Moving takes planning but with pets, it takes extra planning. Your pets will sense something is up. Having a plan in place will help to ease the stress and make a smoother transition for all.
MOVING IS STRESSFUL
Moving to a new home is exciting, but for a women over sixty it can be a stressful time. Especially if you have pets. Your pets are in tune to you. They sense your moods, your ups and downs. And most of all, they know when the moving boxes and suitcases come out! Moving with pets makes the process a bit more complicated.
You’ve looked for and bought a pet-friendly home in a new city. You’ve done your due diligence and checked the pet restrictions and local laws. Now you’re all set and getting ready to go.
TRIP TO THE VET
Plan a trip to the vet. Make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date, especially rabies. Get a copy of your pet’s medical records and enough medication they may need for the trip and the immediate future. You can usually have their records emailed to you, on a flash drive, or on disc.
Ask your vet for a recommendation for a vet in the city you’re moving to. You might get lucky and they may just know one! Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip records. This is vitally important if your pet should get out!
CARRIER FOR EACH PET
Put together a carrier for each pet. Bring along an old tee shirt or article of clothing that has your scent. Put it in the carrier or in with your pet’s bedding. It will help to calm them.
Pack a bag for your pets. Make sure you have enough food, water, treats, medications, leashes, familiar toys, beds and blankets, potty bags, pee pads, etc. for your pets for several days, if not more. You want to be prepared in case the movers get held up, or anything that could delay getting your things to your new home for a few days.
MOVING DAY
Try to keep pets as calm as possible on moving day. They will know something is going on. This includes leaving your old home and arriving at your new home. Perhaps your furry friends can spend a few hours with a relative or friend while the moving truck is being packed. If not, confine them to one area.
Make sure your pets are wearing their tags with your contact information. You don’t want anyone getting out. Same thing when you arrive – make sure your pets are safe as your furniture is being unloaded. If they can stay with a friend, in daycare or in the car with you, that should be fine.
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME
Once your furniture and belongings are brought into your new home, make sure to set up a new space for your furkids. You want your pets to have a sense of familiarity and start to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Put their old, familiar beds, blankets and toys into this area. They need a place to feel safe and at home.
Having their own beds, blankets, crates. toys, and whatever you use for them – and having you there – will be a big help in getting your pets settled in their new home!
Welcome home!
This article was originally published on Sixtyandme.com
Elyse Berman, PA, is a Pet-Friendly REALTOR® and retired Court Reporter who has been helping people buy and sell homes for the past 20-plus years. She serves Palm Beach County, Florida. She can be reached at BuySellHomesBocaRaton.com