With all the moving details to keep up with, consider having a plan in place to move your pet out of his old home and settled into a new home. Moving is overwhelming and traumatic for both the owner and pets, making it even more important to have a plan for moving your pet. Moving changes their entire world.
Ask a Realtor, and they will tell you they only hear the pet moving horror stories and never the ones that were smooth. Most of the stories were from the “just wing it” home buyers where the moving required traveling with four legged family members. Moving your household ranks as one of the most stressful and traumatic events for homeowners. Not having a Pet Moving Plan will increase your stress when the time comes and who needs more stress?
Consider that the stress of moving could be far greater for your household pet since most of their life is inside of your home. Moving changes their entire world!
Here are some simple strategies that can make the event easier on your pets, your family and yourself.
// First, do some homework and pick a new local vet by your new home. The new local vet can explain any local (city or county) pet registration requirements. Get your current veterinarian to make you a full copy of your pet’s medical history to take with you and have them fax a copy to the new vet. Perfect time to make sure all shots are current. Enter the new vets phone number into your cell phone. If you pet has an ID implant, remember to update the contact information.
// Make sure your household pet is wearing up to date identification and required license tags in case they get lost. Is your disconnected old phone number on the tag? Old home address? Most chain pet stores have ID vending machines where you can make a new tag with your most current information.
// Pets know when changes are occurring and may become nervous and act differently. Keep them close and controlled as stress may cause them to misbehave or run off. For your sanity and theirs, why not enlist the services of a petcare provide or board them during the hectic moving days.
// When you move, take along a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate. The health certificate, signed by your veterinarian, says your pet is in good condition. The rabies certificate states when and where your pet was vaccinated.
// Make travel arrangements for your pets. If your move involves air travel, contact the airline carriers well in advance. Learn their pet regulations and make reservations. Choose nonstop flights to avoid extra handling, climate and air-pressure changes.
// Maintain your pet’s regular routine as much as possible. Keep your pets schedule, such as feedings and walks, as normal as possible the week before moving. Dogs and cats need to feel in control and might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.
// Consider making a ‘pet room’ in your home a few days before you move from your old home. Make a door sign saying “Pets: Do Not Open” for friends and movers. Move food, toys, and items with familiar smells into the room along with the pet crates or carriers. Leave the crate door open so your pet will adapt before travel day. On your moving day if you are not boarding your pet, keep it in the crate or carrier. As an alternative, consider hiring a pet care provider to help with your pet.
// If you are driving, keep your cat or dog in a carrier. Plan to stop often enough to give dogs some fresh air and use a leash. Maintain a comfortable car temperature and don’t leave animals alone in a car on a hot day, remember they are like children and can overheat quickly.
Putting a Pet Moving Plan in place will help ease the transition, help you keep your sanity, and minimize the disruption.
Plan now and make your move a pawsitive experience for everyone!
