How to Move Your Pets

 When it comes time to move it is always stressfull to the overall household. Moving the herd of pets need some extra consideration because pets cannot comprehend the concept of moving. The house full of movers, boxes, and general chaos will scare and intimidate most pets.

There are things you can do to make the whole process of moving easier on you're furry and feathered friends. The first thing, you will want to do a couple of weeks before your move is, take your pets to the veterinarian. This is especially important for older pets and pets with chronic health conditions. Ask the veterinarian if you're older or sickly pets can stand the move and if in the new location, they require any additional vaccinations.

When you pack to move your pet place all the pets possessions in a clearly marked box; so you can set up the cage or crate immediately when you arrive at your new home and get your pet settled down. It is important that you set aside all the necessities to care for your pets that you will need when you are on the road to your new residence. Now is not the time to make any dietary change or disrupt medication schedules with your pets and they will be experiencing at least some amount of physical as well as psychological stress related to the move.

When you arrive at your new home you will want to wait until the initial chaos of unloading has passed; to introduce your pet to your new home. You may want to rent a pet friendly motel room or use a local kennel to keep your pet out of the moving madness. Be sure not to leave your pet in your vehicle for a long period of time because the heat or cold will further stress their already stressed immune systems. If you can only find a room in your new home to keep the pets out of the traffic of unloading make sure everyone knows to leave that door closed.

When the chaos has passed let your pet out to explore the new house. Watch dogs and cat closely as they may be inclined to want to mark their new territory or explore half emptied moving boxes. If you have a fenced yard let your dogs explore or take them for a quick walk around the block. You will need to assess any outdoor dangers such as a pit bull next door before you let your porch cat outside. The best way to reduce the stress on your pets is to get back into a routine as soon as possible.

You will also need to familiarize yourself with the laws of your new community. Apply for all required permits when possible and be sure to update your pet's identification tags. You should also have looked at a few local veterinarians and pet services before you have moved. Try to get recommendations from your old service providers, but if this is not possible ask some of your new neighbors who they use for health care, grooming, and pet sitting. If you have pet insurance then you will want a referral from your provider so you know you know the services you use with the new veterinarian are covered.

Lastly, birds and fish require much more care when moving. You should consult the Internet for tips for specific requirements. If the climate is much different where you are moving you will need to make sure you have the supplies at your new house to accommodate the temperature change for your more sensitive pets. Birds especially are easily stressed by temperature change and you will not want to find yourself out having to buy an additional space heater on the day you are unloading a moving truck.

A little planning can help make the move a less traumatic experience for you and your pet.