If you own pets, you’ll know that they’re as much a part of the family as anyone. However, if you’re in the process of relocating, you might have asked yourself the question:
“How do I move with pets?”
Let’s take a look at a few helpful tips for keeping your furry friends safe on your next move!
1. Set Aside Essentials For When You Arrive
During the excitement of moving, you might forget to set aside essentials like food and water for your pet. Or, you might accidentally end up packing all of their food, toys, and other necessities in the moving vehicle with everything else.
If this is the case, it could take hours to find these things.
In order to avoid this, consider packing an emergency box for your pet. This box should have enough food and water to last them a few days while you get settled into your new home, as well as a few toys to help keep them entertained. Keep this box in the vehicle you’re riding in when travelling. This way, it will be easily accessible at all times.
2. Create a “Safe Place”
Most pets thrive on routines – they eat at the same time, walk at the same time, and interact with the same people.
However, during a move, their routine can be completely thrown off. In order to make sure this doesn’t result in any excess anxiety, it’s a good idea to create a safe space for them that’s away from all the action.
For example, you might consider moving their bed, toys, and food to one room of your house while you get to work. Or, if you have a fenced-in yard, you could simply let them outside.
Not only will this provide them with a sense of stability during the chaos of moving, but it will also help keep them out of harm’s way when moving large furniture and other potentially dangerous items.
3. Communicate With Your Vet
Next to your family, your veterinarian knows your pet better than anyone else.
If you’re planning a move, it’s wise to set up a phone call or appointment with your veterinarian to discuss how to best handle your pet during the process.
They might have helpful ideas for keeping your pet calm. If your pet requires any special medication, they can also provide you with a supply that will last you until you find a new supplier.
And finally, if you’re moving to a new city, your current veterinarian might be able to refer you to a colleague. This is extremely helpful because it takes the stress out of finding a new vet that’s right for your pet, and they can seamlessly transfer your pet’s records to the new vet.
4. Check Your New yard Before You Let Them Outside
You might be tempted to let your pet out into the new backyard when you finally arrive at your house. However, first, be sure to check that the yard is secure. For example, make sure there are no cracks in the fence or holes underneath it where they might be able to escape.
The last thing you want is for your pet to escape your yard and start wandering around an unfamiliar neighbourhood.
And that’s it! Follow these tips and you can rest assured knowing your pet will be safe and sound during your next move. For more helpful moving tips, feel free to visit us here!
