Moving homes can be an exciting but challenging experience. When you add your pets to the mix, you face a new world of possibilities and challenges. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the process. Let’s explore a few tips and tricks that will guarantee a smooth move for you and a stress-free transition for your furry family members.
Organization – Before, During, and After Move-in Day
One crucial characteristic of a successful move is organization. By taking a few extra steps to plan ahead and stay organized, you’ll overcome any obstacle that comes your way during the move.
Consider what accommodations you may need for your pet throughout the moving process, and make them happen! Can my pet handle travel? Will I need to stay in a pet-accommodating hotel? Is my new community pet-friendly? Should I consider a pet sitter for moving day? These are good questions you should ask yourself to determine what accommodations will be needed.
If your furry family member will participate in moving day, pack emergency food, water, treats, medications, and other essentials to have on hand. Packing their items last and unpacking them first in your new living space may also be beneficial. Doing this eliminates the stress of being unable to access necessary items and lets your pet get settled as soon as possible.
Finally, make sure your new home is pet-proof! It is essential to make this space comfortable for you and your furry family.
Normalcy and Routine
When moving to a new space, routine is vital for humans and pets alike. Breaking your pet’s daily routine contributes to stress on your animal. Make sure to continue feeding your pooch at a regular time and participate in daily walks and playtime. By preserving these simple everyday tasks, your pet will enjoy normalcy, and the process of moving will cause them less stress.
Sometimes, we cannot help major routine changes when they’re happening to us as well, so if you cannot avoid them, that’s okay! Try integrating these changes early in the moving process to prepare your pet for their new lifestyle. Keep a familiar and comfortable, safe space for relaxation.
Give your pet extra patience and love during this hectic time. They’ll appreciate your care and be excited to see their new home!
Update Your Records
Before moving to your place, don’t forget to update your furry companion’s collar with your new address and contact information. This will ensure a safe and easy solution in case your furry friend decides to explore their new neighborhood!
Before moving day, schedule a visit with your current vet to ensure your pet is up to date on all shots. Have your care provider check your pet’s microchip in case of emergency. If your furry companion suffers from stress, your vet could offer advice or suggest stress medications or great stress-management tactics for a different approach.
If you are moving to a new community, take the time to find a veterinarian who will best suit your pet’s needs and personality. Ensure your current veterinarian sends copies of your pet’s medical records to any necessary recipient.
Ensuring Safety for Everyone on Move Day
If your pet is still home when move day comes, the hustle and bustle of movers coming in and out can be overwhelming for most pets. To prevent any accidents, it’s crucial to secure your furry friend in a safe and comfortable space. You could keep them in their crate/kennel or set up a separate room that your movers won’t need to go into. To keep your pet occupied, ensure the space has their favorite toys. treats, or other comfort items. This not only keeps your furry friend safe but also allows the movers to do their job without having to worry about your pet getting underfoot or running out the door.
Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, following these quick tips will surely make moving with your four-legged counterpart a breeze. You and your pet can finally settle into your new place!
