 Are you planning that big move? If you’re a pet owner, then you know there is a lot of stress that comes with the process – not only for you but for your pets as well. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can minimize this stress and ensure an easy long distance move for everyone.
Make the appropriate preparations Abrupt change can be extremely traumatizing for pets, especially older animals. Before moving day, be sure to make the following provisions to facilitate the change. - Display your contact information on your pet’s collar or ID tag. Providing your name and cellphone number on your pet’s collar makes it easier to find the animal if you get separated for any reason. As a precaution, you can also have your pet microchipped just in case it loses its collar. This could prove useful in your new neighbourhood as well.
- Visit your veterinarian for specific medications or travel recommendations. Prior to packing up and setting out, pay a visit to your vet to make sure your pet is physically ready for the long distance move. Also, this is a good way to get any prescriptions or feeding instructions for the trip. If you are crossing province or territory lines, you may need proper documentation for your pet, which your veterinarian should be able to provide.
- If your move is a multi-day trip, reserve rooms at pet-friendly hotels ahead of time. If you’re moving across the country, chances are that you’ll be staying overnight in a hotel. Since you’ll be travelling with your pet, you may want to plan your route in advance and book pet-friendly rooms every step of the way.
On the move Long distance moves can be traumatizing for a pet. To ease the process, organize your vehicle and your trip sensibly for your pet. - Prepare a spacious and comfortable space for your pet. An animal needs ample space, and this is especially important for families with larger dogs. For smaller animals, invest in a roomy travel crate. Remember to keep your pet in mind while packing your car because a comfortable pet will translate into a well-behaved pet.
- Make sure your pet is safely sitting in your vehicle. As always, safety is the priority. Providing adequate space for your animal is a good start, but you must be sure to keep your pet seated and under control during your long distance move. This is important for several reasons, including the pet’s safety, the driver’s concentration on the road and other passengers' well-being. If your animal is in a crate, be sure the crate’s openings are properly fastened. Of course, also make sure the crate is secure in the vehicle so it doesn’t bounce around during the drive.
- Provide your pet with a sufficient amount of food and water during the trip (and always). A long distance move is similar to any long drive. People and animals both need food and water along the way, so be sure to pack a decent amount of snacks for your entire family. Try to maintain your pet’s everyday routine during the trip, sticking as closely as you can to its schedule for meals, exercise, and rest time.
- Pull over to take breaks. When you’re in the car for a long distance drive, you need to stop every so often. Pets are no different. If you and your pet stay roughly on the same meal schedule and you give it enough drinking water, bathroom breaks should be mutually beneficial. So, when you pull over to fuel up, use the restroom or stretch your legs, chances are your pet could also use the break.
Explore all options Some of these tips are geared towards a long distance move on the road, but you can always consider taking to the sky for your big relocation. When it comes to moving long distance with pets, driving is usually a better option than flying. This is especially true if you are able to get your household items moved into your new home prior to arriving with your pet. To learn more about these arrangements, you can fill out a quick-and-easy quote form that will provide free estimates from movers near you. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find the right moving company for your long distance move! |