SOURCE: forbes.com
Moving is a big deal, especially when you’re a pet owner. Learn how to make your move less stressful for both you and your pet.
1. Keep Their Schedule
In the days and weeks ahead of moving, and even when you’ve moved into your new home, it’s important to keep up with your pet’s schedule. From feedings, walks, playtime and their morning and night routines, helping your pet keep a consistent schedule will help them stay calmer and happier during the moving process.
2. Start Packing Early
If your pet gets anxious when you start changing things around your home, then you’ll want to break out the moving boxes early. By moving up your packing days, you’ll help your pet adjust to the changes that are coming. Plus you’ll be glad you gave yourself the extra time to pack when moving day arrives.
3. Make Arrangements for Moving Day
Moving day is stressful on everyone, and if your pet is being cared for, that’s one less thing you’ll have to manage on that day. Whether that’s a daycare, pet sitter or family or friends taking your pet, you’ll want to secure pet-care several weeks in advance.
4. Pack Their Items Last and Unpack Them First
When you’re making a packing checklist, put your pet’s items at the bottom of the list, and be sure to unpack their items first when you arrive in your new home. This will help eliminate any added stress when they realize their toys and treats are gone. Plus seeing those familiar items right away will help reassure your pet in their new surroundings.
5. Check in With Their Vet
If your move means you’ll need to find a new veterinarian, be sure to check in with your current vet to ensure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations, you have refills of any medication, and get a copy of their health records to take to the new vet. While at the vet’s office, ask about any health concerns your pet may be having, and get tips and tricks to reduce stress in your pet during the moving process.
6. Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations
If you and your pet will need to stay in a hotel during the move, book early so you can find a place that allows animals. Most websites for hotels and short term rentals will give their specific pet policies. However, there may be restrictions like a weight limit, limits to the number or types of animals allowed, or an additional pet deposit that you’ll need to include in your moving budget.
7. Prepare Your Pet for Travel
If your pet is traveling by car to their new home, make sure they have everything they need to stay safe while in transit.
8. Hire a Pet Transportation Company for Longer Moves
If your move is taking you cross country, then you may want to look into hiring a pet transportation company that will pick your pet up from your home and take them to your new home. From driving or flying, each company will have specific requirements of what they need to prepare your pet for their trip, and you’ll want to give yourself enough time to secure a company before you move.
9. Pack an Emergency Kit
From extra water and food to the phone number of an emergency vet, make sure you have an emergency kit for your pet handy. Keep in with you during the move so if you need anything for your pet, you won’t have to search boxes to find what you need.
10. Pet Proof Your New Home
Before you introduce your pet to their new abode, you’ll want to check a few things
- All doors and windows are secure
- Your pet can’t escape from your yard
- There are no unsafe materials or chemicals in their reach
- Make sure screens in windows don’t have holes
- Plug up any holes or or nooks that your pet could get stuck or injured
Share this article with a friend who’s moving with their pet!