Moving to a new place is already a complicated process, but it gets even more challenging when you have pets to worry about. And while short distances are still more manageable, many people find moving long distances with pets an entirely different ballgame.
If you have a pet, they’re probably like another family member. And so whether it’s a bird, tortoise, cat, dog, or any other fur baby, you must also ensure the moving process goes smoothly for them. And although it’s normal for pets to grow accustomed to new surroundings, this requires time and patience.
A sudden change in routine, environment, and lifestyle can disrupt their health and well-being. For instance, if you’re in the northern U.S. and moving across the country to West Palm Beach in Florida, you must have a well thought plan for a smooth transition.
But despite increasing awareness and facilities, very few people do the proper research or practice safety measures when relocating pets into their new homes. This results in unfortunate injuries, accidents, or in severe cases, even fatalities. And if your pet is stressed or upset, your excitement over moving will likely get dimmed as well, especially when it’s long distance.
So, to prevent this, follow these six tips to make the entire process a lot easier.
Hire Professionals
Hiring trained professionals might be an excellent idea when planning a long-distance move with pets since they know how to handle them best. With so many things to worry about, you might forget or overlook some detail that may ruin the moving trip. But since professional movers do this work regularly, they have proper protocols and schedules to get the entire move done efficiently. If you’re moving across the country, hiring a West Palm Beach long distance moving company is highly recommended. Besides helping you relocate your pet without discomfort, they also offer storage options and packing services.
Hiring a professional company means you’ll feel a load off your shoulders. This way, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the experience of beginning a new chapter of your life.
Talk to the Vet
Adjusting to a new place will be different for every kind of animal you have, so it’s crucial to get specific instructions for each one. Once you have a vague idea of when you plan on moving, talk to the vet about making the shift as smooth as possible for your pet. You also want to ensure they can do a quick checkup to confirm there are no underlying conditions and that your pet is ready for the move. In some cases, the vet may prescribe medication to help your pet doze off over long distances.
Vaccinations must, however, be kept up to date. Get all the medical information you need to pass on to a new veterinarian. If you're moving to your new hometown, your vet can suggest someone.
Start Packing Early
It’s typical for pets to get anxious when their owners start moving things around the house or even rearranging some simple room furniture. If your pet’s the same way, it’s better to start packing early to help them get used to the idea of the upcoming changes. Pack your belongings first by storing them in cartons or storage boxes with proper sealing and labels. It’s helpful to keep a list that contains all the labels of each box and all the items you’ve put in them. This way, when unpacking, you’ll know exactly which cartons to open first. Leave the packing of your pet’s stuff till the end or when you’re nearly done with your own to keep them stress-free and distracted.
When you finally get to your new place, unpack the boxes with your pet’s belongings so they can have their corner. This will help them familiarize themselves with the new surroundings and make the move easier.
Maintain Their Schedule
Pets thrive on routine and like having their day-to-day activities carried out the same way. Any disruption in their schedule, whether they come as delays or in haste, can upset their entire well-being. And although the days and weeks leading up to moving day are stressful enough, you must try your best to follow the same routine you’ve been doing all along. Everything must be right on time, from meals and medication to walking or playtime.
Even after you’ve settled into your new place, stick to the same routine so your pet can more easily adjust to an unknown environment. Too many changes happening at once can disrupt their behavior, making them more anxious, stressed, and more likely to act aggressively.
Have an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is essential when making a long-distance move with your pet. Besides providing comfort, it protects your pet from any potential injury or illness. Since you can’t predict when or how something might happen, staying prepared for emergencies is always better. While the items in this kit can vary depending on your pet’s needs, it should typically include food and water provisions and first aid supplies. It may also be helpful to carry essential medical records along with the kit if you encounter an accident.
Other things like your pet’s favorite toy or treat can also provide additional comfort since they offer a sense of security in an unfamiliar environment.
Update Their Information and ID Tags
When you take all the necessary precautions and ensure your pet’s comfort above all else, it’s unlikely they’ll escape or run away during the move. However, to entirely mitigate this risk and ensure your pet quickly gets relocated in such an event, you must update their information and ID tags. Write down your pet’s name or any nickname they may respond to your phone number, and your residential address. It may also be wise to include any relevant medical information that may prove helpful during an emergency. Since anything strange or sudden can trigger them to run away or make an escape, it’s better to update this information early on. You may also get busy with the move and forget about it, so you must try getting it done as soon as possible.
Conclusion
When planning a move over a long distance, especially with a pet in tow, you must enjoy the process and stay stress-free as possible. By following a few simple tips like those above, plan small, doable goals and take each day at a time. And remember, as long as your pet’s comfortable and happy, your entire relocation process will go smoothly.
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