Moving the Family Pet

Posted on August 14, 2010

Moving can be difficult on the whole family, and pets are no exception. Whether you have a hamster or a Great Dane, changing a pet’s routine can make them anxious. Traveling long distances only makes the experience more trying.

Before moving with your pet, your need to research state laws, because laws differ state to state. If you don’t follow state procedure, you can be held liable, especially if you own an exotic animal.

Dogs

For dogs, there are a few things to do before moving day to make the transition easier. First, you should arrange for your dog to be elsewhere on moving day. Dogs can sense different emotions, and seeing everything being packed and moved can confuse your dog. Consider taking a visit to the veterinarian for a routine checkup, to get a copy of health records and possibly get a referral for another vet near your new location. Or, ask a friend or neighbor who is familiar with your dog to look after it. If you cannot find anyone to look after your dog, you should put it in an empty room or in your back yard with a doggie bed and some chew toys, until all of the packing and loading is complete. Once you are in your new home, you should wait until all of your furniture is in place before bringing your dog inside. A doggie bed, water bowl and chew toys should be placed in the same location within your new home as it was in your last home. You should make sure to update your dog tags to include your new phone number and address.

Cats

Cats are just as temperamental when it comes to moving. As with dogs, you should consider leaving them with a friend or family member. This is all the more crucial when dealing with cats, because they are naturally harder to keep track of. Much like dogs, having something familiar to come home to, like a scratching post or a familiar rug, can help your cat adjust to its surroundings.

Smaller Pets– Birds, Fish & Hamsters

Birds are usually easy to move, because they are content in their cage, as long as they have proper ventilation and plenty of food and water. Fish should be removed from their tank and transported in proper travel containers. Small animals, like hamsters, are not really a problem, as long as you use well ventilated metal or chew resistant plastic.

Check back often for more moving and packing tips.