Moving across the country can be both exciting and stressful for both you and your pet. When you start carrying those hefty possessions and clearing the house, you might notice a slight behavior change in your beloved companion. They are less likely to get excited and more prone to becoming anxious or needy.
Your pet is part of the family, so ensuring it has a healthy move is as important as anything else. We’ve compiled educational tips to alleviate some of the stress involved with the move and help you quickly get moving quotes from reliable cross country movers.
1. Plan Ahead
Long-distance moving with pets demands meticulous planning to avoid eleventh-hour confusion and chaos. A complete strategy that includes a comprehensive approach encompassing multiple facets ensures a convenient move when pets are part of the journey.
You’ll need to research pet-friendly routes you can take. Your pet will need accommodation if your move takes three days or more of on-road transit. In that case, research facilities along the route and create a detailed timeline that allocates stops for bathroom breaks and walk-in parks.
A strategic plan will eliminate many of your worries and will help your family enjoy the moving process.
2. Schedule an Appointment With the Veterinarian
Schedule a vet appointment for a pre-move checkup for your beloved companions in advance. A comprehensive assessment is pivotal for your pet’s health and prepares you early for any special treatments your pet might require. The doctor may administer heartworm prevention, anxiety-control pills, or NSAIDs.
In addition, you can obtain the necessary documentation and health certificates required for the move. For you to own a pet, most states require a signed health certificate from a registered pet veterinarian.
To add to the plate, you might also be required to provide an updated rabies vaccination and an implant identification chip, depending on your mode of transit.
Moreover, a pre-move checkup appointment is the best opportunity to get answers to your concerns. You can get tailored advice on how to handle your pet should stressful or anxious periods arise during transit.
3. Check the Local Laws and Regulations
If you are relocating to a new state, check the rules or requirements governing pet imports. You can look up pet regulations on the USDA APHIS (The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department) website in different states. Take time to read, understand, and adhere to each rule.
It’ll give you a smooth transition as you embark on your cross country move. For precise guidelines, you can also ask your landlord or realtor about the pet policies of your new residence.
There are specific regulations for certain pet types, sizes, and the overall number of animals. Look up and follow up on rules associated with your pet’s breed. For individuals with unconventional pets like reptiles or birds, regulations differ from state to state.
4. Update Your Pet's ID Tag
When the daily routine of a pet is dramatically changed, it will likely get confused and bolt. As you prepare for your move, updating your pet’s ID tags is important to ensure pet safety during the long-distance move. You can easily reunite with your furry pet by tracking the implanted chip or putting notice posts if it should somehow get lost.
The updated tags provide a direct means of contact in case anyone finds it wandering in the streets. Quick access to contact information aids in streamlining the process of searching and reuniting with your beloved companion.
Microchipping can save you the hassle of finding your dog without compromising the move. These are tiny chips under their skin that contain unique data that vets, animal shelters or any animal expert can scan. It offers security, especially when the pet’s collar gets lost.
5. Pack Your Pet’s Essentials
Pack your pet’s essentials in a bag with easy access. In the bag include:
- Food
- Water
- Bowls
- Medications
- Toys
- Treats
- Blankets
Possessing different items in the bag will help keep your pet occupied and reduce the stress involved with cross-country moves. With the pet’s bag fully stocked, you’ll be able to care for your pet during stops and rest breaks.
The backpack should include hygiene products like waste bags, litter boxes, poop bags and cleaning supplies. It will help maintain your and their environment.
Medical emergencies may also take place during a move, hence, packing a first aid kit filled with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers can be a precautionary measure during the move.
6. Maintain Routines
Pets need a routine for their well-being. Consistency is your utmost approach in feeding, walking, and playing with your pet, bringing reassurance of everyday activities.
A scheduled approach offers comfort, upholds their feeding habits, maintains exercise regimens, and offers mental stimulation.
If you choose movers to help you with your move, familiarize your cross country movers with these routines.
7. Hire a Pet Transportation Company for Longer Moves
A long distance move with pets can be an unsettling process that requires you to weigh different options. Hiring a pet transportation company is a great way to move cross country with pets.
With a pet moving company, you are relieved from making rest stops, as the movers handle everything. Finding pet-friendly accommodations during a move takes effort and certainly has a price, but with a reputable long distance moving company, your beloved companion can reach the new destination well cared for.
Do thorough research using vets’ recommendations and referrals to help land a reputable pet moving company. Calculate your moving cost before signing a contract.
Evaluate customer reviews and testimonials and confirm their legitimacy by verifying their licenses and insurance. With a proactive strategy, you can securely guarantee your pet reaches your new location safely.
8.Secure Proper Carriers or Crates
Preparing pets for a cross-country move can be challenging, especially if your pet is not used to crates or carriers. You’ll need to start training your pet a month before your move.
Utilizing crates and carriers provides a sense of security for pets as it offers robust safety.
A pet expert can familiarize your pet with the carrier beforehand and make the new habitat feel comfortable. They distract pets by placing treats, bedding, and toys in the carrier.
Crates and carriers prevent unexpected injuries during sudden breaks and accidents.
If you can’t afford an animal shelter, train your pet to embrace the new area by implementing regular short trips to play areas near the new home.
9. Post-Move Checkup
Post-move veterinarian checkup is a pivotal step that should be included in every pet owner’s moving checklist. During this visit, assess the pet’s reaction to its new environment and routine.
In an open conversation, enlighten the vet with any new change of behavior you might have noticed. Seek advice and guidance on local health concerns and how to help your pet familiarize with the new clinic’s environment.
10. Socializing Opportunity
Introduce your pet to social tasks to ease their integration with the new community. You can take it to local parks and let it participate in pet-friendly events.
Such interactions foster social familiarity with new people and other pets. It encourages a sense of belonging and ends the isolation feeling. Social interactions boost their confidence and help them employ connections.
Ultimately, Each Tip is Worth It
Steering clear of unforeseen circumstances during a cross country move with a pet necessitates a strategic approach. Forming a strategy is one of the cheapest way to move long distance.
Each tip and trick plays a vital role in journeying through a successful move. Following these tips can empower you to embark on a pleasant move for you and your pets.
