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If
you’re a dog owner and are planning to move to a new home, remember that moving
can be even more stressful for your animals than it is for you. But there are
several things you can do to make it easier on your dog or cat.
Start
your packing well ahead of time; it’s not only easier on you, but on your dogs
as well. During the time leading up to your move, try to keep your dogs’ eating
and exercise schedules as normal as possible. Give them the same amount of
attention and affection as you always do.
Things
to do before your move:
• Get
copies of certificates, medical, and immunization records from your
veterinarian.
•
Purchase identification tags with your new address.
• If
you’re planning to travel by air, schedule your flights early and try to book a
direct flight – this will be much easier on your dog. You need to find out what
the airline’s regulations are for transporting your dog. You will also need to
find out what kind of crate will be necessary to contain your dog or cat.
• If
you’re driving and the trip will take more than one day, be sure and check ahead
and reserve motels that will accept dogs.
•
Contact the state to which you’re moving and find out the regulations regarding
animals. Some states require an entry permit for dogs.
• If
your new home is nearby it’s a good idea to take your dogs for a visit and let
them become familiar with the neighborhood and the new sights and smells. This
is especially true of dogs. Of course, keep the dog on a leash and the cat in a
carrier.
When
Moving Day Finally Arrives . . .
All
the confusion is certain to upset your dog so the best solution is to have a
friend or family member keep Fido or Fluffy while the loading is being done. If
that isn’t an option, keep your dog in a small room, perhaps a bathroom, along
with sufficient food, water (litter box for Fluffy) and some favorite toys.
Attach a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door so the dog is secure and won’t be
accidentally set free.
You’re
on Your Way . . .
The
packing and loading are all done and now it’s time to head for your new home.
There are things you’ll want to make sure are packed for your dog. These
include:
• The
new identification tags.
•
Medications and veterinarian records.
•
Recent pictures of your dog in case it becomes lost.
•
Litter box or scoop and plastic bags.
•
Paper towels in case there are accidents.
•
Leashes.
• Toys
and treats.
• Food
and water bowls.
• Can
opener and cans that can be resealed.
•
Regular food and water from the old house (enough for several days). Different
water can upset an animal’s digestive tract so it’s a good idea to provide water
from the old house for the first few days after moving. This would not be a good
time to try a new brand of food either!
Your
New Home ~ At Last . . .
When
you finally arrive at your new home, let your dog explore with your supervision.
Then place Fido or Fluffy in a small room with a crate or bed (and, of course a
litter box for Fluffy) while the unloading and unpacking are taking place. Make
sure to put some favorite toys in there and perhaps an old sweatshirt, or
something that smells familiar.
It’s
very important that you not let your dog outside alone without a lead or tie for
the first few days. Cats usually require about a week but dogs adapt quicker.
You don’t want your dog to wander away and get lost.
Your
dog may be insecure and more prone to misbehaving during the first few days in a
new environment. Try to be patient and not punish the initial misbehavior,
instead, try to find ways to reduce stress. Extra TLC can go a long way toward
making dogs more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to follow the usual feeding
and exercise schedule.
In
closing, there are just a couple of things you should be aware of to keep the
moving experience as trouble-free as possible:
• If
you intend to fly, be aware that puppies and kittens less than 8 weeks old will
not be transported.
• And
finally, never move a sick animal ~ it could well make his condition worse and
endanger his health.
Enjoy
your new home! |