Not only can moving be stressful on you and whoever else you’re moving with, but it can also be extremely stressful and confusing for your pets. While you might not think there’s much you can do to make this process more comfortable for your pets, there are several ways to make moving easier on both you and your furry friends. Here are the top six tips for moving with a pet.
Update your pet identification tag
The first thing that you should do when planning on moving your pet to a new location is to update his or her identification tags. An appropriate ID tag should include the pets name, your phone number, your current address and any other information that you think is necessary for getting in touch with you.
Ask for veterinary records
Before you leave your current location, make sure you contact your local vet to have your pet’s records and copies of vaccinations. You can also have your vet provide your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet if you prefer to have the hard copy. Don’t lose your vet’s phone numbers in case you need to get in touch with them in the future for more information about your pet.
Keep medications and food on hand
If your location change is large, making sure you have the appropriate foods and medications for your pet in case of an emergency is very important. Since vet’s are unable to write prescriptions without a prior doctor/patient relationship, be prepared in advance so you don’t run into any issues. Another option is to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move so you have it just in case.
Seclude your pet from the chaos
Just like people can sense when someone’s leaving or something big is happening, pets can just as well. As soon as boxes come out and the current setting starts looking more and more bare, pets can become very uncomfortable and vulnerable, especially on the actual day of the move. Keep them in a safe and quiet area so that they’re not exposed to all of the commotion of the moving.
Play it safe in the car
While traveling in the car with your pet in a crate is the safest, the second-best option is to use a restraining harness. You want to make sure they’re safe and secure to a spot, and if you’re traveling with your pet in a car full of your belongings, it’s imperative to know that there’s no chance of anything falling on him or her.
Prep the new home for your pet
In a new surrounding, a pet can be scared and confused. When you finally get to your new location, immediately set up all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need. This includes food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Also, since this is a new space and your pet isn’t used to it, keep an eye on them when they first start exploring. This way, you’ll know if there are any spots that are dangerous for your pet and you can fix the situation immediately.
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