Pets are a prized possession for many people. The idea of moving to a new location without them is unimaginable. But alongside all the other items, a person must keep track of when moving. Dealing with a pet and ensuring they get to the new location can be challenging, especially since pets move instead of stagnant items, like a dresser or a chair. A pet could be in one area, and by the time you decide it’s time to leave, they are already in a different location. Then, there is the process of getting your pet acclimated to its new environment. So, moving a pet adds a new dimension when changing location. But there are ways to make this move easy and avoid any issues.
Ways to Ensure Smooth Moving with Pets
Below, we will look at ways to ensure smooth pet transportation and reintegration to a new location.
Keep the Pet in a Safe and Quiet Location
A pet will always want to be on the move. Rarely does any pet like staying in one location, especially when its owner is elsewhere. But on the day of the move, having a pet wandering around with pandemonium is stressful for you but creates anxiety for the pet.
Ideally, the pet should be kept in a separate location, away from the commotion, until it’s time to move. Regular interaction with your pet should be maintained to reassure them nothing severe is taking place.
Visit the Vet
You never want to be on the move and have your pet come down with an illness. While illness can randomly occur, it’s best to take every possible precaution. Go to the vet beforehand and ensure your pet is healthy. If not, the vet may be able to provide you with medicine or additional accommodations necessary to ensure the pet is comfortable moving. In some cases, if the illness is severe, they may advise delaying the transportation of your pet.
Maintain the Normal Routine
On the day of the move, try to keep the pet in its regular daily routine. Take them on a walk or feed them at the expected time. This routine maintenance will help them settle their nerves and reduce the shock of potential new changes coming their way. Also, bring along items they are familiar with, such as blankets or toys.
Allow to Become Familiar with the Moving Equipment
Give the pet a chance to get used to the moving equipment. Allow them to interact with the boxes or the vehicle used for transport. If you are transporting them with a unique carrier, allow them time to familiarize themselves with the carrier days in advance. Try letting them sleep in the carrier beforehand and see if they feel comfortable. If you see they are uncomfortable with the carrier, try looking for a new one they feel more comfortable with.
Understand Potential New Pet Laws/Regulations
Different apartment complexes and even different municipalities may have different rules for pets than your current location. Take the time to research any new regulations or requirements you need to have in place beforehand. Some apartment complexes may not allow some or any pets, while others may require certain vaccinations.
Make Sure the Location is Pet-Friendly
Ensure your new neighborhood has pet-friendly accommodations like nearby parks or walkways. Get to know the locals, or conduct additional Google searches to make sure it’s not a hostile environment for pets. It’s imperative for the pet’s ability to adjust to the new environment that they feel they are in a location that welcomes them.
Gradual Introduction to the New Location
A quick introduction to a new location could shock your pet. Once you have arrived at the new location, gradually introduce the pet to it, introducing it to one room at a time.
If the new location has a park, take them there and allow them to explore. Fill the new residence with items they will be familiar with, like their favorite bowl or a couch they have grown attached to. Let them get a good sense of their new environment and allow them to find places they enjoy, but do not introduce it to them all at once.
Make the Pet Comfortable During Transit
Transit is a pivotal time during a pet’s moving process. It’s imperative to make the pet as comfortable as possible during the trip. If the pet will be inside a crate or cage, make sure it is secure. If it is in a car, put a seat belt around it. If it is in a moving truck, make sure it has access to fresh air and uses straps to secure it. Protect the pet from other boxes or containers that could crash into them.
Some pets are vulnerable to too much visual stimulation. Try to keep these pets covered. Also, if you see that they are anxious, it may be advisable to pull over and spend a few minutes or hours with them. Play with them and reassure them everything is fine. Shower them with additional love during this time to help them know nothing terrible will happen to them.
Setup the New Residence for the Pet
Your prior residence had the necessary safety tools and gadgets in place. Once you arrive at the new residence, these tools will likely not be in place. To ensure a smooth transition and protect your pet, you must ensure all the proper accommodations are in place beforehand. Try arriving a few days before the move and transition all the safety gadgets to the new location.
Are all Pets Suitable for Travel?
All pets are suitable for travel, but some may require additional accommodations. These additional accommodations apply to your pet type (dog, cat, hamster), their breed, and lived experiences. For example, pets who may have suffered from a history of trauma will display more anxiety than other pets. This heightened level of anxiety means they will need additional reassurance and observation to keep them calm.
When is Additional Assistance Necessary?
As mentioned in the previous section, all pets are different, and moving can be a stressful experience for them. Some pets adjust to a new environment quicker than others. For some, it could take days; for others, it could be months. Maintaining constant observation of a pet is essential, especially in the first few weeks and months upon arrival. However, for some pets, additional assistance may be necessary.
If a pet was once playful and energetic but now displays solemnity, drowsiness, or a change in eating habits, the assistance of a professional pet behaviorist may be necessary. They can provide additional tips to help your pet acclimate to its new situation.
In addition, pets in a new environment are more susceptible to new illnesses. So, it is important to have your pet looked over by a local vet, who can provide additional assistance if it has acquired an illness or help them avoid any future illnesses they were not exposed to in the prior region.
Conclusion
Moving is never easy, but pets provide an additional twist when involved. Pets get used to their environment and can be sensitive to change. So, while humans are anxious during a move, so are their pets. But there are ways to ensure this transition is smooth for the pet and, thus, for the owner. Remembering these tips and any additional information unique to your pet will make moving with your pet and getting them acquainted with the new environment easier.
