Whether you’re moving across town or the country, moving with pets can be challenging. But with a bit of preparation and planning, you can make the move as smooth as possible for your furry friends. From ensuring you have your essential dog supplies to getting the help you need, here are eight tips to help you get started.
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Prepare Them
Moving can be stressful for everyone in the family, including the pets. That’s why it’s essential to take some extra time to prepare your furry friend for the big move. If you have a shy dog or cat, try to gradually introduce them to the concept of moving by putting out boxes a few weeks in advance. This will help them get used to the new sights and smells and, hopefully, reduce their anxiety on moving day.
For the more boisterous and excitable pets, especially young ones, it’s all about exercise and play. A cat or dog that has been cooped up inside all day will be full of energy and might not adjust well to a new environment. So make sure to give them plenty of time to run around and burn off energy appropriately before the move happens and after it’s completed.
Keep Them Away from the Action
Moving day is always hectic. There’s so much to do, and it’s hard to keep track of everything. One thing you don’t want to forget is keeping your pets away from all the commotion. It’s essential for their safety. There are too many chances for accidents and pets sneaking out and escaping on moving day. Since one in five pets go missing at least once during their lifetime, it’s a good idea to ensure your moving day isn’t part of that statistic. This leads to the next point about asking (or paying) for help.
Ask or Pay for Help
If you have a cat or dog, ask a friend or family member to watch them for the day if you’re moving locally. If that’s not possible, pet daycare facilities can do it for you. Moving is chaotic, and they’ll be safer and happier with someone else.
If you’re making a long-distance move, a great option is to pay a pet moving company to transport them. This is a good solution if you’re not comfortable having your pet in the car for an extended time or if you’re traveling by air, especially when it’s an international move.
Be There for Them
Anyone who’s ever moved with a pet knows that it can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. Cats and dogs are creatures of habit, and even the most minor change in routine can cause them a great deal of anxiety. That’s why it’s essential to be there for your pets as much as possible during a move. That means you see them off and are there to receive them when shipping them. The fewer strangers involved in the process, the better. This is especially true for pets with anxiety or stress issues. You can help your furry friend relax by giving them specially formulated calming supplements for dogs or cats that contain natural ingredients designed to calm them.
Other tips include ensuring that their carrier is comfortable and familiar. And always pack your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and treats to help keep them feel more secure during the move.
Don’t Forget Your Pet’s Overnight Bag or Luggage
If you’re planning on making the move together and you have a fair distance to go, you’ll need to make sure they have everything they need to travel comfortably. This includes packing their food, water, and any supplements they take regularly. You’ll also want to bring along a pet bed or blanket for them to sleep on.
If you have a cat, don’t forget the litter box. Puppy pads can also be helpful for dogs who are trained to use them. Finally, it’s always good to pack a little first aid kit for your pet. This should include things like adhesive-free bandages and dog-safe antiseptic cream and your pet’s vet records. By taking care of all the details in advance, you can ensure that their move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Get Your Vet Records
Speaking of vet records, when you’re moving with a pet, one of the things you’ll need to take care of far in advance is getting their medical records together. You might be able to get an electronic copy from your vet, but it’s best to get the records in as many forms as possible. Then, if anything gets lost in the move, you’ll still have a backup. Also, if your pet has an ongoing medical condition that requires treatment, it’s crucial to make sure their records are in order.
Help Them Love Their New Home
Moving is tough, no doubt about it. And it’s especially tough on our furry friends. They don’t understand what’s happening, and all they know is that their home has changed and everything is different and scary. But there are things we can do to help them adjust and make the transition as smooth as possible. For one thing, try to keep things as familiar as possible. For example, if they have a favorite bed or blanket, bring it along to have something that smells like home. It’s also a good idea to explore the new space with them and help them get comfortable with their surroundings. And, of course, rewards are always a good idea. A little extra attention and some treats can go a long way in helping your pet feel loved and secure in their new home.
You’re in It Together
So, before you start packing up your boxes and frantically calling movers, take a deep breath and remember these tips. Most importantly, keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible and reward them with delicious treats when they’re good. They’ll get through this just like you will — together. Moving is stressful for everyone involved, but, by following these simple steps, we can make the process easier on our furry friends. How have you helped your pet adjust to a significant change in their life? Let us know in the comments below.
