Relocation is something people find very stressful and overwhelming. Even though your pets are not doing any packing or planning, believe us, they also find it difficult to cope with the moving process. Any change or unusual activity can potentially be a very big stress for animals. Also, adjusting to the new environment could be a process that takes time. That’s why you should take moving with a pet very seriously and if you want it to be a smooth, stress-free process – here’s our guide.
Be calm
Even though they don’t speak, pets usually know a lot about their owners. Actually, they feel the energy and can sense the feelings, whether positive or negative ones. So, if you are anxious and stressed, the truth is, it may be the way your pet is feeling, too. That’s why you need to stay calm during the packing and moving, and set an example for your pet. To reduce stress, you can always take moving services Los Angeles from a professional company.
Start in advance
Moving in a rush and packing your items quickly, can lead to a stressful environment. Pets feel that and become anxious themselves. That’s why it is for the best to do the packing slowly. Start packing room by room, and don’t let it mix up the routine your pet is having.
Let them familiarize with the kennel
If you are traveling to another city or state, you probably prepared a kennel for moving with a pet. However, closing them in a kennel just on the moving day can cause a lot of stress and turn your travel into a nightmare. Instead of doing it abruptly, you should introduce the kennel to the pet. Leave it in the house days before the moving day, so your pet can get accustomed to it. You can let your pet sleep in it a couple of times, so it is not a big shock when the moving day comes.
Find a place for your pet to stay on a moving day
With all the boxes being carried around on a moving day, maybe it is for the best that your pet is not present at the time. If you are hiring a professional moving company Los Angeles to help you relocate, dogs can bark at the movers since they don’t know them. Strangers in the house are sometimes a big stress for the pets. So maybe you could find a place for your pet to stay. Ask somebody of your friends or family to help you with this and take care of your pet on a moving day. Be sure that they are in a quiet and calm environment.
Find a vet
Moving with a pet requires a lot of the same things as moving with people. If you need a new doctor (which we advise you to find as soon as you move), your pet also needs a new vet. If you are visiting the city before you move, find a vet on that occasion. In case something happens during transport, or your pet has a reaction to the new environment, you have a person to talk to as soon as you arrive at your new home. Even without an emergency situation, you should make an appointment with the new vet as soon as possible.
Prepare your pet’s medical documents
While packing for the move, be sure to make a copy of all medical records or documents. You need to have them ready for the new vet.
Update the information
Along with preparing your pet’s medical records, you should update its information if your pet has an ID microchip. It is important to do that as soon as you move because if something unexpected happens, the address is updated in your pet’s microchip information.
Make the new home pet-friendly
Even though you are moving to another home, be sure to maintain the routines and rules that you had at your old house. So, before you move, check if your new home is pet-friendly and make any adjustments if necessary. Safety should come first, so make sure your new home is safe your pet and free from any glass or dangerous pests.
Don’t let your pet out of the kennel too soon
While moving with a pet, it is important to know that usually, they are very nervous during transport. So be sure to wait until you arrive at your new home so you can open the kennel and let your pet out. Don’t let them go outside – it can be very dangerous. Since your pet doesn’t know the new home and the neighborhood, it can get away and get lost easily.
Let your pet adjust to the new home
After you arrive at your new home, let your pet familiarize with the place. Sometimes, animals do unusual things when they are not completely relaxed. So be ready for some barking, sniffing, digging. All of these are ways to get used to the new home. Don’t leave your pet alone for too long for a couple of days, until they are relaxed and adjusted to the place. Just act normally and most importantly, continue with your usual routines about feeding, sleeping, and play time. This will help a lot so your pet can feel at home very soon. Also, be sure to explore the new area. If you have a dog, take it out for a walk, since there are now many places, smells, and sights to see and smell.
If your pet acts in any way strange, be sure to let your vet know. Also, if your pet seems uninterested or sad – give them time to adjust to their new home. Not everybody is thrilled about moving!