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Five Tips for Moving with Your Cat or Dog |
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By Relocation.com Staff |
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Moving can be a stressful task not only for you but also for your pets. When it comes to moving with a cat or dog, planning is key. Pets are very sensitive to changes, and the smother the transition, the better it will be for everyone involved. Here are five ways to make the move as painless on you, and your beloved cat or dog, as possible. |
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#1: Plan – Planning for a move can take months – and the early you get started the better it will be for both you and your pet. Begin packing one or two weeks before your moving date. This will help assure everything is in order, and helps prevent your pet form getting overly excitement from last minute chaos. Packing in a rush during the last couple of days before movers arrive is sure to send you cat or dog into high alert. In addition, be sure no to pack your dog or cats favorite toys, and keep bedding available for as long as possible. Remember, abrupt change of environment can make your cat or dog anxious, which may lead to unpredictable behavior. Also, be sure to check all requirements of the area in which you are relocating, and give yourself time to complete them. These include certain vaccines and identification requirements. Check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a complete list of requirements.
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#2: Identification – Whether you’re moving just a few miles down the road or 2,000 miles across the country, remember to keep adequate identification on your cat or dog at all times; this is the surest way of getting your pet back if he does becomes lost. Proper identification includes, collar identification tag and/or a microchip, which are becoming more popular and even requirement in some areas. Prepare your pet’s identification tag, assuring your cat or dog is wearing identification on the day of the move.
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#3: Keep to Schedules – Do your best not to change your pets feeding or walk schedule; shoot for consistency, before, during and after your move. If feasible, bringing your cat or dog to the new home before the actual move. This will give him the opportunity to explore new sights, sounds and smells—making the transition less stressful on moving day.
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#4: Packing for your Pet – Pack a box for your cat or dog, being careful to include food and water bowls, food and treats, blankets and bedding, medication, chew toys, litter box and a recent photo of your pet in the event he becomes misplaced. Make sure that your moving company does not pack this box, but remains with you.
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#5: Ease-in Entrance – On the day of the move, it is usually a good idea to leave your cat or dog with a neighbor, friend or relative your pet is familiar. If no one is available, consider using a pet care center on moving day. Keeping your cat or dog away from the home during the move will prevent your pet from feeling invaded or threatened by unfamiliar people entering their new space, which can trigger aggressive behavior and lead to problems with the movers. In addition, this will also free up time for you, since you will not have to tend to them while the move is in progress.
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