Moving is one of the most stressful events of a persons’ life and it’s not that much different for your furry family member. Whether you’re moving across the street or moving to a neighboring state, change can be quite drastic for your pets. All the activities involved in a typical moving process can cause anxiety and stress in the life of your pet.
But, do you have to let go of your pets because you want to move? While relocating with your pets can be quite challenging, putting their needs first will make the moving easy on your little furry friends. In this article, we will show you several tips to help make your transition with your four-legged friends easy and safe.
- Keep Your Pets Calm During the Process
If you are a seasoned pet owner, then you are most likely aware that your pets can sense when you are angry or stressed. And moving process are typically characterized by rush, loud noise, and lots of stress which may affect the behavior of your pets if they sense you are in stress. An easy tip is to keep your pets in a private room while you and the movers work around the house to keep their anxiety at bay.
2. Introduce the Kennel or Crate
If your pets will be making the long-distance relocation in a kennel or crate, then it is best you start training them to stay in a crate or kennel before the move. Using a crate or kennel is the safest and the best way to keep your pets secure when relocating. However, ask your vet for advice if you notice that your pet is too anxious or stressed.
3. Get the Necessary Medical Kits and Supplies
While no pet owner wishes for their pets to experience any health emergency, a lot can go wrong when moving with a pet. Packing a first aid kit specifically for your pets ahead of the moving date will prepare you for any health emergencies during the move.
You should consider getting basic health supplies like absorbent gauze pads, adhesive tape, cotton balls or swabs, 3% hydrogen peroxide, ice packs and towels. More importantly, have on your veterinarian’s phone number for emergency consultations over the phone.
4. Get and Update their Tags
When it comes to dealing with pets you can never be too sure. Even if you are moving to two streets from your present home, you should consider updating your pet tags. There is always a small possibility that your pets may escape or get lost during the relocation process. Make sure you update your pets collar tags with your name and phone number, so you can easily be contacted if anything happens.
5. Arrange for A Pet-Friendly Road Trip
Driving with your four-legged friends can be stressful and requires serious planning. Expect to stop for multiple water and relief breaks during the journey. If your pets are known to experience motion sickness, feed them couple of hours before the start of the journey.
Additionally, make provision for a car harness, portable toys, a no-spill water bowl and some light snacks. More importantly, do not let your pets out of the car or on their own until you have moved all your items into the house and fully settled in.
6. Seek for Professional Help
If you are moving with multiple pets, getting professionals to assist with your pet moving process can help reduce the stress. Most moving company offer expert pet relocation service. Before hiring a pet mover, make sure you check out their credentials, services, and price list to see if it suits your budget and needs.
7. Set Up A Comfortable Place for Pets on Arrival at Your New Home
When you finally relocate to your new home, set up a comfortable place for your pets to settle in while you move in. Make sure it is out of the way and away from all the noise of packing and unpacking. This should help you keep their anxiety at bay, protect them from moving items, and make them feel at home. More importantly, constantly check on them during the unpacking process to confirm that they are not affected by all the movement and noises.
8. Find a New Veterinarian
It is common for pets to experience some slight psychological and physical challenge upon changing locations. Before moving, try as much as possible to research on available vets in your new location.
Once in your new location, enquire to see if nearby vets are accepting new patients and what the process is. Once you are booked in make sure you have all your pets existing paper work, medical history, and transfer it to your new vet. It is important that you do this during the first week of relocation.
9. Maintain the Same Routine
Just like with kids, when moving houses with pets it’s always best that you maintain the same routine as best as you can. Stick to their regular feeding, walking, and playing time to avoid confusion and help them settle in faster. Additionally, you should engage in more slow walks around the neighborhood to help your pets adjust to the changes in the environment.
10. Pet-Proof Your New Home
Before letting your pets play around in the yard or garden, you should pet-proof your new home. Check your home perimeter for any gaps or openings in the fences. If there are holes in the fencing, you endeavor to have it covered or repaired before letting your pets roam freely within the yard.
