If
you’re a pet owner and are planning to move to a new home,
remember that moving can be even more stressful for your
animals than it is for you. But there are several things you
can do to make it easier on your dog or cat.
Start your
packing well ahead of time; it’s not only easier on you, but
on your pets as well. During the time leading up to your
move, try to keep your pets’ eating and exercise schedules
as normal as possible. Give them the same amount of
attention and affection as you always do.
Things to do
before your move:
• Get copies
of certificates, medical, and immunization records from your
veterinarian.
• Purchase
identification tags with your new address.
• If you’re
planning to travel by air, schedule your flights early and
try to book a direct flight – this will be much easier on
your pet. You need to find out what the airline’s
regulations are for transporting your pet. You will also
need to find out what kind of crate will be necessary to
contain your dog or cat.
• If you’re
driving and the trip will take more than one day, be sure
and check ahead and reserve motels that will accept pets.
• Contact
the state to which you’re moving and find out the
regulations regarding animals. Some states require an entry
permit for pets.
• If your
new home is nearby it’s a good idea to take your pets for a
visit and let them become familiar with the neighborhood and
the new sights and smells. This is especially true of dogs.
Of course, keep the dog on a leash and the cat in a carrier.
When Moving
Day Finally Arrives . . .
All the
confusion is certain to upset your pet so the best solution
is to have a friend or family member keep Fido or Fluffy
while the loading is being done. If that isn’t an option,
keep your pet in a small room, perhaps a bathroom, along
with sufficient food, water (litter box for Fluffy) and some
favorite toys. Attach a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door so
the pet is secure and won’t be accidentally set free.
You’re on
Your Way . . .
The packing
and loading are all done and now it’s time to head for your
new home. There are things you’ll want to make sure are
packed for your pet. These include:
• The new
identification tags.
•
Medications and veterinarian records.
• Recent
pictures of your pet in case it becomes lost.
• Litter box
or scoop and plastic bags.
• Paper
towels in case there are accidents.
• Leashes.
• Toys and
treats.
• Food and
water bowls.
• Can opener
and cans that can be resealed.
• Regular
food and water from the old house (enough for several days).
Different water can upset an animal’s digestive tract so
it’s a good idea to provide water from the old house for the
first few days after moving. This would not be a good time
to try a new brand of food either!
Your New
Home ~ At Last . . .
When you
finally arrive at your new home, let your pet explore with
your supervision. Then place Fido or Fluffy in a small room
with a crate or bed (and, of course a litter box for Fluffy)
while the unloading and unpacking are taking place. Make
sure to put some favorite toys in there and perhaps an old
sweatshirt, or something that smells familiar.
It’s very
important that you not let your pet outside alone without a
lead or tie for the first few days. Cats usually require
about a week but dogs adapt quicker. You don’t want your pet
to wander away and get lost.
Your pet may
be insecure and more prone to misbehaving during the first
few days in a new environment. Try to be patient and not
punish the initial misbehavior, instead, try to find ways to
reduce stress. Extra TLC can go a long way toward making
pets more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to follow the
usual feeding and exercise schedule.
In closing,
there are just a couple of things you should be aware of to
keep the moving experience as trouble-free as possible:
• If you
intend to fly, be aware that puppies and kittens less than 8
weeks old will not be transported.
• And
finally, never move a sick animal ~ it could well make his
condition worse and endanger his health.
Enjoy your new home!
