Moving With Pets

The stress of moving for anyone is tough, but pets especially are unnerved by the unusual activity. Your pet has no idea what is happening and why there is so much movement and noise. For some pets, simply moving a piece of furniture or bringing out a suitcase can set them off. There are several steps you can take that will help you and your pet cope with the changes and help them to ease into their new environment.

Travel Kit Check List

• Medical & Vaccination Records
• Medications
• Fresh Water and Food
• Food bowls and can opener
• Toys and Treats
• Leases
• Bedding and crate liners
• Scoop Bags
• Handy wipes and Towels

Preparing to Move

Be sure that you have up to date medical documents accessible and that your pet vaccinations are up to date.

Ensure that your pet has a collar with identification. If your animal has an id implant, update the contact information.

To avoid last minute stress on your pet, pack at a relaxed pace over several weeks.

Keep your pets routines. Maintain feeding, walking and family time schedules.

Consider boarding your animal during major activity.

If you choose not to board, designate a pet room. When the activity starts your pet will have a safe area. Be sure that your pet has its bowls, bedding, and toys. Also, keep the carrier in the room with the door open, so that your pet will become accustomed to the smell and presence of the carrier. Add a sign to the door so that family and movers will stay out.

Make travel arrangements in advance. Contact airlines for pet regulations and search for non-stop flights to avoid extra handling and environment changes.

When traveling by car, have a secure carrier large enough to hold your pet and its water and food bowls. Stop every couple of hours to let your pet have some fresh air and a short walk outside of the carrier. For a cat, have enough space for a small litter box. Remember that leaving a pet in an unattended car is not advisable.

Moving In

If you are moving to a nearby home, take your pet to the area several times prior to the move so that they start to become familiar with smells and noises of the new neighborhood. If building a new home, take your pet on trips to the home as it is being finished.

Use old area rugs from your previous home to place food and water bowls on for a couple of days. Smells are very important to pets.

Ask new neighbors and co-workers for veterinary recommendations and start interviewing doctors.

Find the nearest 24 hour emergency pet emergency center in case of accidents.

For cats, take the time to create a cat room for a couple of days. Cats can be very curious so be watchful as you let them begin to explore the new environment.

Look for area dog park facilities and make time to relax with your pet.