Written by Lily Little, a Compassion Crossing Affiliate
Planning to Move?
If you’re a pet owner who’s getting ready to move to a new state, you’re juggling lots of responsibilities. In addition to finding a place to live and packing your belongings, you need to help your pet get used to your new home. You can learn more about animals and their ideal habitats through Compassion Crossing! Here’s how to reduce your stress around moving, choose safe, durable pet care items, and find the best property for you and your pet.
1. Take Steps to Stay Stress-Free
Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s important to shield your pet from your stress. If you’re tackling your moving to-do list while working long hours, your pet might be picking up on your anxiety. To lighten your load, ask your friends and family for help, and consider dropping your furry friend off at a pet daycare center for a few hours on your busiest days.
2. Seek High-Quality Pet Care Products, When Possible
As you prepare for your move, you might be shopping for pet care products. For example, your pet might need a new bed or crate, or you may simply want to purchase some new toys to keep them occupied. If you typically check out customer reviews while shopping for pet care products, expand your search to include veterinarian ratings as well. That way, you can rest assured that you’re investing in expert-approved products. Keep an eye out for websites that host reviews from vets to find helpful pet care advice.
3. Check Neighborhoods for Traffic Safety
Whether you’re buying a house or renting an apartment, you’ll need to carefully choose where you and your pet will live. Coldwell Banker Caine recommends looking for a neighborhood with minimal street traffic and a property with a yard and hardwood floors.
4. Update Your Pet’s Microchip Information
If your pet has a microchip, you’ll have to update their chip’s information when you move. This is crucial in case your pet gets lost in your new area. DailyPaws recommends asking your current vet to scan your pet’s chip, and then connecting directly with the chip service provider to add your new address and contact information.
5. Hire a Trustworthy Local Pet Sitter
When you arrive at your new home, you’ll need to focus on unpacking and furnishing the space. You may need an extra set of hands to help out with your pet. Consider hiring a local pet sitter so that you can handle your responsibilities without worrying about your pet’s well-being.
To find a reliable pet sitter, BeChewy recommends hiring someone through a pet sitting service, checking out their rates and specific services, interviewing them, and having them meet your pet to see how they interact. Let them know if your pet has any quirks that they should be aware of!
6. Establish Yourself with a New Veterinarian
Saying goodbye to your old veterinarian can be one of the toughest aspects of moving with your pet. It can take time to find a vet whom you can really trust, so when you have to search for a new one, you might feel frustrated about having to go through this process over again. You may want to look up reviews for local veterinarians, and before scheduling your first appointment at any particular practice, you should ensure that the office is accredited. At your appointment, see how your pet reacts to the vet, and make sure they feel comfortable.
Moving to another state is a major decision. But you and your pet might be happier with a fresh start! With these tips, you’ll be able to manage your moving stress, buy great pet care products, and smoothly introduce your pet to your new home.
Interested in learning more about animal science and habitat conservation? Turn to Compassion Crossing! Visit our website today to browse in-depth environmental science resources.
In Collaboration with her partner, Evan Little
For more pet advice, follow Lily and Evan on their website:
Last Updated
March 18, 2023
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