Moving With Pets? What You Need To Avoid
Moving to a new home can be a significant life event for you and your pets. While the prospect of starting fresh in a new environment can be exciting, you have to remember that your furry friends may not entirely understand what's going on. Pets can easily become stressed if their routine and environment suddenly change, which can lead to behavioral issues and health problems.
But don't fret—with careful planning and consideration, you can ensure a smooth transition for your beloved companion. Here's what you shouldn't do when moving with pets.
Make Last-minute Arrangements
Abrupt changes can be extraordinarily stressful for animals. Pets thrive on routine and predictability, so a sudden shift in their environment can lead to anxiety, behavioral issues, or even health problems.
If you rush through the moving process, you may not have sufficient time to acclimate your pets to their new surroundings. This can make the transition more difficult for them. They may exhibit signs of stress, such as excessive barking, scratching, or even urinating in the house.
Preparing your pet for the move well in advance allows you to gradually acclimate them to the idea of change, reducing potential stress. This planning stage can include gradual habituation to travel carriers, early packing to avoid a rush, and maintaining as much of their routine as possible.
It can be a good idea to take your pet on a few short car rides to get them used to traveling or visit the new home beforehand to familiarize them with the new space.
Relying on last-minute arrangements means you're less likely to find a pet-friendly moving service. Not all moving companies are equipped or willing to accommodate pets during the move. And those that do may be booked out if you wait too long to schedule your move.
This, on top of the rushed move, can lead to a distressing moving experience for you and your pet, something that you can easily avoid with proper planning and early booking with a reputable pet-friendly moving company.
Skimp on Adequate Rest Stops
Ignoring adequate rest stops can lead to distressing conditions for your pets. Animals, like humans, need regular breaks, especially during long hauls, to alleviate their stress and freshen up.
Remember that your pets will need to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves just like you do. Long hours of confinement in a car without breaks can also cause your pet to become agitated, anxious, or even sick. They may exhibit signs of motion sickness, such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can be uncomfortable and messy.
In addition, regular pit stops are an opportunity to monitor your pet's condition and demeanor. If you take time to observe your pet's behavior during these breaks, you can assess their stress level and make necessary adjustments. Perhaps you could provide more water if they seem dehydrated or give them more time to get used to their surroundings.
During these breaks, you could also offer them a familiar blanket or toy for comfort. They'll appreciate these small gestures of love and feel more at ease in the new environment. Your mover can also use this time to inspect the pet carrier for any signs of distress and make sure they safely secure your pet before continuing the journey.
In some cases, it may even be necessary to provide a calming supplement or medication prescribed by your veterinarian to help ease their discomfort during long travels.
Don't risk a stressful and unpleasant experience for your family—contact Checkmate Moving and Storage today to schedule your pet-friendly move. We're here to make your relocation a happy and memorable one for all members of your family, including the four-legged ones!
