Moving to a new home? You must be very excited! Sadly, it can also be very difficult for your pet. Animals are much more sensitive to their surroundings than humans are, which means they will feel the stress more than you might. And if you already feel exhausted right now, just think about how your pet is feeling. But worry not! Here are some tips so both of you can enjoy this transition without any problems.
Consider Your Pet When Choosing a Neighborhood
Before moving out, consider what type of neighborhood will be the best for your pet. It is important to do a bit of research about your potential place to ensure your pet will be comfortable. Cats might prefer quiet areas, while dogs love lively environments with crowds and plenty of action around them. However, you should also look out for highly aggressive neighborhoods with lots of stray dogs.
Another critical thing to consider is the availability of vet services. If your pet has a chronic condition, make sure to find a place where you can easily access the vet during emergencies. The final consideration you must make should be about how much space there will be for your pet. Since cats like resting on top of things, you might want to consider building vertically with shelves and tables. As for dogs, they like wide spaces where they can run and play around the house.
Go on a Trip to the Vet
Before you hit the road, make sure your pet is up to date on all of its vaccinations. This helps avoid any issues with city borders and apartment policies.
- Secure rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis vaccinations for your dog.
- For a cat, ensure it has shots against feline leukemia, rabies, herpes, and feline distemper. Moreover, if you’re moving during the cold months when cats are more prone to respiratory infections, secure some flea treatment as well.
- Hamsters and guinea pigs don’t need vaccinations. However, they still need routine checkups and fecal tests for parasites.
On top of vaccines, don’t forget to request a valid health certificate together with your pet’s medical history. Your new vet is going to need it. Plus, ensure that you prepare all medications for your pet’s health issues.
Prepare an Overnight Pet Kit
Alright! Now it’s time to get ready for the trip! To give your pet the best time possible, prepare standard essentials. Each animal will need different things.
- For cats: get a litter box, food and water bowls, cat treats, and toys like a scratching post or cat tree to keep them occupied.
- For dogs: grab a blanket, leash, poop box, toys, dog food, feeding plate, and some grooming tools.
- For birds: Make sure to buy a quality travel cage. Let your pet bird get used to it for a day or two before making the trip.
- For exotic pets: Get them a solid container with lots of room to move. Don’t forget to bring their paperwork that you’ll need to show the authorities.
Isolate Them from the Movers
There’s a high chance the movers will scare your pet during moving day. Your movers might have to request to let your pets out during the process. Most moving companies in Seattle follow this protocol. Allocate a safe place for your pet to stay and behave while you’re packing. The doghouse or cathouse are often the best options. If you don’t have one, the bedroom would also work fine as it’s often the last room to be packed. Ensure that your pets have enough water and food available the entire time.
Get a Comfy Carrier
Traveling is often stressful for animals. All the shaking, noise, new smells, and unfamiliar environments can mess up their hormones. Make sure you buy a comfortable carrier for them to mitigate the negative effects of the trip. You want to find one that’s secure enough but can be quickly opened in case of emergencies. Don’t forget to place the cage on a seat where you can easily touch it to reassure your pet.
Allow for Breaks During the Trip
If you’re moving far away, it’s worth making stops along the way. A long car ride can take its toll on both humans and animals. Be sure to take a break every few hours and let your pet out of its cage. Put it on a leash and go for a walk. A nice breath of fresh air is good not only for your furry companion but for you to overcome driving fatigue as well.
Give Them Time to Adjust to Your New Home
At last! You’ve finally arrived at your new home. While you work on settling down, remember to give your pet a day or two to adjust. It can be stressful for them to be introduced to a new environment right away. Have them explore one section of the home filled with their toys and food. Next, gradually expose them to other rooms until they’re comfortable. Be patient. In no time, your pet will be back to the same energy it possesses back at your new home.
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