Moving your furniture and household items is one thing but transporting a pet comes with a lot of added necessities. Though Liffey Moving does not specialize in transporting your pets, we have had our fair share of encounters and know how important transporting your pets safely can be.
We can assist with most moving scenarios, but to make transporting your pets that be easier, we have put together this checklist of things that you should watch out for when moving with pets.
Table of Contents
Find out the rules that affect moving your pets into a new location. Take all the documents and certifications with you. Every state has its own set of regulations and requirements for handling pets. Be sure to do your research before the move. This is especially important for those moving in to apartment buildings, certain locations will not allow pets of a certain kind.
A few weeks before moving, schedule a meeting with your veterinarian. Get a comprehensive examination of your pet and obtain the health records that border patrol officers may require. When you get to your new home, find a good vet who can follow up on how best to adjust your pets to the new location.
It is also good to vaccinate your pet to prevent any attack by diseases on the go. Importantly, get them checked for fleas. The last thing you want is fleas infiltrating into your new home. Ask your vet for recommendations on a reliable vet within your new location.
Should your pets require any medication while you move, be sure to pack a good supply. Transporting your pets can be difficult enough without the motion sickness.
Pets are more comfortable moving in a crate other than roaming around. Crates also keep pets safe in transit. To settle on an appropriate pet carrier to use, consider the size, the type of pet, ventilation, and comfortability. Ensure that the door latch or zipper closes. Put some toys in the crate to make the pet feel more secure.
You can also layout a fluffy blanket in the carrier to increase comfort. Let the pet get cosy with the crate a few days before moving, mainly if they are not used to being in an enclosed cage. Ensure that the crate meets the Air Travel standards if you intend to move by air.
Of course, this may not always be possible with larger dogs and pets, in that case, be sure to plan. Transporting your pets long distances can come with some issues.
If you plan to move within New York city several companies work with transporting of pets, which may be ideal for your situation.
The idea of losing your pet while transporting them is not something many wish to think about. The surefire way to prevent such an event is to ensure that your pet has an identification tag or traceable microchip. It is essential to make sure that the pet is always wearing the collar or ID tag.
If you use a microchip, put a tag around it with information about the microchip company and the pet’s number. If anyone were to find your lost pet, they would have an easier time tracing it back to you. Ensure that the tag fits. When moving, put a safety collar on your pet so that it can easily detach itself if it clips onto something.
Keep your pet in their cage and do not let them out until you get to your new home. They will likely take time to adjust to their new environment, just like you. Gradually introduce the pet to new rooms other than letting them roam in the entire house immediately. Also, use familiar toys and scents that will make the process more bearable. Create a daily routine for them to reduce their anxiety. Finally, stay at home as much as you can. We are here to help with all your moving needs, but once you are done transporting your pets it is time to take care of them.
As you probably do already, treat your pet like a small child, sudden changes may result in some tricky situations but given a little time, there will be nothing to worry about.
Show some extra love and affection to your pet as they adjust to the new climate, conditions, and way of life. Within no time, you will all be back to your old selves.
If you have any further questions about transporting your pets or need other advice on moving, then please get in touch with Liffey Moving or check out our moving tips area on our website.