Things To Do When Moving With Pets.
Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience for you, your family, and your pets. With everything that you need to accomplish in a limited time, it’s quite easy to forget that you also need to do some extra steps to prepare your furry friends for pet relocation. It is important to note that pets are very sensitive to the changes in their environment and they can pick up on the stress that you and your family are feeling as you try to tick some items from your to-do list.
Here are some of the common tips that you can follow to lessen the stress on your pets as you prepare for the move whether you’re hiring professional removalists or you’re opting for a DIY move:
Check the neighbourhood
If you’re moving pets interstate with you, consider checking the neighbourhood you’re moving into. When possible, avoid neighbourhoods that will put your pet’s safety at risk. Check for natural predators that may harm your furry friends and look for pet-friendly facilities within the neighbourhood such as off-leash dog parks, dog-friendly cafes, and restaurants.
Documentation
Once you have decided on a moving date, remember to visit your trusted vet and ask for your pet’s records. If you’re moving to a new city or state, ask if they can recommend a new vet in your new neighbourhood. If your pet is on medication, take prescription medication good enough to last a few weeks. This way, you won’t have to rush to find the medication as you settle in or until you find a new vet.
Pack an overnight bag
When you pack an overnight bag for you and your family, pack another one for your pets as well. The bag must contain everything your pet needs; enough food, cat litter (if applicable), grooming tools, and your pet’s favourite toys. Preparing this in advance will ensure that you will have the things you need to keep your pets comfortable as you unpack and arrange your belongings and furniture.
Keep pets in a quiet room
During the moving day, keep your pets in a separate room and away from all the action. Seeing many people moving around may be stressful for them. If this is not an option for you, you may ask friends or relatives to look after them for the day or leave them in a kennel so you can work without worrying about them. Another option is to leave them inside a car with food and water, so you can empty them without risking their safety or well-being. Be sure to check on them regularly and stick to your routine to help them adjust.
Travel in the same vehicle
When possible, it is best to take your furry friends in your vehicle when you move. You can put them in a carrier or kennel to keep them from moving around too much. Although it limits their movements, travelling to the new location will be less stressful for them if they are with you. To lessen the impact of the change in environment, you may place a blanket over their carriers, and use a calming travel spray.
Keep them in their carrier until you arrive in your new residence
As mentioned above, sudden changes in the environment may confuse your pets. Hence, it is highly recommended that you don’t let them out until you arrive in your new home. When possible, assign a room in your new home where your pet can be at peace as they adjust to the new environment. No matter how tempting, do not let them out of the home or the room immediately.
If your situation allows you to finish up moving and arranging the majority of the belongings and furniture before letting your pets out. This way, it will be easier for your pets to adjust to their new environment. Make sure you have things handy that remind them of home as soon as you arrive like their favourite bed, blanket or cushion.
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