Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, especially when that home is in a stunning community like Bonita Bay. With its lush green spaces, scenic walking trails, and pet-friendly vibe, Bonita Bay is an ideal place to enjoy life with your four-legged family members. But no matter how beautiful the destination, moving with pets can be stressful for both people and animals.
If you’re planning a move within Bonita Springs or relocating to Bonita Bay from out of town, preparing your pets for the transition is key to a smooth experience. Here are our top tips to help you and your furry companions move with less hassle and more peace of mind.
1. Start with a Vet Visit
Before moving, schedule a wellness check with your veterinarian. Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, and request a copy of their medical records—especially if you’re moving to a new city or state.
Pro tip: Ask your vet for calming aids or motion sickness treatments if your pet is anxious about travel. Also, get recommendations for trusted vets in the Bonita Springs area if you’re relocating from outside the region.
2. Update Tags and Microchips
Make sure your pet’s identification is current and includes your new Bonita Bay address and phone number. If your pet is microchipped, contact the registry to update your contact information.
Quick checklist:
- Pet ID tag with your cell number
- Microchip registration update
- Temporary tags (if needed during the move)
Should your pet get loose during the transition, up-to-date contact info dramatically increases the chance of a safe return.
3. Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
When moving day arrives, the last thing you want is to dig through boxes to find your dog’s favorite toy or your cat’s litter box.
Pack a pet-specific bag that includes:
- Food and water bowls
- Leash, harness, and waste bags
- Comfort toys and treats
- Litter box and scoop (for cats)
- Medications and health records
- A familiar blanket or bed
Keep this bag easily accessible, whether driving or flying to your new home.
4. Keep Pets Away from the Chaos
Moving day can be chaotic, with doors opening, movers carrying heavy boxes, and loud noises that may spook your pet. If possible, keep your pet in a quiet, closed-off room with their essentials or arrange for them to stay with a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter for the day.
If you're moving locally within Bonita Bay, it may be worth boarding your pet during the heaviest moving activity and picking them up once things are calm.
5. Transport Your Pet Safely
Whether you're driving across town or across the state, your pet’s safety during transit is critical.
Tips for safe travel:
- Use a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier for small pets
- For dogs, a crash-tested harness or crate is best
- Never let your pet ride loose in the back of a moving truck or in your lap
- Plan regular breaks on long drives for bathroom and water stops
If flying, check the airline's pet policies well in advance. Some pets may be allowed in the cabin, while others must travel in climate-controlled cargo.
6. Ease the Transition into the New Home
When you arrive at your new Bonita Bay home, give your pet time to adjust. Start by setting up a quiet room with their bed, toys, food, and water—creating a comforting and familiar environment.
Helpful transition tips:
- Keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible
- Introduce new spaces gradually
- Supervise outdoor exploration, especially in unfenced areas
- Be patient with behaviors like hiding, whining, or restlessness—they should subside as your pet acclimates
Bonita Bay’s tranquil environment and expansive green spaces offer a calming backdrop for both pets and people adjusting to a new space.
7. Explore Bonita Bay Together
Once your pet is comfortable in your new home, take advantage of everything Bonita Bay has to offer. Many walking trails wind through preserves, lakes, and parks—ideal for leashed strolls with your dog.
Pet-friendly features of Bonita Bay include:
- Quiet walking paths
- Scenic open spaces
- Nearby pet stores and grooming services
- Dog-friendly restaurants and outdoor cafes in Bonita Springs
Getting out and about helps your pet establish new routines and feel more secure in their surroundings.
8. Find Local Pet Resources
Settling into a new home also means finding a new support system for your pet’s needs. Bonita Springs and the surrounding area offer many top-rated services for pet lovers.
Trusted local resources include:
- Veterinarians: Bonita Veterinary Hospital, Estero Animal Hospital
- Groomers: Bark Avenue Pet Grooming, The Dog Spa
- Boarding & Daycare: Dogtopia, Pet Paradise
- Pet-Friendly Dining: Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille, The Doghouse
Having go-to providers for medical, grooming, and daycare needs makes it easier to manage your pet’s health and happiness long-term.
9. Be Mindful of New Hazards
Your new Bonita Bay home may have unfamiliar features or environmental risks. Pools, screened lanais, balconies, or native plants can all be areas of concern.
Safety checklist:
- Secure screens and fencing
- Store chemicals and pool supplies out of reach
- Confirm plants are pet-safe (avoid oleander, sago palm, etc.)
- Check for potential escape routes in the yard
Supervise your pet as they explore until you’re confident the home is safe and secure.
10. Give It Time
Even in paradise, adjusting to a new home takes time—for pets and their people. Some pets may become anxious, clingy, or even act out during the transition. Be patient and offer plenty of affection and consistency.
a few weeks, most pets will settle in, and you’ll both begin to fully enjoy your new surroundings.
Find a Home You—and Your Pets—Will Love
At The Dellatorè Real Estate Company, we understand that pets are family. That’s why we take the time to help you find homes that suit all of your needs—whether that means a fenced yard for your golden retriever, a screened lanai for your curious cat, or walking trails right outside your door.
Bonita Bay is one of the most pet-friendly luxury communities in Southwest Florida, and we know how to help you find the perfect fit—because we live here, too.
🐾 Thinking of making a move with pets in tow? Let us help you find a place where both you and your furry companions can feel right at home. Contact The Dellatorè Real Estate Company today for a customized home search that fits your lifestyle—pets included.
Because home is where your pets are. Let’s find the perfect one together.
