Are you preparing to move or do you see a move in your near future? That can be a pretty stressful thing. It can be quite overwhelming. There are countless details to attend to and never-ending “to do lists.” It may seem like it will never all get accomplished. Few events in life are as stressful as moving, and once you add pets into the mix, well, that can create a rise in blood pressure for both you and pet.
While it is one thing to have general expectations of your pet on a day-to-day agenda, once you are loaded in the car, do you really expect his behavior to be in top form as you drive cross country? Most likely not, so you will have your work cut out for you as far as your pet is concerned. You have to prepare him for the move and then help him acclimate once you arrive at your destination.
One key tip: Approach your pet as precious cargo, just like your kids. Prepare him for the move and transport him accordingly as if he really was one of your kids.
Dogs and cats are quite intuitive when it comes to their owners, too. They know when you are stressed out. If you get upset over all of the moving details, your pet will notice. I know it can be easy to be all-consumed by the stuff you have to do leading up to the move, but be sure to take some time out during the day to defer to your pet’s normal routine. You need to set an example by staying calm. (I get it – easier said than done at times!)
Instead of trying to cram all of the packing into one day, work slowly up to it. Tackle it piece by piece over the course of several days and then take breaks from packing to allow the normal routine of your pet to continue. Your pet has to understand that, despite the obvious change in things, you are still maintaining control over his routine, which in turn will reduce the stress and anxiety your pet feels.
If you plan to transport your pet in a kennel, be sure to introduce him to it in the days leading up to the move. Encourage your pet to sleep in it before the trip and reward him with a treat for doing so. Put a couple of your pet’s favorite toys in the kennel, too. Once your pet gets used to the crate, take him on a short drive around your neighborhood and then advance to longer drives.
When the big day arrives, consider sending your pet away, as the hustle and bustle of all the activity could make him a bit anxious and worked up. He may even panic and try to escape. You may want to consider boarding him with your veterinarian.
You may wonder, too….should we drive or fly to our new home? This will all come down to the distance you have to travel. If you do have to fly, there are specific rules and regulations for transporting pets in this manner, and these vary by airline. Be sure to inquire of the airline you are using as to what they require. It is also important to bring proof of up-to-date vaccinations on your pet to the airlines. Some people even medicate their pets prior to the flight as a means to keep them calm. This is something you will want to discuss with your veterinarian.
If you intend to drive to your new home, you will have to take into consideration the need to take extra breaks, and this could add up to a few more hours on your journey. You may also need a few extra things for this adventure, such as portable toys, a no-spill water bowl, and a seat cover to protect the car’s upholstery. If you intend to stay in a hotel along the way, be sure to find out if they allow pets.
Once you arrive at your new home, you still have a bit of work to do as far as your pet is concerned. This is a whole new world for him or her. Unpack your pet’s belongings first and set up an area of the home that is all his. Bear in mind that your pet will most likely be anxious for a day or so. He just has to adjust to the new surroundings, much like you will. Before you know it, however, there will be new meaning to “no place like home!”
(Source: nytimes.com)
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
