Moving home can be a stressful time for you and your family, but it can also be a distressing and confusing time for your pets. Here are some top tips to help your pets' interstate relocation go smoothly.
Relocating Rover
Dogs are extremely sensitive to their owner's moods and routines. For example, as soon as you begin packing your suitcase, your dog will probably become unsettled and will seem to know that something's up. To combat this uncertainty, it's important that you keep your dog's routine as regular as possible. This means trying to maintain walking and feeding routines as normally as you can in the run up to the move.
If your dog gets very excited about travelling and you have a long car or plane journey ahead, it's a good idea to obtain a mild sedative for your dog from your vet. If you're driving, remember to schedule in plenty of canine toilet and water stops. In hot weather, crank up the car's aircon so that your hound doesn't overheat.
Well before you move home, register your pet with a vet in your new location. Double-check that your new garden is securely fenced. Pack your dog's toys and bedding without washing them; the familiar smells will help your dog to settle into his new home.
Moving moggies
Much of the advice for moving dogs also applies to relocating cats. However, if you have an outside cat, there's the danger that your pet might run away from his new home or get lost in unfamiliar surroundings.
The best way to avoid this is to keep your cat inside your new home for a couple of days until he settles in. Choose a 'home room' in a quiet location in the house and equip it with water, food, a litter tray, toys, and familiar bedding. When your cat becomes more chilled-out, let him explore the house fully, but if possible, keep kitty indoors for a week or so post-move.
Tags and chips
No matter how careful you are, there's always the possibility that your pet might go walkabout, either from your garden or from the park during exercise. Before you move, get your pet a new identification tag with your new telephone number on it and remember to change the tags over when you arrive at your new home.
Make sure that your pets are microchipped; your vet will do this for you. Ensure your pet's existing microchip records are updated to show your new address and contact details.
In conclusion
Make your pet's interstate relocation go smoothly by following the above tips. For further advice, have a chat with your removalist or your vet.
