Moving to a new home is a stressful and daunting process. It consists of a lot of tasks that require careful planning and organization. There are a lot of things to do, from preparing the moving supplies, decluttering, packing, finding a moving company, loading/unloading, and transportation. All those things require constant thinking and planning that can make you feel stressed. You may not realize at first that hectic moving preparations can affect your pets as well. That is why you should think about ways to help your pet prepare for moving and lessen the stress and anxiety they can feel. Use this guide and have a stress-free relocation.
What you need to know about moving with a pet
Relocation, as we already mentioned, is a stressful process for your pet as well. You should know that your pet got accustomed to living in one place for some period and that it can be difficult for it to get used to a new home. Also, a new climate can affect its health. That is why you need to prepare your pet for the relocation. Wonder how? Read on to find out how to prepare your pet and perform a stress-free relocation.
Prepare the necessary documents
If you are planning to move your pet internationally, there is some paperwork you’ll need. Exporting and importing a pet is not an easy task. You can’t move it if you have a paper missing. So, research what kind of documents you need and start collecting them if you don’t have them all. Here are some requirements you’ll have to complete before bringing your pet into a new state or city:
- Get pets’ passport
- A veterinarian issued health certificate not older than a month
- Have a vaccination certificate
- Microchip your pet if necessary
- Get a government permit for both export and import
- If you are traveling by plane, find a pet-friendly airline and research their requirements
If you are planning to move interstate, hire long distance movers to help you pack and move. This way, you’ll have more time to focus on helping your pets adjust to the relocation and their new home.
Help your pet prepare for the transition
It is very well-known that pets don’t like going to the vet, but you should prepare them on time since you’d have to take them to the vet several times before the relocation. However, when it comes to transportation, if you relocate your pet by plane, you should know that pets are usually transported in a transporter carrier. Be very careful and slowly prepare your pet for spending time in the transporter. Let it stay there every day for a couple of minutes (add more minutes by each day). This way, your pet will get accustomed to being in the transporter and it will be less stressed. If possible, try taking a drive with your pet using the crater. Remember to put its favorite toy inside so.
Help your pet prepare for moving: What to pack
Packing up your pet’s items does not differ very much from packing yourself. In fact, it’s easier since there aren’t many things to pack. However, make a packing plan in order not to forget something. Here’s what to pack:
- Pet’s bed and mats and blankets
- Pet clothes
- Food and food bowls
- Pet items such as collars and toys
- Grooming tools
- Pet toiletries, etc.
Pack pet’s essential bag
If your pet travels to your new home in the car with you, pack the bag of essentials. This bag shall items that your pet frequently uses. So, pack a pet’s blanket, mat, favorite toy, travel bowls, and food of course. Don’t forget to bring some water. Also, have pet documentation at hand. In case you need them, pack some medications.
Extra packing tip: Pack pet first-aid kit
Don’t forget to pack a pet first-aid kit. It is an inevitable part of the preparation, especially if you are moving with your pets. It should include gauze, non-stick bandages, hydrogen, cotton balls, digital thermometer, antibiotic spray, medicine pillbox, magnifying glass, and so on.
While packing
Packing with pets around the house has its challenges but you can overcome them easily if you have a plan. Pets are very intuitive, so the first thing you should do is stay calm, and maintain their routine. Thus, your pet won’t feel anxious. If your pet is very active and interferes with your packing, find a room in your house where you can leave them. In case the pet doesn’t want to stay alone, knowing that you are in the next room, ask family or friends to watch them during the day. If there’s no one to keep an eye on it, try leaving it in a pet hotel, but only if it has been there before.
Help your pet get accustomed to a new place
Let your pets explore the area of the new house and familiarize themselves with the space. However, don’t make them explore the entire house at once. Gradually allow them to go room by room. Also, prepare a room with their equipment so they can feel cozy, and let them stay there for a couple of days but take them to other rooms from time to time.