept transport more easily than one that rarely leaves its familiar environment. Regardless, special care must be taken for safety when entering and exiting the vehicle.

The dog should be under the owner's control and secured in a way appropriate to its size and mode of transport.

For longer trips, it is necessary to plan time for water and appropriate breaks.

Transporting Cats During a Move

Cats often react very strongly to changes in familiar surroundings, noise, and open doors during a move.

Therefore, it is especially important that the cat is placed in a safe location before the moving out begins, ensuring there is no chance it can escape from the apartment or house.

The most practical option for transport is a suitable carrier in which the cat can safely spend the ride.

A familiar blanket or another item with the scent of home can help make the environment during transport more recognizable to the animal.

Carrier and Transport Box

The appropriate carrier or box should be adapted to the type and size of the animal.

The pet must have enough space to be placed safely and without unnecessary pressure, and the carrier should be positioned during the ride so that it remains stable.

If the pet is already accustomed to its carrier, it is best to use that one instead of a completely new box the animal sees for the first time on moving day.

The carrier should not be buried under boxes or other items, nor placed so that objects can fall on it during the ride.

What should be prepared for the pet?

Items needed for the pet during the move should be set aside before packing items for the move begins.

It's good to have on hand:

• a leash and collar or harness
• a carrier or transport box
• water and a bowl
• a small amount of food if needed
• a mat or blanket familiar to the pet
• bags and basic hygiene supplies
• any regular medication the pet uses
• necessary documentation, especially for longer trips

These items are best kept separate from the boxes loaded with the rest of the household belongings.

How to reduce stress during the move?

The biggest change for the pet is often not the ride itself but the entire moving day.

Workers come and go, furniture disappears from rooms, doors remain open, and the familiar environment changes rapidly.

Therefore, the pet should not be unnecessarily exposed to the part of the move involving intense carrying out and loading.

In the case of a house move, where the job may take longer and involve many rooms and items, this is even more important.

If the pet has a hard time with the ride or has health issues, the owner should consult a veterinarian before the move. Medications or calming agents should not be given without professional advice.

Pets are not transported with furniture

The space designated for transporting furniture and boxes is not suitable for transporting a dog or cat.

During transport, items can be tightly packed, secured, and arranged to maximize the cargo space of the vehicle. This space is not intended for animal occupancy.

Therefore, we organize pet transport separately from the moving cargo section, in accordance with the pre-agreed method of transportation.

The rest of the items can be transported via an appropriate van moving service in Belgrade, while a special plan is made for the pet.

Pet transport on shorter routes

When moving within Belgrade, the trip between two addresses usually takes relatively little time, but good organization is important even then.

Ideally, the new location should be ready for the pet's arrival before the pet leaves the old address.

During a move in Belgrade, we can coordinate the workflow so that pet transport does not coincide with the busiest times during loading or unloading of items.

This way, the animal spends as little time as possible in an environment where doors are constantly opening and large items are being moved.

Pet transport on longer routes

For longer trips, it is necessary to consider the duration of the drive, weather conditions, and the specific needs of the animal.

Planned breaks may be necessary for dogs, while cats usually need to remain safely secured in a carrier during the trip.

If the pet is moving with the owner to another city, its transport should be integrated in advance into the organization of the intercity move.

For such trips, the owner should prepare everything the animal will need until arrival at the new address.

Moving an entire household with a pet

When moving an entire household, good organization is especially important because furniture, clothing, appliances, boxes, and many personal belongings are packed and transported simultaneously.

The pet should not be the "last thing" to be considered when the vehicle is already loaded.

Its transport should be included in the moving plan from the start, with clear assignment of responsibility, timing for leaving the old address, and arrangements for where it will stay upon arrival.

Arrival of the pet at the new address

The move for the pet is not complete the moment the vehicle arrives at the new location.

The new apartment or house represents a completely unfamiliar environment. If furniture and many boxes are being brought in at the same time, there is again noise and frequent opening of the entrance door.

Therefore, it is advisable to prepare a safe room in advance where the pet can stay during the moving process.

In that room, you can place its mat, water, bowl, toy, or other familiar items.

Only after the main part of the move is completed can the animal gradually be introduced to the rest of the space.

Documentation and Special Requirements

When transporting an animal over a longer distance, the owner should check in advance what documentation is required for the specific destination.

This is especially important when the move involves crossing a national border, as rules may depend on the country of travel, the type of animal, and other circumstances.

The necessary veterinary documentation and conditions for the animal's entry into another country should be verified by the owner with a veterinarian and relevant authorities before traveling.

This way, the transport will not be jeopardized due to documentation that was not prepared on time.

What should we know before making arrangements?

To assess how the transport can fit into the move, you need to provide us with some basic information:

• which animal is being transported
• breed and approximate size of the dog, if it is a dog
• whether you have an appropriate carrier or crate
• whether the pet is accustomed to traveling
• starting and ending address
• approximate duration or length of the trip
• whether there are special circumstances to consider

If you are organizing a complete household move, we can include this information during the free moving estimate.

Pet Transport as Part of a Well-Organized Move

When a family moves together with a pet, two different tasks need to be organized – safe transport of belongings and appropriate transport of the animal.

Moja Selidba can coordinate the pet's transport with the rest of the relocation, following prior agreement on the transport method and the specific needs of the animal.

The goal is to make the move as calm and organized as possible for both the owner and their pet, without treating the animal as just another piece of cargo to be transported.