Moving to a new house can be nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. But it’s not just you who you have to think about because if you have a dog or a cat, you need to prepare them as well including their needs such as salmon oil, which you can read more and buy on vitalpetlife.com.
There’s so much to consider once you move to a new location with your pets. It’s not only about preparing yourself but also preparing your pet for the trip and settling him/her once you arrive in your new home.
Here are some tips and pointers to think about once you and your little friend are ready to move.
1. Prepare a pet kit
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Before the big move, make sure you have prepared a kit containing all your pet’s needs – vitamins, toys, soap, shampoo, food, and medicine your pet needs as stated by the veterinarian. With a kit, you don’t have to unzip your luggage and look for something while heading to your new place.
2. Get your pets veterinarian records
If you’re relocating, make sure that you have talked to your pet’s veterinarian and got copies of his/her records. Inform the veterinarian that you are moving to a new city and the doctor may have recommended vets in the city you’ll be moving in. After all, you want your pet in good hands.
3. Avoid your pet from getting stressed while finalizing the relocation
As you finalize the move, make sure to keep your pet away from all the action by putting him/her in a quiet area. This could be inside a quiet room or even taking you to a pet center for a couple of hours. Make sure that you provide food and water if you leave your pet inside the room for the time being, as you try to move and fix your new home.
4. Get a feel of your new neighborhood
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According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/moving-your-pet), it’s highly recommendable that one should walk around to check if the neighborhood you are moving into is suitable for your pets and if it’s safe. Can you walk your dog without feeling uncomfortable? Are the dogs just left unattended or aggressive? Is there enough space to walk around? These are just some of the questions you should consider before making the big move with your pet.
5. Check for a pet center in the area
It’s very important that your pet has all its needs, so make sure there is a pet store/center you can go to in your new location. Once you find the pet store, check if the store carries your pet’s needs such as food, vitamins, and other things recommended by the veterinarian.
6. Put your pet inside a carrier while driving
If you’re driving on the trip, make sure that your pet is safe inside its carrier. Dogs tend to get excited so make sure that you put a car seat around your little friend as you drive. Make sure your windows are closed because you don’t want them to jump and start running after them in the middle of nowhere.
If you’re moving with your pet birds, make sure that their cage is clean and has their bird feed and water.
7. Pet-proof your new home
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We know you love your pets and don’t mind letting them play and run around. But it’s very important to pet-proof your new home because like you, your pet is also adjusting to their new home. Make sure to let them know their boundaries. Put a pet door in the staircase for your dogs. Also, make sure the plants you are putting in your new home are something that they cannot play or destroy. Also, make sure that your window screens are okay and that electrical cords, which could result in accidents are away from them.
8. Help your pet settle in
Once you have unpacked some of your things or arrived in your location, slowly but surely help your pet settle in their new environment. If you’re in a new home, take your pet to the spot they will be staying most of the time. Go around the house with them so that they can familiarize themselves with it. Dogs in particular are known to be alert if something isn’t right and they can move fast. If you familiarize them with the house, they know what to do.
Aside from them around the house, it also helps that you can introduce them to the rooms. If you have a cat as a pet, make sure to put the litter box where he/she will be comfortable. Remember, cats are very territorial and they mark it.
9. Take your new pet around your new area
After introducing your pet to your new home, then it’s time to introduce them to the neighborhood. Walk your pet and see how it acclimatizes to the new surroundings. If you live near a beach, then by all means, go there so that they can get used to the sound of the waves and play. The quietness or noise around your new neighbor will let your pets know what they can expect. Make sure also to carry newspapers and a leash in case it decides to poop.
10. Try to maintain your pet’s regular routine
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Change can be difficult for pets, so one way is to try to make sure to maintain their original routine back in their old home. We’re talking about adapting to a new environment but if you can insert some of the things you used to do with them in their original place, then they will not feel stressed and sad.
Adapting to a new place may be a challenge for you and your pet. But with some patience, you’ll be able to get the hang of it and once you settle in, then your pet will also start to feel comfortable just like you.
