Tag Archives: moving with pets

Pet Doors – from Simple to Smart

01 Monday Sep 2025

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Does your four-legged friend need a little more freedom? Pet doors offer animals independence and allow their owners more flexibility in their day-to-day schedules. Whether you’re more of a traditionalist, or you’re inclined to adopt the latest and greatest tech, there’s something for you (and your furry friends). For instance, imagine coming home to a happy, wagging tail without worrying about rushed potty breaks or leaving the back door cracked open all day—pet doors make that everyday convenience a reality for many Jacksonville pet owners.

Classic flap We’ve all seen this one: a small opening with a durable flap that swings freely, allowing your pet easy access in and out of the house. These types of pet doors are popular due to their versatility—they can be installed directly into an exterior door, cut into the side of your home’s wall, or even placed to access just the garage or screened patio. They work great in screen doors or glass panels too. If security is a concern, many models include a sliding lock or insert that blocks entry for unwanted critters (or people) while still giving your pet full freedom when you want it.

Patio/panel type This is an excellent choice if you live in a rental, own a home with sliding glass doors, or simply prefer not to cut a permanent hole in your property. The panel slides right into the track of your existing sliding door, replacing part of the glass or screen with a built-in pet flap. It’s renter-friendly, easy to install (and remove), and perfect for those on a budget or anyone who gets nervous about using power tools. No drilling, no damage—just pop it in and enjoy the convenience.

Smart doors Electronic or magnetic pet doors take things to the next level with sensor tags that attach to your pet’s collar, granting access only to authorized animals. This prevents stray cats, wildlife, or even neighborhood dogs from wandering in. Many models let you program specific hours for access (ideal if your pup likes to roam at dawn but you want peace at night), and top-tier versions connect to your smartphone via an app—sending alerts when your pet goes out or comes back in. While they cost more upfront, smart doors address key worries like security, preventing escapes, and even energy efficiency by minimizing drafts.

You can’t have a pet door without a house to put it in! Whether you’re searching for the perfect pet-friendly home, need advice on installations during a move, or are ready to find a property that suits your furry family member’s lifestyle, we’re here to help make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Moving with Pets – Mistakes to Avoid

10 Thursday Jun 2021

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For most pet owners, pets are a part of the family. And so, of course, wherever the family moves? The pet moves, too. And while moving might be a stressful process for you, it’s arguably even more stressful for your pet. 

Pets respond well to structure and routine—and so the packing, moving, and settling into a new place can make them feel anxious and stressed out. But there are ways to make the process easier on your pet. A recent article on Realtor.com outlined the five mistakes to avoid when moving with your pets, including:

  • Having your pet around on moving day. Moving day can be chaotic, which can stress your pet out. Make sure to board them or have them stay with a friend or family member while you’re managing the big move.
  • Washing your pet’s things before the move. Familiar smells are comforting to pets—so while you might be tempted to wash their bed, toys, or blankets before you move, resist the urge. The familiar smells will help them acclimate to their new home and feel more comfortable.
  • Not supervising them in their new home. When you move into a new home, you’re not totally familiar with the layout—and there could be areas where your pet could escape. As you’re settling in, make sure you keep an extra close eye on your pet. 
  • Changing their setup or routine. Again, most pets are creatures of habit—so when you’re moving to a new place, you don’t want to change their setup or routine too much. If they’re used to having their bed in your room, put it in the same place in your new house. If you typically walk your pet at certain times of the day, continue with that schedule. Keeping the same setup and routine will make it easier for your pet to transition to your new home.

Bottom line? Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone—including your pets. So make sure you make the moving process as easy as possible for your four-legged family member.

Call us and let’s make your next move stress free for both human and pet! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Making the Move Easy for Your Pets

24 Thursday Sep 2015

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Making the Move Easy for Your Pets

Moving is stressful. Organizing, packing, cleaning, scheduling… the number of tasks can seem overwhelming. One thing that makes the stress worthwhile is the idea that soon you’ll be settling into your new home.

But what about your pets? For them, moving is an extremely unsettling experience. While you know the big picture, your furry and feathered friends only see their world falling apart. This can result in stress-related behaviors or even illness. So how do you preserve your pets’ sanity during the change?

Here are some tips for moving with pets:

1. Pack gently and slowly. Nothing will stress out your animal more than a sudden uprooting of all they know. If possible, give yourself a long period of time to gradually box up your possessions. Whatever you do, leave your pets’ most cherished possessions and spaces untouched until the last moment.

2. Decide who will watch your pet during moving day. If you have a friend or new neighbor who is willing to pet-sit for you on moving day, take advantage of this opportunity. Preferably it will be someone your pet is familiar with. If all else falls through, consider using a service like rover.com to locate a pet sitter.3. Introduce your pet to the destination beforehand. Sometimes on a final walk-through before closing you might be able to bring your pet over to the new house for a “sniff test” of the property. It’s not even a bad idea to let them mark a bush or two outside on the sly so that when they arrive after moving day, the destination won’t feel quite as foreign. Walk the new neighborhood with your dogs and introduce them to neighbors you see along the route.

4. Check your new house for pet hazards. This might include lawn chemicals, pest poisons, escape holes in the fencing, or other formerly ignored danger zones.

5. Update all your pets’ ID tags and/or chips. You’ll need your new contact information (including your new vet) on collars, etc. Some pets will try to find their way to an old house after a move, so make sure if they get lost they’ll be returned correctly.

We want the transition to be as smooth as possible for everyone in your family. If you’re looking to buy or sell soon, let us help you and your animal companions find your next home: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside