Moving is a time consuming and often stressful process. It takes a lot of time and energy to move from one place to another. If moving is strenuous for humans, it definitely takes a toll on your furry little friends too. Making sure that you minimise the impact of moving on your pet is important.
Here are tips to consider when moving with your pets:
1. Pack well in advance
When moving with pets, packing at the last minute is a big no. You need to make sure that you pack well in advance so that you aren’t scrambling to get your belongings together. Not only will this stress you, but it will stress your pet as well. So to keep stress levels down to a minimum, packing early and being organised by giving some items away as well as clearly labelling boxes will make moving easier.
2. Make sure you go to the vet
If you are moving to a different neighborhood or town, you should contact your vet. Get your pet’s medical records so that your new vet can be updated with your pet’s health. Your current vet may also be able to give you a recommendation for a new vet in the area you’re moving to.
3. Make sure your pet is far from the noise that moving furniture causes
The movers are here and it’s time to move furniture and other items out of the house. Your pet should be in a crate in a quiet area so that they aren’t distressed by the number of people in the house as well as the sounds of moving furniture. Remember, pets are usually smaller than humans, so everything they experience is amplified.
4. Consider taking your pet to a pet hotel for overnight boarding
If your finances allow, you should consider taking your pet for overnight boarding until you move and have packed all your furniture and items in their appropriate place. This will allow your pet to settle into a new home that doesn’t require a lot of rearranging, which can be quite stressful to animals.
5. Move your pet in a pet travel crate
If you choose not to board your pet overnight, then you’ll have to move your pet in your cat. Pets should always be moved in a pet travel crate. Make sure that the crate is in the backseat and fastened with a seat belt. To reduce your pet’s anxiety and motion sickness, you can choose to put a blanket over the crate.
6. Don’t let your pet out until it’s safe to do so
Once you arrive at your new home, you shouldn’t let your pet out immediately. You may feel like your pet is flustered in their crate and needs some fresh air and freedom, but letting them out is dangerous as your pet could run away and get lost. Only let your pet out when you’re indoors. It’s also important to close all windows or spaces where your pet could escape.
7. Keep your pet in a quiet area until you’ve arranged your home
Rearrange your home before letting your pet outside of the crate. You can put the crate in the garden as you arrange your space and when you’re done, introduce your pet to its new home.
8. Give your pet their favourite toy or an item they’re familiar with
To help your furry friend settle in, give them their favourite toy or an item they’re familiar with, like a blanket.
9. Update tags and microchip information
This is arguably one of the most important points on the list. Your pet’s tag and microchip information should be updated as soon as possible after you move.
Make sure you follow the points above to make moving as smooth as possible for your pet.