Moving house can be an anxious time. There is all the packing and unpacking, switching of pet bedding and familiar surroundings, and dealing with moving day in general.
When your pet is a part of the family, it can be even more difficult to deal with the stresses that come with moving house. However, a lot of people forget about their pets when preparing for the big move, so to help ease some stress on both you and your pet during this time, here are some tips on what you need to know before you move!
Brief Your Removals Company
Your removals company should know in advance about any pets that need to be accounted for on moving day.
You may start your search with “movers near me” but you need to ensure that the movers you eventually pick will be sympathetic to your pet’s needs and will follow specific instructions such as not opening a specific room until you’re ready to put your pet in their carrier.
Invest in a High-Quality Pat Carrier
A can or cage designed specifically for pets should be able to withstand being carried from room to room. The higher the quality of the pet carrier, the better protection your pet is going to get on the journey to your new home.
There are specific carriers for different sizes and breeds of cats and dogs, but other animals may be able to use more generic pet carriers. For example, most backyard chickens will fit safely into a standard cat carrier.
Take Your Pets to the Vet Before Moving Day
Many vets will suggest you have your pet’s vaccinations, microchipping, and health checks up to six weeks before moving day. It’s critical that you check the health of your pet before moving day and speak with your vet to make sure your plans are safe enough for them.
Keep Pet Food and Fresh Water Stored Within Easy Reach
Pet food (ideally in packages that can be resealed) and fresh water for your pet should be stored somewhere that is within easy reach at all times.
This will make it easier for you to keep track of the time you feed your pets and reduce the amount of time they spend outside their cage or carrier during moving day. You should limit their food intake if your pet will be traveling, but always have fresh water available via a bottle attached to the crate or carrier.
Make Sure Your Pet’s ID Tags are Up to Date
If your pet is microchipped, it’s important that the information on their chip is up to date. You should check this regularly, and before moving day, check that your vet is also aware of any changes. This means they can make a note on their records and update your pet’s microchip.
Make sure pets travel with ID (such as collars) which details your cell phone number and both your old and new addresses.
Check Out the New Home Before Moving Day
One way that you can help ease your worries about moving day is to check out the new property before the move. This means you’ll know where everything is and where your pets will be safe to roam freely.
