When planning a move, it’s easy to focus on relocating important items like your couch, bed, television, dining table, etc. It can be easy to overlook one of the most important things in your household, your pets! Your pets are part of your family, and it is important to make sure they are properly cared for during a move. Pets cannot be transported on moving vans. Therefore, we put together a helpful list of tips on how to properly move your pets. Check out these tips on moving your pets to ensure the relocation process is easy.
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Consult your Vet
Once you have decided to make your move, schedule an appointment with your vet to ensure that your pet’s health is in good condition for travel and up to date on vaccinations. If your pet has travel anxiety, ask your vet about administering mild sedation during the move. Also, if you are relocating to a different state, contact a vet in your new state to see if there are any state requirements for relocating pets. Once you have relocated, contact the city clerk of your new town to learn about license fees.
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Air Travel
If you are planning to transport your pets on an airplane, make sure to familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations regarding air travel with pets. Contact your airline to learn about their policies. Make reservations for your pet on the plane and secure a shipping carrier for them well in advance. Feed your pet no less than 5 to 6 hours before your flight, and do not give them any water within 2 hours before the flight.
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Car Travel
If you are planning to relocate your pet in a car and they are not comfortable with long car rides, take short trips before the move to familiarize them with the motion of the vehicle. A kennel or carrier may be useful, and make sure they have plenty of food and water for the trip. If your pet suffers from motion sickness, ask your vet about a mild anti-nausea medication you can give them to prevent an upset stomach.
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Always Keep Pets Secured
Always keep pets on a leash or in a crate. Keeping your pets on a leash is the law! Make sure your pets are wearing a collar with proper identification tags. If you are staying at a hotel at any point during your move, always make sure to book a room at a pet-friendly hotel and keep your pet in the room, except for bathroom breaks. Make sure your pet is on a leash during bathroom breaks and that you use pet waste bags to clean up after them. Don’t forget to pack plenty of food, water, toys, treats, and bedding.
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Look for Signs of Distress
After the move, it may take a couple of months for your pets to get fully acclimated to their new environment and your new routine. Help them ease into this transition by establishing a clear eating, sleeping, and restroom area. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention during this time. If your pet is showing drastic behavioral changes such as aggression, anxiety, or defiance consult your new vet about ways to correct their behavior. If they are also showing signs of physical changes such as weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, uncontrollable bodily functions, etc. consult your new vet immediately. Moving is a stressful time for everyone, including your pets, so it is important to monitor them during this transition.
We want to make sure your furry friends are properly cared for throughout your entire move! We hope that our helpful tips make moving your pets a little easier. For more information on the move process, or to schedule a free in-home estimate, speak with one of our moving experts today!
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