Moving With Pets

Posted by Hughes Group Blog Team on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 11:42 AM By Hughes Group Blog Team / December 9, 2013 Comment

Moving With Pets Moving isn't only stressful on you, but it's just as stressful for your pets. Whether you're moving with cats or dogs, here's some tips to make the transition into your new home as smooth as possible -- on both of you.

Pets have an instinctive fear of new places, which makes a quick adjustment necessary. If you want to keep your pets as happy as possible, it involves plenty of pre planning, which begins the moment you know you're going to move. If you're moving a significant distance, you'll likely need a pet handling agency, which can handle all the details involving boarding, pick up and delivery. If you won't be using a pet handling agency, it's important to play it safe in the car. It's best if your dog remains in a crate during travel time, or a restraining harness. If you're moving with a cat, it's always a good idea for your safety and theirs to use a well ventilated carrier.

To help your pets adjust to being in the carrier, give them time to get used to it before the big move. Leave treats or meals inside the carrier and allow the pet to go in and out over the course of a few days. As your pet becomes more comfortable with the carrier, shut the door for brief amounts of time. You can even take a short drive to get them used to traveling. In the meantime, a call to the veterinarian is in order.

Moving With Pets When you move far away enough to need a new veterinarian, you'll want to ask for a current copy of your pet's vaccinations. You may also want to nab a copy of their medical history, but it's likely these records can be sent directly to your new medical care provider via fax. It may also be a good idea to get your pet any additional vaccinations, medicines or health certificates before you pack up and leave. If you don't already have your current vet's phone number handy, be sure and obtain it in case of an emergency, or to give to your new veterinarian once you move if they need more information.

When you arrive to your new home, one of the first things on your to do list is to find a new veterinarian, and find where the nearest emergency hospital is. A search online can help, or you can talk to other pet owners in the community. Research the new vet and ask yourself a few questions: Are the doctors, receptionists, assistants and technicians helpful, friendly and knowledgeable? What kind of services do they offer, and are they located in a convenient spot with good hours?

Get your pet's tags updated. Before you officially change addresses, make sure your pet has a good, sturdy collar with a tag that is fully updated with your destination address on it along with your current phone number.

As you pack up your house, the longer and more gradual the process, the less traumatizing it will be on your pet, particularly your cat. You can bring some boxes in ahead of time and let your cat familiarize itself with them and get adjusted to having them around. And as you're packing, leave your furry companions in the room you plan to pack last so they have a place to retreat.

Introduce your pet to your new home slowly. Place your dog or cat's food bowl and water in one room, and slowly open up other rooms as they become more comfortable with their new surroundings. The most important thing is to keep your pet shielded from chaos. Your pet will likely feel vulnerable on the big moving day, and will experience some of the same emotions you do. Pets also need to become used to the change in surroundings, including new and strange noises, new water, and even new weather. It might take a little time for your pet to adjust to the changes, but they will become content and settle down.

Moving With Pets As your dog or cat adjusts, they'll need to learn that this is their new home. Your pet might need to be confined during this time period, particularly your cat, which could wander off and try to return to its previous home. A cat may need to be confined for several weeks to avoid this. If you want to speed up this period of adjustment, use all your pet's familiar items, such as food and water dish, toys, blankets and bedding. Try to stick to already established walking and feeding routines if possible.