Moving with pets is not only stressful for you as the owner but also for your animals. Working with a full-service mover that offers pet relocation services can make all the difference. As you begin preparing for your upcoming move, it is essential that you have a plan in place for your pets. This is especially true when moving exotic birds, kittens, and puppies, where you need to follow specific guidelines to ensure their safety and health.
Pet-Friendly Home
Before choosing a rental, it is critical to find a place that accepts animals. If you have several animals or dogs of certain breeds, you may be somewhat limited since many landlords have restrictions. However, there are still plenty of people who rent apartments, duplexes, townhouses, and single-family homes that will welcome you and your animals. Always be honest, and if necessary, provide potential landlords with vet records and recommendations from previous landlords regarding your conduct during a previous lease.
Packing
All animals are curious, especially cats. They want to get inside of boxes and open closets, cabinets, and any other space they can find. Although this can be cute, it makes packing for your move difficult. Designate one room of the home for your animals with blankets, food, and water to stay comfortable during the packing and moving process. Check with movers that offer pet relocation services to find out if they have specific requirements regarding where pets should be secured while the movers are loading household goods and furniture into the truck. By keeping them behind closed doors, you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about your pets getting in the way or escaping.
Car Travel
If you will be transporting your pets on your own, without the assistance of pet relocation services, the safest method to do so is by crating them in the car. If you have larger dogs, seek out a safety harness that is specific to canine car travel to secure them in the back seat. The reason is that if you were to get into an accident, crating and harnessing prevents your animals from bolting out of fear as first responders arrive. If you’re moving long-distance, stop about every four hours to walk your dogs, give all the animals water, and check on each of them. During car transport, avoid feeding your pets, as this can cause upset stomachs.
Keep birds in a cage large enough for them to stand and cover it with a sheet or towel. These animals stress easily, so it is imperative to block out as many outside distractions as possible. Also, if you’re moving birds during the winter, you will need to take extra precautions to keep them warm since they are very sensitive to extreme temperature conditions.
Arriving Home
Once you reach your destination, put your pets back in a designated room until the movers are gone. Then, with all the doors and windows closed, allow them to investigate their new home, which will help them acclimate to their surroundings. Be sure to provide familiar bedding and plenty of toys to create positive associations with their new home.
Are you seeking pet relocation services in the San Francisco Bay Area? Look no further than NC Moving and Storage Solutions. Call today for your free estimate!
