How to Make Moving With Pets Stress-Free

Relocating with pets can be a stress-free experience with the right preparation. Start by getting your pet accustomed to their travel crate well in advance of the move. This can make them feel safe and secure during the journey. Ensure all their vaccinations are up-to-date and you have their medical records handy. On a moving day, keep their routine as normal as possible and give them plenty of attention to reassure them. Lastly, once you arrive at your new home, set up a familiar space with their favorite toys and bedding to help them adjust. Remember, patience and calmness from you can significantly ease your pet’s transition to a new environment.

First Thing First – Prepare for the Move

The first step of any relocation is to get organized and prepare everything in advance. This could include making an inventory list before you start to pack. The same applies when you’re relocating with your furry friends. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) discovered that annually, 37% of pet owners take their animals with them while traveling.

Get moving boxes and all the other supplies you’ll need, from pet carriers and crates for your dogs and cats to an essentials box. You will want to designate a box for the “must-have” items for your animal friends, like food, favorite toys and blankets, plenty of water, and kitty litter if you’re relocating with a cat. Updating pet microchip information should be handled in a timely manner, as well. Just consider that 

Select the Most Suitable Moving Methods and Services

Hiring a professional long-distance moving company, rest assured you’ll get the best packing services. However, you must have also wondered what you could do about your animal companions. Most long-distance moving services don’t include transporting animals, due to laws and permits. This is especially important if your animal needs any special treatment and handling.

Since professional cross-country movers can’t take care of your furry friends, don’t despair! You can drive them to your new address. However, if you’re using auto transport services, make sure you pick an airline with lax pet rules. Depending on the species your pet belongs to and the location of your future home, you may be required to get a certain permit for your companion, especially if you’re dealing with an interstate move. When deciding on this, always bear in mind that cats and dogs are not used to travel and that you should start preparing them for it from day one.

Get in Touch With People Who Moved Out of State

One of the things you should put on your relocating-to-another-state checklist should be contacting the people who already experiencing the same you do now. So search for a number and get in touch with friends who moved with their furry friend some time ago. They can prove a great help in the process, from start to finish.

After all, they did it all, from the day of the decision to move to the arrival at the destination. Online chat groups can also be a source of a number of helpful tips. How to search for the best moving and auto transport company, how to be sure your pet is ready to travel, and how to keep them away from stress on the day movers arrive.

Cross-Country Moving With Dogs – What to Know?

Dogs can be easy to travel with if they get used to it in advance. So if you’re going to use pet travel carriers for your companion, you should get the dog accustomed to it long before the relocation day comes around. If you’re going to use a car to transport them, getting them accustomed to a long-distance drive is advisable as well.

You can place food in the carrier to get the dog used to being in it and place their favorite toys and blankets inside. If they’re afraid of traveling in a car, take them on a short drive around the neighborhood, so they get used to it. And be sure you bring enough food and water for the road trip with pets.

Make the Transition Stress-Free for Your Cat

Preparing cats for relocation can be more complicated than relocating with dogs, as they are much more affected by a change of surroundings. Apply caution when getting your cat ready for the move, and try to make it as stress-free as possible. You can follow the same steps with your cat when it comes to getting them comfortable with riding in a crate or carrier. Feed your cat inside the carrier and place their favorite blankets and toys there.

You can leave the carrier for them to explore and get used to a couple of months before you move unless you’re relocating on short notice. As with dogs, cats will require enough food and water at every moment of the journey. If you’re relocating with your kids, you can let them take care of your furry friend.

Moving With Exotic Pets

Not everyone has a dog or a cat as their pet. If you’re an owner of an exotic animal, you’ll want to know how to help them with the relocation, too. Birds can be frightened easily and should get extra care during the move. But the good thing is that you can use their cage to transport them, as well, unless it’s a larger bird, in which case you can find a custom-made container. This is all to avoid any injury while you move them.

If your animal companion is cold-blooded, like amphibians and reptiles, you’ll have to keep their temperature in mind. This is especially the case when it comes to relocating in the winter or in bad weather. One of the most important tips for relocation with cold-blooded pets is to remember that they require a wet environment, so place wet towels and sponges inside their container. The advantage that you’ll have when moving with reptile pets is that you probably won’t have to worry about feeding them too often.

Other smaller species like ferrets and rabbits will need a sturdy cage with plenty of space for them to move around. You will also have to keep them well hydrated and ventilated at all times, especially in case you’re moving in the summer. You should place a towel, newspaper, or anything absorbent to soak up any of the waste they produce.

Check the Animal Transport Regulations in Your New State

There are certain things to consider when moving to a new state with animals. For example, you will have to read up on the laws and regulations. Perhaps you will need a new permit, or maybe you will have to get a pet health certificate for travel or find where you put your old ones. In case you’re relocating from a house to an apartment, remember that pets may not be allowed in your building or complex, so ask around in advance. Here are some laws you might didn’t know, but should definitely be aware of:

• In Minot, North Dakota, it is illegal to own or otherwise harbor a pit bull,
• In California, it is prohibited for animals to engage in mating activities within 500 yards of any church or school,
• In Sterling, Colorado, it is a requirement for cats to have a taillight if they are to wander around freely.

Avoid The Common Mistake When Moving With Pets

One of the most common mistakes people tend to make is to keep the pet in the center of the chaos of relocation preparations. You should keep them away from all of that, not just because of their safety, but because you don’t want them to be running around and getting in your way as you’re packing up. Here are key strategies to prevent stress and ensure their well-being:

Look for a Good Veterinarian Near You

Taking the animal with you to another state without doing a check-up with your veterinarian might prove to be a grave mistake. Remember to look for good vets long before you move to your new home. This may also affect your decision-making process when choosing the right neighborhood.

You should also get in touch with your current vet, and let them know that you’re relocating, and get any health records and certificates you may need. The best possible vet near the house can be very helpful in the process of settling in. So get a number of the best vets around. Your pets will be thankful.

Settling into Your New Home

It may seem like a good idea to just let your pet out once you’ve handled the unpacking and sorted out most of your boxes. In fact, you should avoid doing this at all costs. Whether it’s a cat, a dog, or a bird you’re worried about, they will need to get adjusted to a different environment slowly.

First, let them get used to one room, and place any familiar objects and toys there. If possible in any way, you should arrange that room in a new home as similar as it can be to the previous house. Create the environment they may recognize, with furniture patterns and the location of food and water bowls.

Both cats and dogs can take their time to explore small unknowns there, preparing for the bigger ones to come. Then you can let them get accustomed to the rest of the home and give them time for exploration as well. Make sure that all doors and windows are closed, and that there’s no way for them to leave the house or apartment on their own.

Check for Any Pet Hazards in Your New Surroundings

The first step you should take care of before you let your pet out is to pet-proof your new home. Check for any cables that may be dangerous, mousetraps in secluded parts of your home, ways for them to get outside, or any dangerous chemicals or poisonous house plants. Even if you’re moving during the holidays, you should take the time first to remove any hazards for your pets.

Get All the Help You Can From a Professional Relocation and Car Shipping Company

Relocating with your furry friends can be a breeze with the right approach. By preparing in advance and keeping your pet’s needs at the forefront, you can ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. And if you’re looking for a relocation partner who understands the importance of your pet’s comfort, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is here to help. Our experienced long-distance movers are ready to make your move easier, for both you and your pets. Get in touch with us today and take the first step towards a stress-free moving with animals. Let us help you and your pets settle into your new home with ease.