We’ve covered tips for selling your home with pets. Now, it’s time to consider another step of the process: moving with pets! As every person who has ever moved knows, it’s a very stressful time. And as every pet owner knows, our furry friends can often sense our stress.
Five Tips for Moving with Pets
Here are five tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible for both you and your animals.
Pack slowly: Rather than waiting until the last minute to pack, tackle it slowly in the weeks leading up to moving day. This approach will give you time to go through your belongings and determine what you want to keep, sell, and give away. It’ll also ensure that you have plenty of time, as we all know that packing often takes longer than we anticipate. Keeping yourself calm and collected will help keep your pet calm and collected too.
Pet-proof and prepare the new house: Before moving day, scan your new home for any dangers to your pets, like holes in the fence or pest control poisons that were left behind. You can also move their items - a bed, food and water bowls, food, treats, and a few of their favorite toys - into the home first, helping them to feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Research pet regulations: Be sure you’re familiar with the pet rules and regulations in your new neighborhood or city. You may need to register your animal, pay a fee, or have different vaccinations or monthly medications. While you’re thinking about your new home, be sure to update your pet’s tags and microchipping account too. Dogs and cats can easily get lost in an unfamiliar area, so make sure they can be easily identified.
Talk to your vet: If it’s near the time of the year when your animal is due for their annual check-up, it may be best to check it off your list before you move. That way, you won’t be worried about finding a new vet and squeezing an appointment into a day already filled with unpacking and organizing. If you’re moving somewhere nearby, your vet may be able to recommend a new office. If your pet is especially anxious, you can ask for some medication to help.
Plan ahead for moving day: Finally, it’s important that you have a plan for your pet on moving day. With movers going in and out of both houses, you don’t want your furry friend to get lost in the busyness of the day. It’s easiest to leave your pet in the hands of a family member or friend, but if that’s not possible, find a way to keep them secure despite the open doors and yard gates. Consider a small room, like the laundry room or bathroom, and be sure to check on them throughout the day.
No matter how much you plan ahead, moving day will most likely be stressful for both you and your pet. At the end of the day, grab the leash and head out for a walk. You’ll both benefit from some exercise and fresh air. Plus, it’s the perfect chance to explore your new community!
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs! Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.