Your family is moving to a new home. It’s an exciting and stressful time for everyone — including your pets. Here are four tips to help your pets survive the ups and downs of moving day.
Visit the vet. Before you move, take your pet for a veterinarian visit. Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations, and get any prescriptions you might need. For example, anxious pets may need a sedative or anti-anxiety medication. Some animals get motion sickness and require anti-nausea medications or special feeding recommendations.
Pet security. Before you move, make sure your pet has a collar with a clear ID tag that has updated contact information. If your pet is microchipped, make sure the chip is registered. The combination of stress and travel may cause a pet to wander away and become lost. Keep in mind that the noise and activity of moving day may scare pets. Until you are ready to load them in a vehicle, secure your pets in a closed room or in a crate. Being in a secure area with familiar toys and treats should minimize stress and also prevent them from accidentally running off.
Provide safe transportation. When transporting small animals such as cats, small dogs, or rodents, use a pet carrier that has good ventilation. Bigger dogs should be leashed or crated, if possible. Pets should not be transported in vehicle storage areas or open truck beds. If you are not traveling by car, check the train or airline websites to review pet transportation policies.
Don’t forget the essentials. When traveling, keep all important pet items accessible. This may mean vet records, food, and leashes, but don’t forget about comfort items like a favorite chew toy or blanket. On the road, give your pet access to water. Plan regular opportunities for your pet to relieve itself. Try to feed your pets on their regular schedule. If the trip includes an overnight stay, search online for pet-friendly hotels and reserve rooms in advance using sites such as www.petswelcome.com or www.pet-friendly-hotels.net.
