When you have to move, your whole life moves with you. Your possessions, your family, it all goes with you. However, sometimes, family comes in different packages. When you have a dog, a cat, a fish, turtle or a parrot or anything else really, it can often seem that they are part of the family. They are always there, making you feel well in their company. They are happy to see you and love you unconditionally… Therefore, when you get to move, you might just want to know something about moving with pets!
But, when moving with pets, there is an obvious problem. Expect if you have the same set of skills as doctor Dolittle we would say that it is absolutely certain that you cannot communicate with your animals. Yes, they might understand your emotions and some words, but complex concepts such as “we are moving because I have a job offer in New York City” is not really something you can explain to your dog. This is why we compiled 10 tips to help you move with your pet!
Before the moving day
While we listed the 10 tips at the end, here we will begin with the more comprehensive approach. So, what should you do before local movers get you moving to a new borough?
There are a lot of things to do. While you can’t prepare the animal for the stress of moving per se because they have no concept of impending events, you can change routine slowly so that they don’t get too much stressed out when the house and everything in it go into chaos. Animals don’t like change, so you have to make it slow as possible. Also, there are two big steps to do as well before you get moving with pets.
Research before moving with pets
Research your new neighborhood/town/city. If it’s a long-distance relocation you need to know what is the climate. If its another country you have to have in mind legal limitation as well. Check the floor plan of the apartment. Does it allow for pets? What about pet-friendly parks or beaches. Are they nearby? Be sure to research where you are moving before you do it.
Check with the Vet
Secondly, go to the vet. Do a checkup to see if any medication is needed and if your pet is in good enough health to be moved. Veterinarian staff can also have some great advice on how to handle a stressed-out animal.
With the veterinarian “go” you should be ready to proceed to the actual moving. So, what should you do on the move day to make your pet feel safe and sound, and also prevent him or her from intervening and disrupting the move, by accident or otherwise?
On the move day
So, the move day has arrived! This will be the most stressful part for both you and your pet. Even with the changes in their daily schedule, you can’t really prepare them for this. So how will they react when you get all the stuff to the truck or storage? When there are strangers from moving company in the house packing up? Well, depends, on your actions and of what animal is in question. Turtles, hamsters, and fishes will see that something is going on but expect if they are confronted with the changes to their immediate environment they should be just fine.
Cats, dogs, and parrots, on the other hand, have to be removed from all the scene. Cats and dogs, in particular, are heavily invested in the current shape and feel of the house/apartment. You should take that into consideration. To avoid unnecessary stress, maybe you should consider moving them early, having them in a carry-cage (smaller dogs and cats), have a friend take them over or simply save their room for last. Anything to remove them from the fuss of what’s happening. This is also good as it helps the movers do their job.
Transportation
The best way to transport your pets is with you. Planes, even though, feasible, should be avoided. Car is the best option. When you count in the moving quotes and rates we are sure that you would likely want to avoid any more unnecessary spending, and fuel isn’t cheap, but in local moves moving with your car is completely legitimate. Having a pet with you will significantly decrease their stress.
10 tips?
When you finally move, be sure to reintroduce much of old possessions to your apartment as fast as possible. When you do introduce your pets to their new home, be careful. Go slow and stay with them. Cats, in particular, are known to get lost and very upset. Make sure to be by their side. You moved, and they moved, but you didn’t go anywhere, and they need to know that. This would be a great opportunity to spoil them a little bit with treats!
So what are our 10 tips?
- Go to the vet – before moving with pets be sure that they are in perfect health! Moving is problematic as it eas, but it can also turn out to be dangerous for them if they are not healthy. Take good care.
- Check if the new location is pet-friendly – this will help you plan activities.
- Slowly change their routine – to get them used to changes.
- Keep them away from the packing activities and moving – to prevent them from stressing out or interrupting.
- Use cars if possible – and have them with you.
- Don’t let them out of the cage before you arrive – you don’t want for your pets to get lost or refuse to go back in.
- Slowly introduce them to a new home – be with them every step of the way.
- Treat them – to congratulate them on how they handled it.
- Take them to meet the neighborhood – in case of dogs especially.
- Another trip to the vet – for a checkup!
In conclusion
All relocations are complicated and you might get overwhelmed. But, with the proper advice and help, you will manage to finish all tasks successfully. All you have to do is follow our tips on moving with pets and everything will be just fine!
