Just because the dog likes sticking his head out the car window on the highway, don’t assume that moving is going to be as easy or fun for him. The truth is, pets can sense moving stress and can become confused quickly by a move. In fact, as many as a third of all moved pets get lost at least once because they become confused or disoriented. More than that, the physical transportation of pets can be hard on them, or even dangerous if you’re not prepared. Take a few tips from the American Humane Society to protect your pets during a move.
Get New Tags Before You Move
Remember what we just said about a third of pets getting lost? Well, many of those end up at animal shelters, unidentified and anonymous, and never find their families again. Dogs, especially, run away when stressed. Before you move, get new pet tags with your new address, email, and phone number so a shelter or animal control officer will know how to return your pet. It’s also good to take photos of your pet just prior to moving, to help identify her if you need to get her from a shelter. Make sure to photograph any unusual markings or physical features. For safety’s sake, also try to find a 24-hour vet in your new town before you move.
Go Pet-friendly
Many hotels accept dogs and cats or other small pets, but not all do. Don’t just assume you can check in with two cats and a Rottweiler. If you’re moving far away and driving there, check hotels on your route to make sure they accommodate pets. And never leave your pets in the car or truck all night. Pets can become extremely anxious and temperatures, even on cool days, can rise rapidly in a closed vehicle. If you’re travelling by air or train, make sure you know the carrier’s policy for pets. Some airlines will let you carry your pet with you in your seat, but not all will.
Carry Food, Water, and Medicines with You
It’s easy to just pack stuff in boxes or bags and stuff them into the trunk, but if you’re taking a pet with you, make sure you know where his water and food are at all times. Keep water, food, and any medicines for your pet in a separate cooler, and keep his bowls in there too. It’s amazing how fast a metal bowl in particular can get scalding hot in a car with the sun spilling through the windows (even if the air conditioning is on).
Keep Pets Out
Dogs and cats are curious about new things. But you don’t want curiosity to do you-know-what to the cat. Keep your pets away from where you’re moving boxes and furniture by barring them off in an empty room as much as possible. They can get under your feet and trip you up, potentially hurting you and them. Piled objects can also tip over on them, and many a curious pet has been hurt by digging into packages when they’re in new environs. They’ll have plenty of time to inspect the place once you’re all moved into your new home. Posted by Richard Soto on
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