Moving is always a stressful time for everyone involved. From your kids to yourself, moving is one of those things a lot of people dread. But what many people fail to realise is that moving can be even more stressful for your pets. Moving your pets need careful consideration as your pets, unlike humans, cannot comprehend the concept of moving. And a house full of boxes, movers and general chaos will do nothing to help an insecure pet.
But do not despair; there are a few things you can do to make the whole process of moving easier on your pet.
The first thing you should do is visit a veterinarian a few weeks before the move. This is important for older or sickly pets that may not be able to survive a change of location. Ask your vet if your pets can stand the move and if they require any additional vaccinations.
Another important thing to consider before you move is your pet identification tags. Make sure that your pet identification tags are updated with your new address and telephone number. A move is generally hard on a pet, so a pet identification tag is important in case your pet escapes and cannot find its way home. Pets may escape out of stress and go missing, which can only add more stress and complications to the move. The last thing you want is a lost pet while in the middle of a move.
Another tip when moving your pet is to place all your pet’s possessions in a clearly marked box. This allows you to immediately set up for your pet the minute you arrive at your new home and get your pet settled. Set up all the necessities your pet will need when you are on the road as well. The drive alone could unsettle your pet, so be prepared.
Now is also not a good time to make any dietary changes or disrupt normal medication for your pet as it will probably already be experiencing enough physical and psychological stress as it is.
Once you arrive at your home, wait until the initial chaos related to unloading and getting settled has passed before introducing your pet to the new home. An idea would be to rent a pet friendly motel in the area or use a local kennel to keep your pet out of the moving madness. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle for long periods of time because the temperature conditions will further stress your pet out.
Once the chaos has passed let your pet explore the new house. Keep an eye on your dogs or cats as they may feel the need to mark their new territory or explore empty boxes. If you have a secured, fenced yard let your pet explore it or take them for a walk around the block to explore the area. Also, assess the area for any outdoor dangers. The best way to reduce further stress on your pets is to get them into their usual routine as soon as possible.
Now is the time to familiarise yourself with the laws of the community. Again, ensure that your pet can be identified with a pet identification tag. There may be strict rules in your new area regarding stray animals, so make sure your pet can be identified should it stray too far from home. You should also look into a few local vets and pet services like grooming, pet sitting and health care services.
Lastly, birds and fish need more care when moving. Search online for extensive advice on these pets when moving. A change in climate can be very stressful for pets, especially birds. Make sure you plan for the safety and security of your pet when you are moving to make it as stress free as possible.
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This article was written for Pet Tags and offers advice on moving to a new home with a pet. Update your pet identification tag with your new address and phone number at
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