Whether it’s a dog or a cat (sorry, we don’t have much experience with alligators and horses), moving can be a confusing time for them and put extra stress on yourself. However, moving with pets doesn’t need to be more difficult, and it can actually make things better!
After all, few things get worse with a furry best friend!
1. Talk To Your Vet
If you’ve made the decision to move, or have gone even further and found your dream home, you should talk to your vet about a few things:
- Make sure all your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Request copies of medical files and records.
- Ask about additional stress-reducing tactics for your pets
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your current vet if they have any recommendations for a new one, wherever you might be moving.
2. Start Packing Early
We all know cats love boxes, but dogs can get a little curious too! All it takes is a little curious nose tap to topple a box full of breakable things.
If you start packing a few things early, it will help your pet get used to the boxes. This means much less chance of a small disaster striking on moving day!
3. Create A Space For Them
When arriving at your new home, the first thing you should do is set up a comfortable space for your pet. You don’t want them running out the door or anyone tripping over them while carrying a couch!
Be sure to pick a spot that isn’t too secluded, as you don’t want them to feel alone in a new place. Always take a few minutes to visit them too!
4. Prepare An Overnight Bag
It’s going to take a few days to get everything unpacked and where it should be (you should also stop and enjoy your new home for a few hours!). So, prepare an easily accessible overnight kit with toys, food, grooming tools, and anything else your pet might need for the first few days.
Check Out Another Blog: Georgian Bay Real-Estate: Unmissable Dream Homes!
5. Keep Them Secure
Just because you can let your pet wander around outside where you live now, doesn’t mean it will act the same way in a new place!
Change can make animal behaviours erratic. It might run and get lost or dart into the street because it isn’t familiar with its surroundings. Always keep a closer eye on them when you first move in.
6. Get Them Ready To Crate
If it’s going to be a long car ride, they might need to be crated. If this is the case, it’s best to get them used to it as soon as possible!
Feed them meals inside their crate, carry them around in it, and give them treats and some playtime after they spend some time inside. They’ll soon realize it’s not a punishment, nothing to be scared of, and makes moving with pets a lot smoother!
7. Pet-Proofing
Finally, make sure your new place is pet friendly by tucking away electrical cords, covering any small holes they might squeeze into, making sure all windows have screens, and ensuring no pest-control traps have been left anywhere in the house.
