Cats and dogs and fish, oh my! Moving day is quickly approaching – the boxes are packed, the moving truck has been reserved, the mailing address has been changed, but what about your pets? Have you thought about how you’ll deal with them before, during, and after your move?
Moving with pets isn’t easy. You might think it’s just an adjustment for the humans of the household, but pets can become stressed as well. Pets like comfort and consistency and, for your pets, the moving process is anything but. But it doesn’t have to be that way for your beloved family members. Today we will give you tips and tricks to help you help your pets have a smooth transition from one home to the next.
- ID Tags and Microchips: Make sure your pets have the proper IDs. Even if they’re indoor pets, they can get out during the move. If your pets have collars and are microchipped, whoever finds them will have a much easier time finding you. Visit homeagain.com to learn how easy it is to have your pet microchipped. Don’t forget to update your contact information after the move.
- Proper Certification: Many states require health certificates for pets when entering new states as well as vaccinations. The health certification should include a complete description of the pets, list prior illnesses, and state they’re free from infectious diseases. Make sure you spend the time to understand local and state laws as they relate to your pets before making the move.
- Blankets: If you’re able to, leave a blanket at your new house for a few days before you move in and then bring it back to your pets to smell. This will help them get used to the smells of your new home and will make them feel comfortable when they make the transition. If you can’t do that, make sure you are ready to setup the toys, blankets, or beds that make them most comfortable as quickly as possible in your new home.
- Pack for Your Pet: Before you move, pack a box or bag with your pets’ food, a blanket, toys, and food / water bowls. Clearly label the box so movers know not to pack into the moving truck. As soon as you get to your new home, set your pets up in a quiet space with food, water, toys and a litter box (if you have a cat!). This will help them get acclimated without too much confusion. And don’t be afraid to them let explore the new home after a period of confinement – it’s their house too!
It’s also important to keep in mind that your pets will need to move with you, not in our moving trucks. During the move itself consider arranging to have your pet stay with a friend or at a daycare to reduce the risk of them getting lost or hurt. If you have small pets, (i.e. fish, hamsters, etc.) be sure to pack their cages and /or bowls securely in your car, so they make it safely to your new home.
We hope you’ve found this information useful. We understand your furry friends are part of the family and it’s important to ensure they stay safe and comfortable during your move. Our apologies to those of you who need more advice on moving fish, reptiles, or birds. If you have tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments section for others.
Are you planning a move? If so, call Beltway Movers today at (877) 830-7515. We look forward to moving with you!
