Moving ranks as the third most stressful life event, behind the death of a loved one and divorce. Moving can also be stressful for your pets. Careful pre-planning can reduce or avoid relocation problems for your pet. Consider the following tips to help your pet experience a smooth transition to his or her new home.
Routines
Your regular routines are likely going to be disrupted as you plan for and execute your move. Try to minimize the disruption in the routine of your pet as much as possible to avoid problems down the road. Sticking with your pet’s regular schedule of feeding, exercise and playtime should help.
New People
If you’re selling a home, there are going to be lots of strangers around – realtors, potential buyers & inspectors. Make plans for your pets during these times. Perhaps your pet should be confined to a familiar crate so that he/ she feels safe when there are visitors or, a particularly sensitive animal might do better staying with a neighbor or boarding at a kennel during these times. Make sure to notify potential buyers and realtors if you do leave a pet in the house.
State/Municipal Laws and Regulations
Most states have laws pertaining to the entry & registration of pets, and many municipalities enforce specific pet regulations. Contact the state veterinarian in the capitol of your new home state for information and requirements for license fees, leash laws, fences, and other pet restrictions.
Inoculations
At the beginning of your moving process, before things get really busy, make an appointment
with your vet to get all of your pet’s inoculations up to date. Many states require a health certificate for pets and verification that the animal is disease free. Make sure you have copies of your pet’s medical records especially if you plan to board your pet or transport the animal in an airplane.
Pet Identification and Paperwork
Make sure your pet has proper identification with your name and emergency contact information. In addition to the animal’s permanent ID and rabies tag, make a temporary
ID tag with your cell phone number and the number of a friend or relative who would be easy to
reach while you’re traveling to your new home. This might also be the time to consider chip identification for your pet, since you’ll soon be living in unfamiliar surroundings.
Airline Transportation
If you’re moving your pet by airplane, contact the airlines for rules and regulations,
transportation charges and container/carrier requirements. Make your reservations well in
advance because pet approval is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Feed your pet no less than five or six hours before flight time. Give him/her water about two hours before takeoff.
Auto Transportation
If you’re moving your pet by car, start making a list of items you’ll need for a “pet travel kit,” including a carrier, food and water dishes, favorite toys, water, food and treats. If your pet isn’t used to car travel, start practicing with short trips around the neighborhood. If necessary, ask your vet for suggestions. When traveling with a pet, it’s a good idea to have a “clean-up kit” in the car in case of motion sickness. Don’t forget to take a stop every few hours for exercise, water and bathroom breaks. Remember, you probably won’t be able to stop for leisurely meals if you have an animal in the car.
Pet Transportation Services
There are a few services which will take care of boarding and transporting your pet for you. For referrals and recommendations contact your vet or local pet store.
Tips for Dogs
After moving into a new house, immediately walk your dog around the neighborhood so
they can become familiar with their new area. Establish boundaries in the yard for your dog to
roam, and help them become accustomed to the new environment by maintaining a regular feeding and walking schedule.
Tips for Cats
Try not to expose your cat to your new living arrangements all at once. It’s a good idea to limit
the number of rooms the cat is allowed in and gradually let them explore. Surround the cat
with familiar items during the move to reduce emotional stress. Once you’re in your new
home, don’t let your cat outside until he/she is familiar with the new living environment to reduce the risk of running away.
Familiar Surroundings
Because you’re in a “new” home, often with new décor and furniture, you may be tempted to replace your pet’s old favorites, too. But it may be better to use your pet’s familiar food and water dishes, bed, blanket and toys to ease their transition into their new home.
