Moving can be a stressful endeavor. However, it’s not just people who tend to bear the emotional brunt of moving; the act of moving can take a toll on household pets as well. In fact, when it comes to domestic animals, the stress of moving can manifest in a variety of physical manners, from appetite loss to upset stomach.
Bobby Hughes is the marketing coordinator at Philadelphia’s Hughes Relocation Services, Inc., and he understands how difficult moving can be for any given pet owner. He therefore offers the following tips for moving with a pet:
Uphold your pet’s routine
The interesting thing about pets is that although they are not nearly as intelligent as humans, they are nevertheless fairly intuitive creatures. Therefore, in the weeks leading up to your move, your pet is likely to take note of the fact that something doesn’t seem right. Additionally, pets have the ability to pick up on the fact that their owners are stressed and react accordingly. To spare your pet the anxiety that has no doubt taken over your mind, do your best to follow his regular routine. If you would normally take your dog for a walk after dinner, then continue to do so; and if you and your cat have a standing play date every morning before you head off to work, then don’t leave your precious pal stranded. There’s no question that preparing for a move can be difficult and time-consuming, but the last thing you’ll want to do is neglect your pet during this rather hectic time.
Make plans for pet transportation
Whether you’re moving to the next town over or to another state, you should be aware of the fact that moving companies generally will not transport animals. Therefore, you’re going to want to make arrangements to ensure that your pet arrives safely at his new destination. For a local move, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you’re planning to travel by airplane or bus, then you’ll need to check with the carrier about its animal transport policy.
Keep your pet away on your moving day
The day that your movers come by to load up your stuff is likely to be hectic. As such, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by finding a safe place for your pet to stay while the actual move is in progress. If you’re not thrilled with the idea of a kennel, then ask a neighbor or friend to look in on your buddy until your movers have cleared out. Remember, your movers will probably end up leaving your front door open in an effort to load up their truck as quickly as possible. By having your pet around at that time, you essentially run the risk of having him escape. Additionally, if you’re moving locally, then your movers are probably going to charge you by the hour. So if your pet is around at that time to distract them or get in the way, then it could end up costing you significantly.
Don’t pack all of your pet supplies
As you go about the process of boxing up your belongings, remember to put your pet supplies aside so that you have them on hand when you reach your new abode. This includes everything from food to medications to toys.
Get a copy of your pet’s veterinary records
Unless you’re moving locally, you’ll need to find a new veterinarian for your pet. To make the transition easier, obtain a copy of your pet’s records before you head off to your new city of residence. You can also ask your current vet to recommend an associate in the area to which you’ll be moving. Along these lines, why not do a bit of research to see what your new neighborhood has to offer in terms of pet resources? You can look online or try logging onto pet forums to get a sense of what’s available in the way of pet supply stores and services.
Give your pet time to adjust to his new home
Just as you, as a human, will need some time to adjust to your new surroundings, so too will your pet go through his own adjustment period. If you’re moving locally and can access your digs in advance, then try taking your pet to your soon-to-be home to help familiarize him with it. Even if you can’t get inside, he might come to recognize certain area scents. Additionally, prepare to keep a watchful eye on your pet as you settle into your new place of residence. Remember, accidents aren’t uncommon for pets in new environments.
Moving with a pet isn’t easy, but by following these tips, you can make the process smoother for yourself and your favorite little friend.
