Moving can be a stressful event in many ways. It is not only difficult for your family, but your pets may find it hard to adjust to the changes. You can take measures to make your pet feel safe as you prepare for the move.
Speak With Your Vet
If you want the move to be non-stressful and easy for your pet, you should check with your vet to determine whether your pet needs medication and training to cope with the moving stress. Also, always make sure you have the medical records of your pet with you for easy access, including having the new address entered into any chip record. (Chips are a very good precaution, so you may want to consider getting your pet chipped BEFORE your move.)
Don’t Take Any Scary, Sudden, or Drastic Actions
When your pets are around, you don’t want to overwhelm them with abrupt changes. It will make pets anxious, and you might scare them. Do your packing gradually, step-by-step, and consider seeking professional help.
Take Frequent Breaks on the Trip
Moving with pets is always challenging, but if you plan your move you can minimize issues and make the transition relatively easy and safe. If you find your pet getting restless while you are in motion, take things in short stages with breaks in between them. If your pet doesn’t seem bothered, you can just roll along, but be sure to stop at places where your pet can stretch and take bathroom breaks.
Appoint an “Official Sitter”
While some pets enjoy outdoor activities, they might find the moving day experience too chaotic. You can designate a member of your family or traveling companions as a sitter to be personally responsible for your pet so you can focus on handling directions and any in-trip decisions.
Preparation and Training
Preparation and training play a significant role in helping your pet adjust to the new home. Sometimes your pet will take a few weeks to adjust to the changes. Gather necessary equipment -preferably a harness to prevent an anxious pet from slipping out a collar during distress, a leash, identification tag – with your cell phone number, blankets or pet beds, and toys.
You can also consider using an existing crate or playpen and let your pet use them as a den. PLUS, it’s always a good idea to have a regular routine and schedule and train your pet accordingly.
Inspect the house to see if there are any problems or dangerous areas where harm could come to your pet. Do a quick safety check and scan for holes, cracks, rickety or loose boards, and any areas where broken glass or sharp items are present. You can then address those problems yourself or invest in repairs to make sure all issues are remedied completely and quickly.
Make the Home Look Familiar
Have familiar t-shirts, blankets, and toys insight to help your pet get used to the new location. You should unpack the box containing pet supplies and put familiar items like food and water bowls in obvious places. This will help to make your pet feel at home.
If you observe signs of extreme anxiety, you can respond to it with medication and training. You can also use a number of scented (pheromone) products to ease separation anxiety. Consult with your vet for the proper types and doses.
Hire One of Cleveland’s Best Moving Companies
Many of Cleveland’s moving companies specialize in providing a wide variety of moving services to assist you with your personalized needs. Do your planning and consider all of your moving requirements carefully and consider what you need -including hiring a full-service moving company or DIY for all or certain aspects of your move.
If you are moving with a pet, you can also ask your movers for their experience, to learn more about the best practices and make the move safe and convenient for your family and pets. Either way, your moving company will be able to help you execute your action efficiently, helping you overcome moving challenges along the way.
