7 Tips and Tricks to Moving with a Pet

As we all know relocating with a family can be an extremely exhausting and tedious task that no one looks forward to; however, have you ever imagined how stressful a move can be on your four-legged family member?

FlatRate Moving, a company who has been seamlessly relocating the U.S. for the past 20 years, knows it’s imperative that you do your homework and get prepared, while keeping our pets in mind, so no one feels overwhelmed or worried. Although some pets are excited by trips in the car and new environments, others associate car rides with a trip to the vet or may not handle new surroundings all that well. Ensuring for an easier move for everyone, including your pets, the experts at FlatRate Moving, have compiled a list of “7 Tips and Tricks to Moving with a Pet” below.

Prepare your pet for the trip. Whether you’re moving down the block or across the country, accustom your pet to travel. Start out with short trips to the grocery store and gradually build up to a further distance. Not only does this help your pet adjust to time in the car, it helps them get used to you leaving the car, and then returning.

Assemble a “moving kit” for your pet. It’s important to keep the key items close by. Include the necessities, but don’t forget the comforts, like your puppy’s favorite chew toy, to make the ride cushier and less scary. Pet supplies to bring along in the car include:

•         Pet food/bowls
•         Bottled water
•         Treats/toys
•         Beds/blankets
•         Dish soap
•         Disposable bags/pet wipes
•         Travel-size litter box, litter and scoop
•         Pet medications/medical records

Try different ways of traveling. Some pets feel more comfortable in a carrier, while others prefer to find a safe spot in the car to hang out. If your pet seems more comfortable outside of a carrier, allow him/her to explore the car before you leave. If your pet seems anxious, a pet carrier is probably a good idea. Purchase one that allows your pet to move around. A month before the move, keep the carrier in your pet’s favorite part of the house. Place a soft blanket and a toy inside and leave the door open.  (Specially designed crate cushions make a long ride more tolerable, too). Let your pet explore the carrier and have it become a safe place to be. This will help your pet adjust more easily to car travel.

Ensure proper I.D. Check to make sure that your pet’s collar fits comfortably, but that it’s not loose enough for escape. Address tags with your cell phone number, pet name and rabies tags should be worn by your pet at all times. If your pet gets loose, you want to know that s/he can be quickly identified.

Keep a leash or crate handy. There’s a lot happening on moving day. Keep a leash or crate handy so you don’t have to worry about keeping them secure and out of harm’s way when necessary.

Enlist the help of others. If possible; enlist the help of a pet sitter, friend or family member to watch your pets during the move. This keeps them out of harm’s way and allows you to focus on the important details of the move without worrying about them too.

Talk to your vet. Schedule an appointment with your vet before the move to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel, and find out what shots are required for the area to which you are moving. Also, find a local vet in your new neighborhood in advance in case of emergencies. Knowing where you can get help could save your pet.