Are you getting ready to move but wondering how you can take your furry friends with you? Don’t worry; it’s completely doable with a minimum of stress. Below are some useful tips on preparing your pets for a long car ride and finding them a new spot in your new abode, so you can make your relocation as smooth as possible for both you and your four-legged friend.
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1. Acclimate Your Pets to All the Packing Materials
Conditioning your pet to the presence of packing materials such as boxes and tissue paper before your move can ensure a smooth transition. You can accomplish this by keeping the materials out in a room where your pets spend a fair amount of time and feeding them treats when they investigate these materials. Keeping packing materials out for a couple of weeks before moving day will also help reduce your pet’s anxiety. As you pack up your belongings, they’ll recognize that the boxes and papers don’t pose a threat.
2. Ship Your Car
Driving long distances with your pet inside the vehicle can be an unpleasant experience for both of you. After all, they can grow restless, annoyed, and even sick during extended car rides. So if you want to spare yourself from this experience, consider shipping your car. Plenty of professional car shipping companies can take care of your vehicle and bring it to your new destination safe and sound. With this method, you and your furry friend can ride a plane or a train to your new home.
3. Give Your Pet Their Own Personal Space
Any time you move to a new home, it is vital to make sure your pet has their own personal space to relax and adjust to their newer surroundings. A great way to accomplish this is by placing one of your pets’ favorite blankets or toys in a box and securing it to the floor. Another option is to install a baby gate at the door of an extra room so your pets can have their own area to hang out and adjust.
4. Avoid Switching Up Your Routine
Avoid switching up their routine if you want to make sure your pets don’t get too stressed in the days or weeks leading up to your big move. If they usually eat at a particular time, stick with this schedule during the chaotic moving day. If your dog’s regular walks or playtime happen in the late afternoon, do not deviate from that schedule. Consistency is critical for the well-being of your furry family member. Staying on track with their regular schedule will guarantee they won’t be too stressed out.
5. Keep Your Pets Entertained
No matter how well-behaved your pet is, it will always get restless when it’s bored or inactive. To keep them occupied while you’re busy moving boxes and furniture around, invest in some interactive toys for them to play with. Research shows that brain games are a superb way to engage pets in activities that stimulate their minds and keep them entertained.
With such activities, you can keep your furry friend from misbehaving. You’ll also be able to focus your attention and energy on the many things you need to do during moving day.
6. Consult Your Vet
Before you decide to move with your pet, consult your veterinarian. Tell them all about your plans and ask for their advice on the matter. They may have some valuable insight as they’ve been in a similar situation before or know someone who has. By taking this step ahead of time, you’ll be less stressed out during the move, as you’ll be equipped with the essential information that can help you take care of your pet properly.
7. Take Your Pets to Their New Home Ahead of Sched
Make sure your pet has plenty of chances to visit their future home before actually bringing them there for good. This way, they will be a bit more comfortable when you move in for good. This is essential. After all, pets prefer familiar things and places over new ones. Giving them multiple chances to get acclimated with their surroundings will make the transition far less stressful. You can start by going there on your own several times before moving day.
8. Unpack Their Favorite Toy First
Have pets that go crazy for their favorite toy? To ensure they don’t lose interest once the boxes are unpacked, place their favorite toy on top of a package and open it. This way, they’ll be far more excited about exploring their new surroundings as soon as you open those doors. You can also put their favorite blanket on top of a box and then open it, as they’ll likely immediately notice the familiar object upon stepping inside the house.
9. Apprise Yourself of the Pet Laws of Your New Home
Before you jump the gun and move to a new apartment or house, make sure you read up on all of the pet laws that come with your new home. For example, some cities have breed-specific legislation that prohibits certain breeds from moving there. Or maybe your new home does not allow pets at all. Whatever the case may be, it is imperative to find out as much relevant pet information as possible before bringing your furry friend along for the move.
10. Pack an Emergency Pack for Your Pet
To prepare an emergency pack for your pet, simply stock up on some food and bottled water, place some of their favorite toys inside a box, and throw in some of their blankets as well. Once you’re done preparing this emergency kit, put it in an easily accessible part of your home.
The Bottom Line: Take Measures to Take Care of Your Pets During Moving Day
Moving can be a stressful process for everyone involved, especially for your four-legged family members. By doing your research and staying on top of things ahead of moving day, you’ll ensure that both you and your furry family member remain happy throughout the ordeal.
