Your pets are genuine family members that you absolutely adore and probably cannot get enough of, especially if you have a busy work schedule and you get home late at night every day. You would do anything to know your beloved, furry friends are healthy, happy and well taken care of all the time. But what about when you are planning a move across the state and you need to figure out the logistics of the move, pets included?
To come to your help, here are a few useful moving tips you should put into practice so you can sleep better at night knowing your pet friends will reach your next destination safe and sound, with a minimum amount of stress for both you and them.
Get An Overnight Kit Prepared For Your Dog Or Cat
Make sure that you set up a special overnight kit just like you would prepare for your children when spending the night at a friend’s house. The kit should include everything your pets would need to stay well-nourished and hydrated: food, toys, water, kitty litters, any meds they might be on and so on. This will get them to feel more comfortable and safe at the new house and considerably ease their transition.
Talk To The Vet
Let them know about the move you are planning so they can let you know how to prepare for the long drive, what to expect, how to handle any potential emergencies and problems that might arise and the list goes on. The vet will also provide you with all the necessary pet records and prescription meds that your dog, car, parrot or pet lizard might need. They may also be able to recommend a new vet at your new address.
Try To Keep Your Pets Away From The Moving Chaos
There will be plenty of boxes, wrapping supplies, padding, bubble wrapping, label makers, items laying around the floors, plants, furniture and other bulky items, along with the interstate movers – all scary things for a pet. You could either try to keep your pets in a quiet area and make sure your kids stay with them and calm them down by playing with them, or you could use a kennel on the day of the big move. You could also get a pet sitter or ask a friend or neighbor to help you out, so you can at least prevent your pet from getting involved in all the stressful action. Lots of dogs and cats suffer from separation anxiety and they may also not handle well big changes, strangers they have never seem before walking around the house and loud noises from the moving trucks.
You could even use the garage or try to empty a room around the house for your pet and prevent them from suffering during the move. Just make sure they have the food and water they need and that they sit in the right temperature. Remember to check on them on a regular basis and feed them on time. Make time to walk them at their regular walking hours so you can maintain a sense of routine in the middle of all the moving changes.
Carry Your Pet In Your Car
The best way to carry your pet to the new address is to use your own vehicle so they can still get a sense of comfort and familiarity. If you regularly take your dog out for a walk in the park in your car, they will already be accustomed with the vehicle and should suffer from less anxiety on the rod. Just make sure you place a safe and sturdy carrier in the back seat and secure it with the seatbelt for extra safety.
If you own a bigger dog, see that you use a kennel you can also place in the backseat. Place the seats down, if needed and consider putting a blanket over the carrier while driving to your new home, to prevent them from constantly seeing the new environment rolling out the window.
If you cannot drive your own car to the new moving address, see that you at least accompany your beloved dog or cat to the destination by sitting in the front or, if possible, backseat with them to keep them company and comfort them during the trip.
Do Not Open The Kennel Until You Reach The House
This is essential because your pet could easily run away cared and get lost in the new city or neighborhood. Only open the kennel once you are inside the new house to avoid any surprises. No matter how docile your dog or cat might be, there is still a risk of them expressing their curiosity about the new place and starting their adventurous exploration out in the street. Do not take any unnecessary risks and take a few days for the pet to adjust tot he new place, especially if you own a cat.