You feel both excited and stressed before a move because you know what kind of transition lies ahead of you. You know you’ll get to explore a new location and meet new people. However, though your pet might sense a looming transition, it probably won’t understand the change or know how to handle it. After all, your pet doesn’t understand words. It just sees all your belongings vanish into boxes.
Your pet is one of your family members, so it deserves some extra TLC during this stressful time. Prepare your furry friend for the move by following the steps below.
1. Schedule a Checkup With a Veterinarian
Pets feel a lot more stress during relocation’s than you do. As a result,your pet has a heightened chance of developing a health problem. Make sure you take your pet to the vet before you travel, if not before you start cleaning and packing. Your vet can then resolve any health issues before your relocation.
Additionally,depending on the state you move to, you might have to transfer your pet’s health records. Make sure you take care of this extra step. You might even want to do this task even if your new state doesn’t require it, especially if your furry companion has a history of health issues. You’ll make it easier for the new vet to keep your pet healthy.
2. Find a Carrier That Can Comfortably Accommodate Your Pet
Your pet shouldn’t just fit in the carrier. It should have the ability to easily turn all the way around, as well as sit up straight. Additionally, your pet should have the ability to move around freely even when it has a bed and other comfort items inside.
Once you’ve found your carrier, give your pet time to get used to the enclosure before the move. Place comfort items inside. Comfort items can include beds, toys, or other items that hold your scent and your pet’s scent. These items transfer the scent to the carrier and help your pet feel more at home. Also, if a pet enters the carrier of its own free will the first few times, it won’t fear the carrier as much afterward.
3. Find a Pet-Friendly Airline If You Fly
Not all airlines give you the option to fly your pets along with you. So,before you book your tickets, call or email the airline to see if it offers pet transportation. Once you’ve found a company that does,make sure you ask for detailed instructions so you know what items and documentation your animal companion needs to fly.
4. Research Convenient Stopping Points Along Your Route If You Drive
Road trips often last longer than flights, especially if you move several states over. So, before you leave, map out your route and pick a few places to get out and let your pets walk around. Even if you have a cat, not a dog, you can still put your cat in a secure harness and let it stretch its legs.
5. Give Your Pet a Quiet Space During Move-Out and Move-In
Your pet shouldn’t have to sit in its carrier in the middle of movers rushing in and out. The extra activity might make your cat, dog, or other furry companion over-stimulated, and that over stimulation may lead to stress. So, keep your animal friend calm by putting it in a quiet room out of the way during move-in and move-out.
6. Spoil Your Pet With Treats, Toys, and Comforts During the Move
You’ll get a new house and a new adventure. Your pet should associate the experience with positive things as well, such as added treats, more affection, and perhaps some new toys. Make sure you give your furry family member more cuddles and playtime during the transition as well.
A happy pet means an easier move. For more tips that’ll make your next relocation smoother than ever, check out our other blog posts.
The Modern Movers moving team in Southwest Florida knows the ins and outs of local, long-distance, commercial, office, piano moves, and much more. You can count on these professional movers in Fort Myers and Bradenton to get you to your new home while keeping stress-free!
