Tips For Moving With Pets

Humans are creatures of habit, and the same goes for your pets. A move is an ultimate shake-up for furry and feathered friends who find comfort in routine.

You can take the following steps to ensure that your pet has a safe, happy transition to their new home without any problems.

Get Your Pet Used To Packing Supplies and Boxes

Preparing ahead of time is beneficial to both you and your pet. If you are packing by yourself or with the help of friends, stack up packing boxes before your moving day. Keeping the boxes around for a while helps your pet acclimate to the packaging material in advance, reducing their stress.

You can also condition your pet to the travel vehicle. Spend some time with your pets in your car and go for short rides to desensitize them when moving day arrives.

Maintain Your Pet's Routines

A slight change in a pet's daily routine may result in discomfort and anxiety. 

Maintain your pet’s feeding, walking, and play times. If your dog enjoys walks to the park, continue them. Feed your pet as you normally would and give them the usual amount of attention.

Though you may want to skip the pet routines and start organizing and packing, it's essential to tend to your pet's needs now.

Get in Touch With Your Vet

Moving to a new location will most likely mean your pet needs to find a new vet. 

A few weeks before you move, check in with your regular vet to take records and prescription medications. Depending on where you are moving, the state may require you to have your pet's vaccination certificate.

If your pet is easily stressed, consider asking your vet for anti-anxiety medication. The medication can help your pet stay calm during the fast and noisy journey. Additionally, the vet may give you potential stress reduction tactics for your pet when you reach your new home.

Keep Your Pet Away From the Action on Moving Day

You should keep your pet away from packed boxes and half-taken apart furniture for their mental and physical safety. The commotion may inflict stress on your pet and may also result in an injury.

If you cannot leave your pets with a friend, you should at least put them in a secluded, quiet area. Consider clearing one of your rooms and using it as the designated pet area. To keep your pet occupied, furnish the room with water, food, and forms of entertainment.

Inform your friends and moving company that the pet 'safe space' should remain closed.

Pet-proof Your New Home

Immediately after your move, pet-proof your new home so your pet can be safer. Practice patience with your pet and allow them to explore your new home independently. 

Because your pets are in an unfamiliar space, expect a few accidents. A few steps you should take to pet-proof your home include:

• Ensuring the house plants are safe: Remove and isolate any indoor and outdoor plants that present a threat. Plants such as jade and ivy are toxic to cats and dogs. 
• Avoiding dangling wires: Cats love chewing and playing with electrical cords. Wires present a risk of strangling, and your pet may also ruin them.
• Fixing fixtures: Fix all potential problem areas, including windows, gates, doors, and balconies.

Keep the designated area clutter-free to reduce the chances of an accident. Also, be proactive and provide your pets with chew toys to ease their anxiety.

The challenges of moving pets don't come with a formula solution, but the tips above should make the experience a bit calmer. As a pet owner, you know your pet's personality better than anyone else. Take advantage of that knowledge to make your pet feel comfortable.

For fast, caring, and careful moving services to protect your pets and possessions, contact us at Baker Moving & Supplies today.