Moving In With Your Pet For The First Time? 5 Things To Consider Before D-Day!

Moving with a pet for the first time? Changing address, weeks of packing and doing the actual moving is stressful enough but if you’ve got a pet (or pets) to take with you along the ride, you are in for a whole different level of chaos.

If you’re moving and you’re taking your furry friends with you, it’s important to cover your ground first before D-Day. Here are 5 of the most important things you need to consider when you’re moving with your pet for the first time:

Understand The Pet Rules and Regulations

Different places have different rules, that’s why it pays to inquire and research as much as you can about your new address before moving in. You want to check the homeowners association’s pet rules and regulations. Familiarize yourself with the area’s leash laws, pet licensing requirements or any pet ordinances that you have to observe. Calling your local animal control facility is a great way to start digging around deeper into a specific area’s pet rules and regulations.

Consult Your Vet

Apart from you, no one knows your pet as much as your vet. So give your vet a call and ask what you can do to minimize the stress of moving on your pet. Your current vet may also give recommendations for colleagues he knows in your area.

Travelling With Your Pet

Moving is just as stressful to you as it is to your pets. And having his master nearby is a great way for pets to get over their anxiety over the big move. So if you’re driving yourself to your new place, consider having your pet nearby to give it a sense of familiarity. If your pet is not used to travelling by car, start prepping your pet for the move by driving for short distances first before the final move.

If your pet requires special carriers during transportation, such as special seat belts, special food containers, etc. make sure you plan ahead and get them before the chaos of moving sets in. Finally, if you are travelling by air with your pet, make sure to prepare and keep your pet’s documentations before your flight!

Get Identification Tags

One of the most common problems of moving in a new neighborhood is the likelihood of the pet running away or getting lost due to the unfamiliar surroundings. We recommend getting updated identification tags for your pets, especially if your pet isn’t microchipped yet. You want the identification tags to show your new address and an updated contact details in case the pet is lost.

Acclimating Pets to Your New Place

If say, you finally moved in to your new place, don’t forget to let your pet get used to the new surroundings. Let your pet roam around, sniff around and even explore their new territory! You can also break out the leash and show your pet his new home. But don’t let your pet stay out for too long, they might run away or get lost from all the stress of moving!