During a move, pets are often confused and scared and may try to escape. Updating their tags and microchips before a move is important.
Also, scheduling a checkup with your veterinarian a few weeks before the move is important for making sure vaccinations are up to date and that any medications are refilled.
Care for Your Pets
During the move, it’s best to keep your pets separated from the hustle and bustle. Not only will this ensure their safety, but it also helps to keep them calm. If you have a dog or cat that’s prone to stress, talk to your vet about calming supplements and medications before your move.
Try to maintain your pet’s routine during the move, especially their feeding and walking schedules. This will help them feel more familiar with their new environment. Be sure to set out your boxes early, so your pet can become familiar with them. It may also be helpful to set out their travel carrier or crate before the move and spray it with a pheromone spray, like Feliway for cats or DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) for dogs.
Update Your Pet’s Identification Tags
If your furry friends get lost during the move, they’ll need ID tags or microchips to help them find their way home. Removalists in Brisbane recommend that before you make sure these items are updated with your new contact information and phone number.
Microchips and tattoos rely on registering them with a pet-lost registry, so you’ll need to call or go online to update your info. Your vet can also help you do this. The most important thing is that these tools are ready in case your pets get lost. They will give you peace of mind and a better chance of them returning safely to their owners.
Prepare a Travel Carrier or Crate
Many pets experience anxiety when they are stuck in a vehicle for long periods of time. By preparing your pet with a comfortable travel carrier or crate, you can minimise their stress during the move.
Select a crate that is airline-approved and the correct size for your pet. The crate should allow your pet to turn around comfortably and have enough space for them to lie down in their natural position.
Plastic crates are light and easy to shift from one place to another, while metal crates are heavier but sturdy and secure. Get your pet to associate the crate with something positive like feeding them in it, so they become more comfortable being inside.
Maintain Your Pet’s Routine
If you can, try to stick with your pet’s routine as much as possible during the move. This may not be easy if your home is littered with boxes, tape and bubble wrap, but a little consistency will go a long way in comforting your dog or cat.
This also applies to their food, as sudden diet changes can cause upset stomachs. Also, be aware that excessive drooling and throwing up can be signs of anxiety. If this happens, speak to your veterinarian about medication options to help calm them. Lastly, give your pet plenty of playtime and treats throughout the moving process.
Pack a Bag with Their Essentials
Before the move, prepare an easily-accessible “overnight kit” that includes enough food, water and kitty litter to last your pet through the night. You can also include toys, treats and grooming tools.
If you’re moving with a cat, be sure to include a litter box and some scented litter to reduce stress and mess during the move. You can also add some calming pheromone spray to your pet’s carrier or crate. Before your move, casually introduce the container to your pet by leaving it out and providing treats inside of it. This helps them become comfortable with the crate and can decrease anxiety during the move.
New Space and Treats
When your pets arrive at their new home, they can be overwhelmed by an unfamiliar environment. Make sure to find a safe place for them, such as a bedroom or their travel crate, and set up their blankets, toys, food and water bowls, litter box, and treats and in that room along with lots of affection. This will help them feel at home and ease their anxiety.
It’s best to keep your pet out of the way of furniture movers during moving day, as they can get stressed by the commotion and strangers coming in and out of the house. Keeping them in their crates or carriers will also prevent them from getting underfoot and being mishandled.
