Moving alone is a giant headache, but moving with a pet is a nightmare. Wake up! You don’t need your best friend to cry while you move the couch. Everyone can be happy, all you need to do is plan ahead with these seven simple steps.
- Prep your pet!
Oh, you wanted to pack?
You wouldn’t run a marathon without training would you? No way! Don’t expect your pet to travel with you without any practice. Before the big (or little) move get your pet ready. Go on little trips together to the store or park. This will help your pet adjust not just to being in the car but entering and exiting. And while you’re at it…
- Figure out how your pet is most comfortable.
Traveling in style is always an option.
Every pet is different. If your cat loves boxes maybe it would be okay for it to hang out in one, but that is not something you want to find out mid-drive while surrounded by your hastily packed personal belongings and the very breakable lamp your mother gave you. If your pet is comfortable outside of a carrier, make sure it has time to explore the car before you start driving, and if it will need a carrier, plan ahead. Make sure you get a carrier with enough space for your pet to move around. A month before your move, place the carrier somewhere in your house to allow your pet to explore it and become comfortable with it. For the trip (or before), make sure that the carrier is comfortable, with a toy and a blanket or buy a padded crate. This is especially important if you are going on a long drive.
- Make a moving kit
I totally didn’t overpack!
Especially if you’re moving to a new town, it’s important to be prepared with your pet’s necessities such as:
- Pet food/bowls
- Bottled water
- Your pet’s favorite treats/toys
- Beds/blankets
- Dish soap
- Disposable bags/pet wipes
- Travel-size litter box, litter and scoop
- Pet medications/medical records
- Check that your pet has proper identification
Look amazing and stay safe – why not?
In a perfect world moving would always be smooth but the world is not perfect. Make sure your pet has a collar that is comfortable without being too loose and that it has its rabies tags as well as a tag with your information. A tag should have your new address and your cell phone number to ensure that should something go wrong, you and your pet will be reunited.
- Have your crate and leash available
Not bad at all!
It’s no secret that moving is stressful for both pets and people. There will probably be times when your pet will need a safe space or just some extra control to avoid being overwhelmed or hurt by something being moved.
- Phone a friend!
Baby’s a bit picky about who watches her.
An even better way to protect your pet is to either take it on a mini-vacation to a friend or pet sitter’s house or to just have someone at your house just to keep your baby entertained, safe, and happy.
- Go to the vet!
Before any travel, bring your pet to the vet to make sure it is well enough to make the trip and to confirm that it has all the shots necessary for the area you will be living. While you’re at it, make sure you get to know the vet closest to your new place. You never know when this knowledge will save the day.
Nightmare over!
Boo!
Adapted from the tips of Flat Rate Moving
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