Are You Planning To Move To A New Place With Your Fur Baby?
Whether you plan to move across the country or just down the block, having a little furry pet during this exciting yet daunting time adds another level of responsibility on your shoulders.
Besides doing the obvious things such as preparing for a new home, getting amenities and services transferred to the new place, finding the right moving service, and running errands, you also need to take care of everything that your pet will require before, during, and after the big move.
So, if you have just started preparing or are in the process of moving out in 3 months or less, here’s a quick checklist specially curated for you to ensure that moving with your pet into a new home turns out to be a success.
3 Month Checklist For Moving With Your Pet
Since moving is a long term process, here is a step by step checklist of things that you must do to ensure that your pet feels at ease during and after the move:
3 Months Before Moving
Research About The Climate Of Your New Home
If your Golden Retriever is used to living in a pleasant environment like that of San Francisco, California, they may find it hard to adjust to the humid subtropical climate of New York. In this case, it’s important to have enough information regarding your new residence, so that you can help your pup acclimate to the new environment.
Learn about the climate and weather of your new place, like the beloved county of New York, Manhattan, and take factors such as neighborhood safety, safety against natural calamities, crime rates, canine friendly environment, and conduct an overall assessment of how it may impact your doggo and its well being.
Get Your Pet Vaccinated
If you’re traveling internationally, or even to another city, it’s important to get your pet vaccinated beforehand. Getting it done a few months prior to your move ensures that your pup will be in the best condition to travel when it’s time.
It’s important to protect your pet from any contagions in the new environment, and if they’re prone to biting, getting a rabies vaccination will make it easier to take them on flights. Plus, different states demand different vaccinations, so staying ahead of the curve will only prove beneficial and make the transition smoother.
Get A Medical Record From Your Vet
Having a fresh copy of the medical history of your pet can help you in your new home. Having the records will make it easy for the next pet to take care of your fur baby.
Plus, having them while traveling can prove beneficial, especially if you’re traveling far enough and may require medical assistance for your pet during the journey.
Map Out Places To Stay During The Travel
If you’re on a long flight with lots of layovers, or you’ll be driving for a long period of time, you may need some place to rest. With a pet with you, it’s important to look for hotels, and other accommodations, that are pet friendly.
Booking them in advance will ensure that you and your pet have a place to stay and aren’t left stranded during the journey.
2 Months Before Moving
Invest In A Travel Friendly Carrier
Your four legged friend needs a place to stay, and sleep in comfortably while moving. To ensure utmost comfort, invest in a travel friendly crate or carrier for your pet. If your baby pooch is big in size, you can even get a custom dog crate for them. Use this time to familiarize them with the crate or carrier, so that they’re willing to use it when time comes.
The idea is to get a carrier that’s comfortable enough to sleep in, but also has enough space so that your pet can roll around. If you’re taking them on a flight, check the respective flight’s rules and regulations regarding the type of carrier that’s allowed.
Take Your Pooch For A Check Up
Two months before your move, you want to ensure that your pooch is in the best shape for traveling. So, take them for a quick checkup and include any extra nutrients, or vitamins to help them adapt better to the new environment, but only at your vet’s discretion.
This might also be the time to get a Health Certificate from your vet, if the need arises. Some flights and even property owners (in case you’re renting a house) require a health certificate from a certified vet to ensure that the pet can travel and live in the premises.
Create A Travel Kit
Two months before moving is the ideal time to start creating a pet travel kit. You must be creating an emergency kit for yourself during the moving process, but creating a separate travel bag for your canine companion can serve multiple purposes.
You can add all their medications, toys, blankets, a leash or harness, a first aid kit, all their medical records, a poop bag or litter box, as well as a list of all the emergency vet numbers in and around the area that you’re moving to.
Update The Identification Tag’s Information
If your pet is wearing any identification tag or microchip, ensure that it’s updated with your latest information such as the new address, phone numbers, etc. to ensure that your fur baby won’t be separated from you.
It’s easy to forget to do this in the hustle and bustle of moving, so it’s better to do it early rather than later. If you’re planning to cover a long distance, either through a car or via flights, it becomes essential so that your pet doesn’t get lost.
1 Month Before Moving
Find A Vet In Your New Neighborhood
Being prepared for moving with a pet requires finding a good vet even before you move to your new home. If it’s intercity or some place close, go ahead and look for a vet near your neighborhood. You can do this when you’re going to look at the preparations, or are starting to move some of your stuff to the new place.
This can also be a great opportunity to take your pet with you, and introduce it to its new home. If you can take your canine friend with you once or twice before the big move, they’ll become more familiar with the place and be far more comfortable once they get there.
Find Places For Pet Amenities And Services
Having stores, and shops nearby that sell pet products and services will save you the hassle of going to and fro for every little need. Take some time beforehand to find the stores near you. Also, look for a park nearby that’s pet friendly and where you can take your little buddy for a walk and some fresh air.
Photo Credits: https://unsplash.com/photos/shallow-focus-photography-of-dog-and-cat-ppKcYi1CXcI
Different pet needs such as grooming, training, quality food, new kennels, exercising, among others require constant access to places where you can get them. Having them in your neighborhood will help your pet adjust to the move better.
Arrange For Doggy Day Care
The two and fro of the moving day can put your furry buddy at the risk of getting hurt, or running away with the constant arrival of moving and packing servicemen. Therefore, arranging for a trustable and well equipped doggy daycare can keep your pooch away from any harm.
So, find a good daycare provider in your new neighborhood. This is also important if you’re a single pet parent, or all the people in your household work full time. Having a place where your pet feels safe and cared for during your working hours can ensure that they won’t feel lonely in the new home.
Begin Packing Your Pet’s Belongings
This step is reserved for the very last, and rightly so. Your pet is attached to their belongings, and up until last week, it’s better to hold off on packing all of their things in a box. Whether it’s their toys, blankets, beds, water and food bowls, or clothes, hold off until the last month to pack.
You may start packing some of the things that they don’t need everyday, and as the moving day gets closer, start packing more things. Just remember that you must pack the items in such a way that they’re accessible to your pet and easy to set up as soon as you enter the new home. Having familiar items placed first will keep your pet calm in the new place.
Keep Your Little Pets Comfortable
Moving can be a tough process, especially with pets around. While it’s important to be ready for the big move, it’s equally important to keep your pets feeling loved and supported during the transition. By following the steps given above, you can help your little fur babies be more comfortable, and respond positively to the change in their home.
Photo Credits: https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-brown-dachshund-standing-in-box-sxNt9g77PE0
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