Many people find that they have to move a long way, and don't know how to deal with their pets. Some people find the challenges of moving their pet to be overwhelming and elect to find them a new home. However, it is only normal to not want to part with your pets, especially if you treat them as a special part of your family. You will need to ensure that special measures are taken in bringing your pet into your new home and your new neighborhood.
A must for your pet is that he or she is wearing identification at all times. With your cell phone number on it and maybe an alternate landline number of someone you trust, an ID tag can be purchased for as little as $5.00. The microchip ID, which is the size of a grain of rice and easily implanted under your pet's skin, is another excellent option. However, as it happens, according to the Humane Society of the United States, "improved" technologies by the manufacturers have rendered the universal scanner obsolete and one cannot be very sure that the shelter your pet arrives at will be in a position to read the microchip. So, it's a good idea to use the chip and an ID tag as well. In lieu of a regular collar, you should consider getting a harness that pets cannot wiggle out off and attach the ID tag to it. Special "walking jackets" can be purchased for cats.
When visiting your family vet, you should get all of your pet's shots up to date, and you should obtain a copy of your pet's medical records. Store these records in your glove box, along with your car's registration and insurance papers. Since your pets' health and safety is of great importance to you, be sure to ask about the pros and cons of pet tranquilizers and motion sickness medications so that you can make an informed decision on how you wish to proceed. If you go this route, try them on your pet before the long trip so that you will know how your pet may react to them.
Even dogs who LOVE car rides can become restless and stressed on extensive trips. In addition to keeping your pet secured, a crate may provide emotional comfort for your pet, having a space that belongs just to him. There are soft-side crates that are easy to assemble, comfortable, and airy, in addition to the familiar hard-sided-crates. Before you take your trip, allow your pet to get comfortable sleeping in the crate in the weeks before your moving date. Provide some favorite toys and blankets to make your pet feel as comfy as possible.
It is a good idea to give your pet just a very small amount of food in the morning to settle his stomach, and you can feed him more at night when you will not be traveling. Breaks for exercise, potty stops, and drinks of water are necessary when traveling with a pet, so be sure to plan time for these occasions. For those potty cleanup moments, there are little dispensers that clip onto the leash that contain bags. You should keep hand sanitizer in your vehicle for quick disinfecting after these potty breaks.
An internet search for "pet friendly hotels" can give you a list of hotels along your route that will welcome your pets. Be sure to phone ahead, as many hotels require reservations for particular rooms that allow pets.
Obtain peace of mind so you can focus on getting you, the kids, and the pets safely to your new home by choosing a reputable moving company to transport your furniture and boxes.
About the Author: Running an up-and-coming software company, Nate Luttinger is no stranger to moving. Each new branch means a new location for Nate, his family of three, and his German Shepherd, Panzer. When work began on a new branch in Sacramento, Nate began looking in Rancho Cordova, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, and Fairfield for a Sacramento moving companies that could help his family and his business.
