Moving can be a stressful experience not just for people, but for pets as well. To ensure a smooth transition for your furry, feathered, or scaly friends, careful planning and consideration are needed. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help pet owners move with their pets stress-free:
1. Visit the Vet: Before your move, schedule a visit to the vet. This visit is crucial for a couple of reasons: to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel, to update any necessary vaccinations, and to obtain a health certificate if you’re moving interstate or internationally. This is also a good opportunity to discuss sedation options if your pet does not travel well.
2. Update Identification: Make sure your pet’s tags and microchip information are updated with your new address and contact details. This is essential in case your pet escapes or gets lost during the move.
3. Pack a Pet Essentials Bag: Just like humans, pets need an essentials bag that includes food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication, and favourite toys or blankets. This will ensure they have everything they need during the first few days when the rest of your belongings are still packed.
4. Keep Pets Away from the Action: During the actual moving process, keep pets in a quiet, secure area away from the chaos. This could be a closed bathroom, a crate, or even boarded at a kennel for the day. The goal is to keep them stress-free and safe from open doors and moving people.
5. Transportation: Whether you’re moving by car or plane, make sure your pet is comfortable. For car trips, secure them in a crate or with a seatbelt harness for their safety. For air travel, check with the airline for specific pet regulations and prepare an approved carrier. Always provide access to water and avoid feeding them heavy meals before traveling to prevent nausea.
6. Settling In: Once at the new home, set up a familiar space for your pet as soon as you arrive with their favourite bed, toys, and other familiar items. This can help them feel more at home and ease their anxiety. Keep them on a routine as much as possible to help them adjust.
7. Explore the Neighbourhood: Once settled, help your pet acclimate to the new environment by taking them on walks around the neighbourhood. This helps them get used to new sights, smells, and sounds in a controlled manner.
8. Watch for Escape Attempts: Pets often try to return to their old home or may try to escape when disoriented. Ensure your new home is secure and keep a close eye on your pet during the first few weeks.
By following these steps, you can minimize the stress of moving on your pets and help them adjust more quickly to their new home.
