Moving to a new home can be a challenge for both humans and their pets. After all, it’s a totally new place to get used to, and that takes time, energy and a positive attitude. Pets, like people, are used to routine. They’re used to sleeping in the same spot every night, eating food from their dish on the kitchen floor, and dealing with the same people day in and day out. Then, boom, everything changes. Whoa!
If and when you’re going to move somewhere new, prepare your pet by fitting them with a collar and/or ID tags showcasing your working cell phone number. You can also have them “microchipped,” whereas a vet implants a small chip underneath their skin. That way they can be tracked and found should they ever get lost or run away.
Next, if you know your pet is prone to car sickness, check with your vet a few weeks before the move and take into account any special feeding recommendations. You might also need to put your pet on a certain prescription to calm them down and/or make for a “smooth ride.”
Traveling with pets can be a challenge because not all hotels accept pets. Therefore, do your homework beforehand, and visit websites/call places asking if it’s okay to have your particular pet on their property and staying with you in your room at night.
Most pets travel in cages when they have to go by car, bus or air to somewhere new. The cage/pet carrier is something they’re already somewhat familiar with, so it’s good to use during transport. It becomes their little own secure, somewhat comfortable sanctuary.
During a move, make sure to keep your pets on their schedule of drinking water, eating food, and taking a leak or poop. If you’re traveling a long distance, and you have a dog with you, you’ll want to stop at rest stops along the way for your dog to run around. Dogs, like people, need time to stretch and move around after a long time in a vehicle. Of course you should keep your dog on a leash when you’re in an unfamiliar place.
Just like people, your pet will need some time to adjust to their new home. It’ll be a little awkward at first, but that’s normal.
