Make Sure Your Pets Are Ready to Move with these Tips

If you’ve ever moved before or are in the process of making a move; you likely know how stressful it can be to keep track of everything. From kitchenware and furnishings to clothes, office equipment and other personal belongings and small items, it can be quite the handful. If you or your family are pet owners, then you should consider taking some extra steps to ensure that your pet makes it to your new destination safely and with as little stress as possible.

Moving locations can have a significant impact on your pet physically and emotionally. For example; dogs tend to be creatures of routine, and moving to a new home in a new environment can be shattering to some of those habits; causing stress, confusion and fear. If you are moving for work or are making a significant change to your living style, your pet(s) may also feel challenged by the change in lifestyle and can also become disoriented. With some pets, moving may not be significant or a big deal at all.

 

Different Animals May Respond Differently, and Many Require Unique Care

Different pets can have very different needs when it comes to remaining healthy. For example; cats and fish require immensely different care for their survival. Taking these factors into consideration, and planning things in advance can help minimize the amount of stress that your pet takes on during the moving process.

Here are some things you can do to move your pets to your new location successfully:

 

• Contact your vet to let them know that you are moving. Do some research to find a vet you trust in your new neighborhood, if your old vet will be too far away.

 

• Try to keep your pets away from the hustle and bustle of moving. In addition to many animals being easily stressed by such events, they can sometimes get in the way and make moving items difficult or dangerous. Try to find a quiet space for your pet to hang out in or, in the event of caged pets or fish, try to find a different place to handle the bulk of your moving.

 

• Update your pet’s ID tags if needed. If you are changing phone numbers due to your move, be sure to update any collar tags to reflect this. Additionally, if your pet is fitted with a tracking chip make sure that the attached address and contact information is up to date.

 

• If moving your pet by plane, invest in a good carrier and do your research. Make sure that any required reservations are made well in advance. Do not feed your pet more than five hours in advance of the flight, and make sure they have a drink a couple of hours before takeoff.

 

• If moving your pet by car, prepare them for car travel and stock up on supplies. If your pet is not acclimated to travelling in a car, or if your pet struggles with riding in the car, start taking them for small trips in the car well in advance to try and let them adjust to the situation. You may also want to consider asking your vet about tranquilizers to help your pet relax. Make sure to plan stops to allow your pet to eat, drink, go to the bathroom or move around as needed.

 

Involving pets in a move can be a challenge, but with a bit of planning ahead and being mindful of your pet’s state of mind and personality, it can be done successfully with ease while also ensuring that your pet remains happy and healthy.

If you’re in need of a reliable moving service to help make your upcoming move happen, our team is one of the most experienced in the West Palm Beach area. With over 95 years of moving experience, you can count on us to get the job done quickly and effectively. No matter what you are moving – pets included – we have the expertise and network to make it happen!

Talk to us today to get started!