What Should I Prepare If Moving with Pets?

A home relocation takes its toll on anyone, with all that’s involved in the moving process. And with a pet by your side, things can get a bit more difficult. For these reasons, extra care and precision are important to keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout your move. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to such a move. However, most pet owners agree that certain steps and tips are vital to make the move as stress-free as possible for your cherished companions.

What to Do with Pets When Moving

Moving your pet means that you belong in the category of over 73% of Canadian households that own one. However, before hitting the ‘moving companies near me’ link on the internet, consider these tips to help you prepare for an efficient move:

Plan with Your Pets

A couple of weeks before you move, get your pets acquainted with packing supplies, boxes, temporary houses, and other necessary items. That’s because pets can get anxious or nervous when you get them to move without notice. Having them in temporary spaces takes out any apprehension they may have during the move.

Without the right conditioning, they can get sick or rip some items to shreds. Besides, planning helps reduce disruptions on D-day. Knowing what to do with pets when moving plays a big role in how smoothly everything goes.

Keep Your Pets Far from All Activities

Moving involves packing, arranging, and transferring different-sized items, usually from your house to the moving van. It’s recommended that you leave your pets with a friend or in a safe and comfortable kennel. If you can’t do that, create a space or room they can stay in, far away from moving activities.

Ensure they have enough food, water, and fresh air. Also, the room shouldn’t contain items your pets can destroy when they get restless. Check on them at intervals to play or walk them briefly.

Get Informed on Current Pet Moving Guidelines

When moving with pets from one province to another, check out the relevant pet laws and other guidelines involved in the process. You wouldn’t want to be mistaken for a criminal or worse, expose your pet to danger. This way, you don’t get turned back for something you know nothing about. Further, a new home could mean different pet requirements for your lease. Ensure your pet tags are updated with authorities and online as well.

Arrange Accommodations for Moves Across the Country

If you’re moving pets across Canada, make sure you plan pet-friendly accommodations. Your pets must be welcomed wherever you intend to stay. Hotels and apartments often have information online regarding pet-friendly spaces. However, some pets may not be welcomed in some places.

Some accommodations prohibit dogs and cats, while others frown at exotic pets. Find what fits your needs and keeps your pet comfortable.

Visit Your Vet

Regardless of the distance of your move, always check the health status of your pet with your veterinarian before proceeding. Ensure your pet is in good health and without any discomfort. Also, let your vet know about the moving process and possible advice they will likely offer. Sometimes, you may need to de-worm your pet or do some routine checks to rid them of any stress during the move.

Stock up on regular prescriptions, double-check vaccinations and ask for your pet’s medical file. If you can, ask your vet for recommendations for your new location. These steps will help you handle emergencies whenever they pop up.

Keep Your Pet Close and Safe Throughout the Move

Your pets should be secure and close to you at all times. You’re responsible for their safety, and during the moving process, they might get hurt or missing. That’s because doors will be left open for people to go in and out. You don’t want your pets running away due to fear or confusion. To avoid that, place them in a kennel or somewhere quiet and closed.

At the new location, try not to leave your pet unattended while moving in your household items. You want your pets quickly settled in at home. Ensure you have an updated photo, tag, or microchip in case they escape and wander into the new neighborhood.

Conclusion

You might feel unconvinced about your ability to make the best out of a move involving a pet or several of them. You can look up moving companies in Canada you can trust to organize your relocation and keep your pets safe. With adequate planning and care for your loving companions, they can make it through any distance. When you arrive at your new home, ensure that your pets have enough time to adjust to the new environment.