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Let’s face it, moving is stressful as it is. And when you are moving with animals, the entire process can even get more complicated, especially if you don’t have a plan in place for their relocation.
As a matter of fact, as a serious and caring pet owner, you should plan ahead for these important family members so they will have their own place on moving day. Don’t forget pets usually take comfort in routines, so the whole moving experience may be quite a shake-up for them. Luckily, we have several tips for you on moving with pets which can make the upheaval of moving a smoother experience for your little friends.
Whether you’re moving long-distance or only relocating to the next city, these helpful tips will enable you to plan and make the transition easier for everyone.
In the meantime, if you are looking for reliable moving services in New York, feel free to reach out to us after reading the article.
Tips for moving with pets
Familiarize your pets with packing boxes and supplies
The sight of oversized packing boxes all over the house may agitate your pets, so getting them used to having supplies and boxes around is vital. Start packing early, approximately several weeks before the actual move, with less commonly used items. They will be curious at first, but after getting used to it, they won’t care.
Conditioning them way ahead can prevent them from attacking the boxes or becoming overly nervous just before moving day.
Keep a place secluded just for them
Boxes, furniture, and clothes everywhere in the house can turn even the cleanest home into a chaotic scene.
Still, try and keep at least a small place where your pets can retreat from the mountain of clutter. When moving with animals, some experts also recommend having your pet taken care of by family members, friends, or a trusted kennel for a few days before the actual move.
This can prevent things from getting out of hand and eliminate unnecessary stress for your furry friend and you.
Don’t change your routine with your pets
Most pets, especially cats and dogs, love routines. As creatures of habit, they will become more anxious about schedule changes.
Often, it can be tempting to skip daily routines with your pets while organizing a move, but these small things can go a long way in saving you energy and your nerves.
As such, ensure to feed them at the same time, and don’t skip playtime and regular walks.
Keep the pets entertained
Even though you will be very busy, you must exercise and entertain your pets during this pre-move period. It’s an excellent way for you to burn off some of that anxious energy.
If your schedule is fully cramped, you can always ask a trusted friend to visit your little friend for a playdate. Taking advantage of dog walking services is also a great idea when you’re moving with multiple pets.
Consult your vet
One of the best tips for moving with pets is to schedule an appointment with your vet. These are probably the most knowledgeable people when it comes to helping pets manage stressful situations. Ask them about reducing your pet’s stress levels.
Also, while there, book a visit with your pet to:
- Check your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date
- Ensure that your pet is healthy
- Chat more about possible stress-reduction strategies
- Request a copy of your little friend’s medical records and files
Familiarize yourself with the pet laws of the new area you’re moving to
Make sure to inform yourself about leash laws and everything else beforehand. Also, update your pet’s tag or microchip before the move.
Secure your pets during the moving process
Chances are, a lot of doors will be left open on moving day, and there will be a lot of “traffic” in your home. Do your best to keep your pet secure, so they don’t run away because they are confused or scared. If you can, keep them in a quiet room or have them stay at a kennel until the work’s done.
If you’re moving with pets long-distance, make sure that they travel safely and conveniently
Get a crate or carrier that’s secured by a seatbelt in the backseat when moving with animals. Ensure that the belts are fastened and that there are no loose objects in the vehicle that could harm the pet. To reduce your furry friend’s stress levels, you can always put a blanket on the crate, so they receive less visual stimulation.
It’s also important to have a separate bag for your pet with all their necessities packed. Blankets, disposable plastic bags, treats, foods, and favorite toys are all essential.
Introduce your pet to the new place
Adjusting to the new environment may take a bit longer when moving with animals, but if you slowly introduce them to the new space and eventually walk them through the new place, you are on the right track to get them adjusted quicker. Still, it will take some time for them to familiarize themselves with everything, but if you keep your pet routine the same and give your pet lots of positive attention, they will get used to the new home in no time.
Tips for moving with different kinds of pets
Most of the tips above will work fine with dogs and cats, but some of us will be moving with multiple pets and different types of animals that may need special attention.
Moving with fish: A smaller number of them can be transported in plastic bags filled half with water and air. Larger plastic containers are better for a more significant number of fish, and you can always use portable aerators if you are moving long-distance.
Moving with hamsters or guinea pigs: They will do well in their containers or cages; just ensure that nothing will knock them over during the journey.
Moving with birds: Cover their cage to reduce visual stimulation and block out unwanted drafts. If you are moving to a different state, you might also need a health certificate for your feathery friend.
Moving with reptiles: They will usually require moist surroundings, so putting a damp cloth in the container can keep them happy. If you are moving with snakes, put them in a well-insulated container and use two sturdy boxes if you are transporting venomous snakes. Lastly, do your research on any state regulations regarding your reptile pets to be on the safe side.
Make moving easier
While moving with your beloved pets can make the already stressful relocation process even more overwhelming, planning ahead can benefit you greatly in the long run. And if you are looking for professional movers to handle the lion’s share of the moving process, you can always reach out to us.
