Planning a Successful Move

Cats and dogs are not any fonder of change than human beings are. In fact, a big move can be especially confusing for your cat or dog. When they are suddenly uprooted from their familiar home, they may be anxious and perplexed. Spooked or upset animals can sometimes behave erratically. Independence Day is the most popular day of the year for missing animals because fireworks make them run away in fear. Seeing all the commotion of a moving day can do the same so be proactive to keep your pets safe.

Bring Your Pet to the Vet

To prepare for moving day, take your cat or dog to the vet and have them micro-chipped if you haven't already done so. Also, make sure they have a secure collar with an updated ID tag in case your pet does somehow get separated from you in the move. And, if your canine or feline companion often gets carsick, your vet may even prescribe something to help them get through the move without getting stressed out.

Arrange a Comfortable Situation

Do whatever you can to keep your pet calm and comfortable on the day of the move. If you have a lot of furniture and things that are going to take hours to pack and move, designate a room where your pet can stay during all the goings-on of the move. Keep a pet's favorite toys, blankets, and other comfort items in there with them. Stick to a normal feeding schedule with the possible exception of a few extra treats. If someone can stay with the pet and comfort them, that's good. Making your pet feel comforted with things that are familiar to them can help the transition of moving day go more smoothly.

Alert the Movers

Even if you plan to supervise the move and keep your pet hidden in a back room for the entire moving process, you should still alert the movers and packers that you have a pet on the premises. Be specific on where the pet is and emphasize why the pet cannot be let out of the room where you have them or allowed to go outdoors.

Beware of Heat Stroke

If you're moving during the spring or summer, be aware of your pet's risk of heat stroke. What can seem harmless can quickly become dangerous or even deadly. Be sure to keep them well-hydrated throughout the day of the big move, and never leave your pet in a parked moving van or other vehicles. Even mild outdoor temperatures in the 70's can become fatal in a short amount of time when the temperature inside the parked vehicle rises.

Finally, keep in mind that your pet may continue to be anxious once moving day is over until they adjust to the new home. Reassure them and try to keep your pet's routine the same. If they continue to seem ill at ease in the new home, consult your veterinarian.

For more information, contact professionals like GHC Movers and Packers.​