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Preparing to make the move with your furry friends
Moving to a new home is an exciting yet stressful task. There’s a lot of planning and going into the unknown with a lot of uncertainties can be terrifying. The same feeling of anxiety can affect your pets, too. Dogs and cats can sense stress and they can be extremely uncomfortable with all the changes and entering a new environment.
If you’re moving and concerned about your pet’s well-being, here are some tips to follow while you are moving with pets:
1. Check the rules and regulations before moving your pets. Occasionally when you’re moving to a new country or state, you need to bring certificates with you showing that your pet has had the proper inspections and vaccines. Some apartment communities also require this information so having all your vet records on hand is a good idea.
2. Speaking of your vet, when you’re consulting your vet and checking up on all the health records and vaccinations you may also want to ask them for a referral to a new vet near your new home.
3. Make sure your pet is chipped. If the pet is flying, many airlines require they have a chip.
4. Prepare your pets by gradually familiarizing them with their crates. First, place their food inside an open crate. As they get comfortable and over time you can eventually have them eat their meals in the crate with the door shut.
5. Bring in moving boxes early and keep your furry friends in a familiar room you plan to pack up last. Remember that pets aren’t typically big fans of change.
6. Make sure your pet has an identification tag. This is important even if your pet will travel with you. Remember, pets on the move will be confused and even scared and don’t act normally. This means if given the chance they may bolt. Information on the tag should include your pet’s name, your name and full address/phone, and your full destination address and phone. Most states also require dogs and cats to have a rabies tag on their collars.
7. Make sure to pack your pet’s necessities separately. Pack water, food bowls, grooming equipment, litter, medication, and a good supply of your pet’s regular food where you can get to it easily.
8. Pet-proof your new home. Tuck away electrical cords, plug up nooks where your pet could get stuck, make sure that all windows have secure screens. Cats are especially good at finding all sorts of tight spaces to get stuck in and when they’re scared they hide.
9. Keep your dog on a leash when outside – even if you’re at the door. Dogs in unfamiliar places can spook easily and run.
Moving into a new home with your pet is no easy task. But, with the right preparation, you can lessen their anxiety and help them feel safe while moving. Congratulations on your new home. We’re sure that your pets will love it, too!