Moving to a new home can be both exciting and exhausting for those over 60. Moving with pets can make the process a bit more complicated. Try to eliminate some stress by having in place a plan for your pets.
Pets Sense a Change
Your dogs will sense something is up. They’re in tune to you, some more than others. Having a plan in place will help to ease the burden and make a smoother transition for all.
You’ve looked for a pet-friendly home in a new city or perhaps a new state. You’ve done your due diligence and checked pet restrictions and/or local laws. This is especially important if you have multiple pets, larger pets or what is termed an “aggressive” breed. So, you’re all set and getting ready to go.
Trip to Your Vet
Plan a trip to your vet.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, especially rabies. Get a copy of your pet’s medical records and any meds s/he may be taking and need for the trip and immediate future. You can usually have their records emailed to you or on disc.
Ask your old vet for a new vet recommendation in the city you’re moving to. You just might get lucky and they may know someone.
Update Pet Information
Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip records. And have photos of them handy both on your phone and print. This is vitally important if your pet should get loose during the trip.
Gather Their Things
Put together a carrier for each pet. Bring along an old tee shirt or something that has your scent. Put it in the carrier or in with your pet’s bedding. It will help to calm them.
Pack a bag for your pets. Make sure to have enough food, water, treats, medications, toys, beds and blankets, whatever is needed for your pets for several days, if not more. You want to be prepared in case the movers get held up or anything happens that could delay getting your things for a few days.
Don’t forget their collars, leashes, wipes, pee pads – geez, they have as much stuff as we do!
Moving Day
Try to keep your pets as calm as possible on moving day. They will sense something is going on. This includes leaving your old home and arriving at your new home.
Perhaps your furry friends can spend a few hours with a relative or friend while the moving truck is being packed. If not, confine them to one area. Make sure they are wearing their tags with your contact information. You don’t want anyone getting out.
If you’re driving, have crates, or whatever you use, set up in the car for them. If you’re flying, make sure to have arrangements in place.
Same thing when you arrive – make sure your pets are safe as your furniture is being unloaded. If they can stay with a friend, in daycare or in the car with you, that should be fine.
We’re Home
Once your furniture and belongings are brought into your new home, make sure to set up a new space for your furry friends. You want your pets to get to have a sense of familiarity and start to feel comfortable in their new surroundings, too.
Find a space that works and put their beds, blankets and toys into this area. They need a place to feel safe, be safe and get comfy. I remember one move I found one of my dogs curled up in my walk-in closet! Having their own beds, blankets and familiar things will be a big help in getting your dogs settled in their new home.
Then, if you’re not too tired, go for a little walk and introduce them to the neighborhood!
Welcome home!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you a baby boomer with pets looking to make a move? Are you planning a move with pets in the near future? Let’s talk about it!