If you are moving to a nearby neighborhood in the coming weeks, chances are good that you've probably already prepared by stocking up on boxes, buying packing tape and getting the name of a reputable local moving service. While you can pack dishes, wrap television sets and carry furniture out the door, moving your assorted menagerie of pets can be difficult. Read on for some tips on getting your pets through the process of moving.
Cats
Your feline family member can be a little antisocial and odd on a good day. On moving day, don't be surprised to see Fluffy completely freak out! You'll probably find her trying to hide in partially packed boxes if she has the chance, so be careful that you don't accidentally seal her up in one of the moving boxes or toss something heavy on top of her.
It's best to shut your kitty in a bathroom or other small area while you or the movers are bringing boxes out of the old home. This will prevent her from running out the door. When it's time to actually move, pack her up last (in her cat carrier, of course) and transport her in your car. At the new house, go ahead and put her, her litter box and some food and water in the new bathroom, and be sure to keep the door shut.
Once everything is inside, open the door and let her explore her surroundings. Expect to hear random meows and to have your cat hide under the bed for a few days while she acclimates.
Dogs
While cats often like to be left to their own devices as they cope with the stress of moving, most dogs are the opposite and need more human interaction than normal during this hectic time. It's often best if you have a trusted family friend take Fido for the day when you're moving. This way, he can run off some energy at the park, get special treats from a fun playmate and not dwell on what's going on at home.
When you arrive to your new house, get your dog's bed, crate and food dishes all set up before bringing him in, if possible. It's also nice to have a new rawhide bone or toy available. This will help your dog associate the new house with his own comfort and with fun.
Expect Fido to follow you closely for a few days as he gets used to his new 'hood. Take him for walks, but be particularly careful about keeping him on a leash; in a strange neighborhood, he might take off running if he gets the chance. If he refuses to eat for more than a day or so or seems exceptionally stressed out, call your veterinarian.
Fish
Moving with fish can actually be a hassle. It's not that your fish will feel stressed out; the problem is the physical logistics of getting an aquarium full of water and aquatic life from one place to another.
While it might seem easier to put the fish in bags, dump out the water and start with fresh water once you're in your new house, this can cause the fish physical stress, because they won't have access to their own bacterial colonies that have been growing in the tank. Instead, try dumping out half of the water and carefully transporting the aquarium that way.
According to HowStuffWorks, it is usually better to transport the fish in your own car, rather than have the moving company take responsibility for a tank full of water. If you want to have the movers handle it, however, call around to local moving services to find one who will accommodate this need.
With any luck, your move will go smoothly for everyone in your household, including your pets.
Share11 November 2014
Once I paid of the mortgage on my house, I decided I wanted to buy an investment property. I had no idea that the buying process would be different, but it really was. There were so many things to consider that I hadn't thought about, and even the loan application process was different. It occurred to me that if I didn't know about it, others likely didn't either. I built this site to help others see what I went through buying my first investment home. I hope that it helps you to approach the process with more confidence and understanding.
