Things to do When Moving with Pets

Mon, May 10, 2021 9:03 PM

Long Distance Moving

Moving is a stressful experience for everyone, including our four-legged companions. Moving a pet, whether it's across town or across the world, can be stressful and even cause behavioral problems.
However, there are a few easy things you can do to help your four-legged friend relax. To make the move easier for you and your pets, use these expert-approved tips.

 

Things you need to prepare

 

Follow the Requirements

You’ll probably need specific documents for travel, especially if you’re crossing state lines or flying with your pet. A certificate of veterinary inspection is often required when you move to a new state; some counties and states even require a quarantine. 

Also Read: Moving Laws to Be Aware Of When Relocating

Visit the Vet

Request a copy of your pet's medical history. Also, inquire about motion sickness prevention or sedatives, prescription refills, vaccine updates, and a veterinarian referral in your new place.

Make It Easy For Them To Accept The Idea

Put a blanket or food inside and leave the door open to get cats used to being in a carrier and dogs used to being in a crate. Shut the door until your pet has become used to entering. Quick drives with your pet are recommended, with each ride associating something good, such as playtime or a treat. Also, keep all packed boxes in one location and keep as much of the house as usual as possible for as long as possible.

Notify and Update

Notify your pet insurance provider of your plans to relocate and the date when your policy will be moved to your new place. If your pet is microchipped, contact the company or update your information on the company's website. If your pet doesn't have a chip yet, this is an excellent time to think about getting one, as pets may become separated from their owners during the confusion of moving.

 

Things to do While Moving

 

Keep them away

Consider boarding nervous pets or holding them in a safe, enclosed space, such as the bathroom, on moving day. Cats and other small animals should be kept in carriers with rough sides, while dogs should be kept in one room or in the backyard. Pets should still be locked in the back seat when you're about to go, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Make them comfortable

Bring treats, water, a pet first-aid kit, a disposable litter box or pet sheets, and towels for your pet. In the car, keep a close eye on their actions. For the first few hours, cover the carrier with a sheet; remove it once your pet has become more comfortable. Stop every three to six hours to let your pet out of the car, use the restroom, and provide them with water. "A tired, well-behaved pet is an exercised pet." If you need to stay somewhere overnight, make a reservation at a pet-friendly hotel.

 

 

Things to do Once you're at your new home

 

Look for hazards

Perform a sweep before allowing your dog and cat into their new home to ensure that doors close and lock easily, that exposed wires are not exposed, and that there are no potential hiding places for cats.

Familiarize them with the place

Make the new location feel a bit like their old one to help your pet adjust. Place their favorite items, such as bowls, litter boxes, and scratching posts, in the places they're used to. Make a special bed for them with their old (unwashed) blankets. They can relax and feel more at ease in their new surroundings because of the familiar smells.

Instruct and Explore

Place a litter box on each floor of a multistory home for cats, and show them where it is. If there are any rooms that dogs are not permitted to enter, begin training them right away by making them sit and wait outside the door. Spend extra time on walks to help dogs adjust to their new surroundings. Both pets will need some acclimatization time. Most people can do it well, but patience is needed, particularly with young and older pets.

 

 

 

• #Residential Moving