Moving your furry family member from one environment to an entirely different one can be exceptionally stressful on your pet. Animals are creatures of habit and they don’t like any kind of change, especially when it pertains to their living space. As a result, you’ll likely see your pet acting differently as moving day approaches and well up until you’re settled in your new humble abode. So, it’s important to make the move as easy as possible for your furry companion. So, whether you have a hamster, bird, cat, dog, fish or reptile, you’ve come to the right place to find all the tips you need to make the move easier on them.
Prepare an Overnight Bag
As odd as it may feel to pack an overnight bag for your family pet, it’s important that you never skip this tip. There’s nothing worse than an animal that is not only stressed but also hungry, bored, uncomfortable, and thirsty. So, place some food and water in portable containers, clean the cage, fluff their bedding, and give your pet some love throughout the day. This will keep them comfortable during the move and you won’t have to rush to unpack a bunch of boxes once you arrive at your new home, as you’ll have everything your pet needs to survive the first night.
Grab Some Natural Relaxing Treats
Head on over to the pet store and grab some treats that taste as good as they make your pet feel. There is a plethora of natural treats that have a calming effect on animals. So, take advantage of them during times of high-stress, because they’re completely natural, effective, and affordable, and they’ll put your pet at ease.
Schedule A Babysitter for Your Pets
As your pet starts to see you packing up all of your belongings, their stress will spike. So, if you’re able to hire a pet-sitter or book a day at a doggie daycare, this is the best option. While your pet may be a little shocked when you pick them up and take them to a different house, they won’t have to struggle through the entire moving day.
Create A Quiet Spac
If you can’t remove your pet from the home prior to the move, keep them in the quietest area possible. This is not only for their safety but for yours as well. A panicked dog cowering in between your legs as you’re carrying heavy furniture can be quite dangerous. So, clear a room for your animal that’s as far away from the commotion as possible. Toss in some toys, give them food and water, and don’t forget to check in on them from time to time.
Practice Safety First During the Drive
It’s amazing what you can buy for animals nowadays. The safety equipment available for pets who travel is completely revolutionary. You can now get seatbelts for cats, dogs, and even styles that strap in crates and cages. So, take a trip to your local pet store or shop online to find some equipment that will make the move safe and comfortable for your furry companion.
Additionally, you should never move your pet to your new home in anything other than your own vehicle. Moving trucks aren’t able to transport animals. So, never rely on them to do so, as it is illegal, dangerous and stressful for the animal.
Do Some Research
Some pets travel better than others. Some animals will become stressed and needy during a move, whereas others will become traumatized, which can even be fatal in worst case scenarios. So, always conduct thorough research on the specific animal you’re traveling with.
Fish require special treatment during a move, guinea pigs are susceptible to complicated heart problems from being jostled around, and birds can become very jittery about change. Cats and dogs may also react entirely different to a move, depending on their breed. So, get that research in to ensure a safe move for your pet.
Lastly, be aware of any pet regulations that pertain to moving your pet. If you’re doing a long-distance move, it’s important that you know the requirements and rules associated with crossing state borders with an animal. Otherwise, all you need is your pet’s birth certificates and vet records in the front seat and you’re ready to move.
