So you’ve decided to move? Great! Let’s be real, moving is stressful. Imagine if you couldn’t comprehend all of the action; large boxes and new people in and out of your familiar space. That’s what it’s like for our dear furry friends. So, let’s look at some simple steps to avoid pet-panic whilst your moving:
- Research pet rules and regulations
If you’re moving out of province, city or township, it’s wise to research your new area’s rules and regulations surrounding pets. Different landlords and homeowners’ associations may have specific pet rules. Your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications or certain certificates depending on where you are moving. Check the restrictions on where you’re moving to and see what you’ll need to ensure your pet adheres to the local guidelines.
2. Be prepared
Your needs may vary based on what types of animals you’re moving with. Our advice is to pack an overnight kit. This should help keep your pet sustained, entertained and comfortable during the journey. Here’s is a mini-list of items to get you started:
- Current Vet paperwork
- Dishes for food and water
- Food and treats
- Temporary litter boxes if you have cats
- Toys and enrichment items
- Towels and blankets
3. Have a vet exam before moving
Your local veterinarian is a great resource to check in before you move and getting your pets checked out before a move is important. If you’re travelling by air or a long distance, they made need shots and paperwork to present to the airport or border. Visiting your vet beforehand will also help you gather updated records which you can present to your new vet. Lastly, if you have an anxious pet, your vet can give you some techniques to help ease this.
4. Maintain normality
Leading up to the big day, it’s good practice to keep things normal. Try to pack over a long period of time, leaving items like food and water bowls until last. With this, maintain your regular routine, like walks and feeding times. This should help keep stress levels down. Final thing! When it comes to moving day, try and keep your pets secluded from the action.
5. Transport pets in your own car
This one is a no-brainer! Transporting your pets in a moving van can be extremely stressful. It’s important on your journey to give them plenty of water and relief breaks. Another hot tip is to not let your pets out of the vehicle until you’ve moved your things into the house and are relatively settled.
6. Keep them secluded in your new home
Once you’ve moved to your new home, keep your pets in a safe area of your home until your boxes get moved in. It’s important that they don’t get out, or they might try to run away from home.
Allow them to get used to your new home by checking out the rooms and smelling their surroundings. Incorporate things that have your scent as soon as you can, such as furniture, clothing, and bedding.
When you’re moving long distance with dogs and/or cats, this helps them to recognize the new place they’re living as home.
7. Find a new vet
This will be easier if you have already researched vet’s in your area beforehand. Enquire to see if your new nearby vet are taking new patients and what the process is. Once you’re booked in make sure you have all of your old paperwork and transfer it to your new vet. It’s good to find the closest emergency animal hospital and keep that phone number handy.
8. Update your records
Once you move, make sure you update your address, as well as your pet’s microchip, license, and tags. If your pet gets lost, updated identification and documents make it easy for you to get them back.
9. Check and pet-proof your new home
Check your perimeter before letting your pets out into the garden. If there are any gaps or holes in the fencing, be sure it’s repaired before your animals are roaming free. It’s a good idea to walk your pets on a leash (yes, this means cats too) before letting them out fully. This will also help them get used to their new space.
10. Watch your pet in the weeks ahead
First things first, once you’re settled, you should prioritize making your pet feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Cats will need to be adjusted to their new surroundings slowly. If you let them out in your new home right away, they might get lost or run away due to stress and defamiliarization.
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