Pet moving requires special attention before, during and after the move. You need to prepare your pet for the transition, arrange for transport, and help them adjust to the new home. Protect your pet’s safety by keeping them happy and healthy during the moving process.
Before pet moving
As soon as you know you are moving, begin preparing your pet. First, take your pet to a vet for a full checkup and ask for copies of vaccination and other health records.
Next, research the state and city pet regulations for your new home and fulfill those obligations. Verify that your pet has the appropriate identification tags and paperwork necessary to be transferred to a new city or state.
Finally, arrange for pet transport. Decide how you will ship your pet and compare prices of several options. Purchase the necessary supplies, and prepare your pet for transport by crate training it or taking it on more rides in the car.
While moving pets
There are several ways to get your pet to your new home. If you are moving nearby, you will probably just move pets in the car with you. Make sure to use an appropriately sized kennel to keep your pet safe.
You may want to ask a friend or neighbor to take care of your pet for a few days after the move. Then, once things are settled, you can arrange for your pet to be brought to your new home. This ensures that the pet does not distract you during the moving process, and that your pet is not exposed to all the scary sights, sounds, and people that he or she may encounter during the move.
If you are moving pets long-distance, you can also drive your pet. If the trip will require an overnights stay, make sure to reserve a hotel room that allows pets.
If you are unable to take your pet to your home yourself, you will need to arrange for your pet to be transported. Most commonly, pet owners have their pet shipped by air, in the same airplane that they are traveling in. There are several things to remember when shipping your pet by air, so make sure to know your airlines requirements and procedures.
Professional Pet Movers
Another option is to have your pet shipped by motor vehicle. In this case, you hire professional pet movers to drive your pet to your new home. The pet movers will feed and care for your pet during the trip. You may or may not be responsible for providing food, a kennel, and other supplies. Make sure to give your transporter your pet’s health documentation and your contact information. Learn more about how to move a pet by land here.
After pet moving
Once you arrive at your new home, you will need to help your pet adjust to the change. Keep your pet confined to a small area of the house until they are ready to explore more. Make sure to surround your pet with familiar objects and people.
Minimize the changes in the new home. Keep the same walking and feeding schedule and make sure your pet has familiar toys. Some pets will have no adjustment issues, but other pets may have a harder time adjusting to their new surroundings. If your pet continues to behave poorly or seems to have a hard time adjusting to the new home, a trip to the vet is advisable.
