A Few Helpful Tips for Moving with Pets
Moving on its own is already a stressful ordeal, going by the amount of preparation alone is going to take up a significant amount of time and effort, and if you think that’s stressful just imagine how stressful it can be for your fuzzy little companion. Pets can easily become anxious, restless, and stressed when they’re introduced to a new environment – it’s not easy and there’s no perfect plan that can make this easier for yourself but here are a few helpful tips when moving with pets.
Contact your vet
It’s important that you keep track of your pet’s health so when moving with pets one of the first things you should do is contact their vet. Go ahead and ask them if you can take any records as well as prescription medication that your pet needs so that you can show them to a new vet closer to your new home. It’s also important to ask if they have any vets they can recommend in the new neighbourhood that you are moving to. Doing so early can help you focus on the more tedious parts of the move plan.
Prepare the essentials
During your house move you’re going to need to pack your pet’s things, their toys, their food, their medicine, etc., and unfortunately, you can’t just keep going back to the box or bag that they’re in to get the one thing you need. It’s best that you keep a handy bag that has everything your pet needs when the move is happening so that you don’t have to search through boxes and bags for food, medicine, litter, etc.
Keep them close
You’re going to want to keep your pets close to make sure they feel safe, especially in their carriers or cages. To avoid stressing them out or making them feel anxious it helps that they are around familiar faces be it family or friends. Most importantly, travel together, keep them in the back seat or the passenger seat, anything to make them feel comfortable. And make sure to move with your pets last, it’ll be easier for both of you.
Don’t let them out yet
Following from the previous tip, you have to make sure they stay in their carriers or cages throughout the move, you wouldn’t want them sprinting off and getting lost somewhere they’re not familiar with. Make sure that you only let them out once you’ve settled into our new home and that those doors are locked.
Don’t forget to update tags
Speaking of losing pets make sure that you’ve updated your pet’s tags with your new address and phone numbers/email addresses even before the big move. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Set up and settle down
If you really want your pets to feel at home in the new place make sure you’re able to set up a room with some familiar elements before you let them out of their cages or carriers. Be it their favourite pillow, their toys, their scratching posts, or whatever else, it’ll help your pets settle into their new environment faster if they have a few familiar things ready and waiting for them.
Boxes, boxes, and more boxes
Borrow from a friend, family, or neighbour, use old boxes that are just lying around at home, or call up the local moving company for possible box delivery services. This one’s less of a tip for moving with pets but moving in general. You probably have a few items for your pets that you might have to move and wouldn’t want to find yourself running out of boxes for both your things but also for your pets’.
Moving with fish
Moving with fish can be hard because fish tend to have strong responses to stress and moving too much might prove traumatising if not fatal. Check in with a local aquarium on details for how you can move fish as well as supplies. Moving short distances might not be too bad with proper care and handling but you might want to find them a new home if you’re moving long distances.
Moving with birds
Birds are very jittery and susceptible to change and no matter how well-behaved they are there is a chance that they’re going to fly off at a moment’s notice. While your birds might not appreciate being caged for a while, it might be best to put them in during the move.
Moving with small animals
Guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and other smaller animals don’t particularly like being jostled or moved around too much if you want to make sure your little buddy makes it through moving day you might want to make sure that they are safe, secure, and comfortable in their carriers with blankets, food, and other things they find comfort in.
In conclusion, moving with pets can be a stressful experience for both you and your furry companion. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for any challenges that may arise. Contact your vet, prepare the essentials, keep your pets close, and set up a familiar space in your new home. Additionally, make sure to update your pet’s tags and consider the specific needs of different types of pets, such as fish and birds. With a little extra preparation and care, you can ensure that your pet feels safe and comfortable throughout the moving process.
Looking for more helpful guides on how to safely move with your pets? Check out Hire A Helper’s Ultimate Guide to Moving Long Distance with Pets.