If you are looking to move to someplace new, you probably have a lot to worry about. If you are a pet owner, more worries just add up. One of the biggest worries that pet owners have is how to make the move smooth for their pets and then get them to adjust to the new surroundings.
According to pet owners, it is a lot easier to move with toddlers since you can put on their seatbelts and ask them nicely to behave for the next 15 hours or so. With pets, however, this is not the case. Your pets are likely to be your most valued cargo and you must be looking for the best moving techniques to help them acclimate on arrival. Well, we have got you covered.
Preparing to Move
Moving is not the only part that requires thought. When you are moving with pets, you need to carefully plan out the whole process a few weeks before moving out. This preparation will make sure you have everything you need and that your pet does not have to make vast adjustments.
Stay Calm!
If you own a cat or a dog, chances are they are just as stressed as you. Cats and dogs tend to notice the slightest mood changes and in case you throw a tantrum during the moving process, they are likely to get anxious for you.
Take it Slow
When you are planning to move, there is likely a lot of stuff to be packed. Start your packing at least two weeks before your moving trip, based on the amount of packaging that is to be done. Stretching out your packing for a few days with breaks in between enables your pet to carry on with its routine without having to make sudden and huge adjustments.
Allow Your Pet to Adjust
Your goal is to make your move a comfortable and not-so-scary experience for your pet. To do so, you may need to acclimatize them to the container that you may be transporting them in. If you have a bird that flies freely inside your house, try getting them to adjust to a cage days before moving out. In the case of hamsters, mice, or guinea pigs, start draping a dark cloth over their cage once or twice daily to get them accustomed to their moving process. Similarly, for people with dogs or cats, encourage them to sleep in their cat/dog carriers prior to moving out and reward them with treats later.
Choose their Mode of Transport
When it comes to deciding which container to put your pet in or whether your pet would be more comfortable flying or driving, there are many factors that you should consider. Most people prefer to carry their pets in the car with them when moving, but you can resort to truck carriers or air cargo as well if need be.
1. The Type of Pet That You Have
Fish
If you have fish, you need to be extra careful. A small number of fish may be transported in plastic bags, which are half filled with water and the other half with air. In case of a larger number of fish, you may need to resort to large plastic containers and local movers. Trips longer than 2-3 days may even require you to place a portable aerator in the fish container.
Birds
As much as you would like to believe that your beloved pet bird would not fly away if not caged, that will not happen. Birds tend to fly away at the slightest opportunity so we do not want you to take any risks. Put them in a cage, tuck them safely in your car with a seatbelt, and you are good to go!
Reptiles
In most areas, you are required to have a license for reptile pets. If you have one, feel free to transport your pet in the cargo of the plane. All you have to do is ensure their container is well-insulated with numerous holes for ventilation. For venomous reptiles, place them in double containers.
Dogs/Cats
If you are flying out to your new place, you can easily travel with your pet cat or dog. Just make sure you read all the rules and regulations for carrying pets on the respected airline, have your pet visa approved, and pay the required additional fee. In cases where you have a small pet on a short domestic flight, you are allowed to place your pet in its carrier right beneath your seat. For larger cats/dogs and long-distance flights, your pet may travel in the cargo area of the plane if the airline allows it.
When carrying your pet with you in your vehicle, make sure you have kept their treats and make enough stops on the way to allow them to have their regular bathroom breaks. If the journey is long, try stopping for a while and taking your pet on a walk on a leash so they can stretch their legs.
Traveling through airlines or railway stations can be challenging to keep your pets safe and happy. One way to do that is by making sure that they have the right equipment. When you’re out of town, make sure your pet has a customized dog bandana that makes it easy for you to find them in crowded places like airports or train stations. Stop by 4inbandana and check out their selection of custom dog bandana.
Hamsters/Mice/Guinea Pigs
Since these animals are small, they too can be transported via your vehicle in a cage or under your seat on a short domestic flight. Make sure your pet’s cage is large enough for their little wheel and has an ample supply of their food items so they do not get restless during the moving trip.
2. How Long is the Trip?
If you are moving to a place nearby and are traveling in your vehicle, you should consider taking your pet with you. Allow local movers to transport your furniture and other stuff while you may travel with the pet and other precious items in your car. In case of an international or long-distance trip, flying them is a better option.
Relocating may be the most difficult thing you have to do in your lifetime. Safebound Moving & Storage are your local moving, interstate, and cross-country moving experts willing to make relocation as easy and comfortable for you as we can.
