A Brief Guide to Caring for Your Pets When You Move House
At several points in an adult’s life, there may be a need to move home. Typically, a first home is bought after securing a suitable job that will support the mortgage repayments, and once enough money has been saved to afford a deposit on the property.
However, a person or couple’s first home is unlikely to be their last. The average American adult will live in approximately 11 different homes during their lifetime. Commonly, the aim is to move up the housing ladder with each new property, investing in a new home that’s bigger and better than the last. In some circumstances, a new home may become a necessity when an important promotion is gained at work. There may be a need to travel to a new region to work in a different part of the firm so that a higher income can be enjoyed.
In short, moving home is an occasional part of adult life. However, when moving house as a pet owner, it’s important to consider their needs in the overall planning process. Pets thrive on routine, and moving to a new location may cause them stress and anxiety.
However, with some smart preparation, you can move home secure in the knowledge that your pets won’t suffer unduly during the process. In this brief guide, some key points will be outlined that will help all pet lovers to care for their precious animals when moving home.
Consider pet accommodation during the move
When removal day arrives, you’ll likely need to keep your front door open when moving boxes and furniture. Pets such as dogs and cats can present a danger when moving large items. You may not notice them under your feet when carrying large items and they can pose a trip hazard.
Such pets will be curious and excited when they see removals taking place, so it’s best to keep them out of the house during this period. Ideally, you should seek pet accommodation such as kennels or catteries. If your pets haven’t stayed at such accommodation before, it’s wise to visit a range of kennels or catteries first to find one that’s right for your cherished pet.
When choosing the ideal accommodation for your pet, ask for a tour of the premises to see how the pets are treated. Is there adequate ventilation in each kennel? Do most of the pets seem to be calm and content? Is there suitable bedding for each pet? In short, find high-quality accommodation that has attentive and professional staff who are happy to answer any questions you have.
Arrange suitable transportation
If you’re planning to move to a different region that’s a significant distance from your current address, it may not be ideal for your pet to travel with you. This is especially true if you have a large dog such as a labrador or husky as they may struggle to be secured in the vehicle over a long distance.
In addition, certain other family pets may not be suitable for transport in your vehicle. For example, if you own a horse, you’ll need a horse box that you’ll tow using your vehicle. If you don’t have such a box, it’s important to investigate other transport options.
In these circumstances, search online for companies that can undertake horse shipping. Professional firms will be able to transport your horse in a suitable vehicle, ensuring that the welfare of the animal is paramount during the journey. Prices for the service will vary depending on the animal being transported and the distance.
Search online for such shipping companies and ask for quotes for their services. You may also wish to research the shipping company by using customer review sites to read about the experiences of previous customers.
Update your pet’s tag information
Most pet lovers will put a collar around their dog or cat’s neck. This will have a tag with the pet’s name and a contact number if a member of the public finds them. This can be vital if your animal gets lost or runs off during a walk as it will help to ensure their safe return.
However, in recent years, pet owners are likely to get their cherished animal fitted with a microchip that’s gently inserted under the skin. This will enable the owner to track the location of their pet. The chip also contains a unique identification number that proves ownership of the pet and holds details of the pet.
When moving home it’s vitally important to update the pet tag (if it has your old address on it) and change some of the details that are logged on the pet’s microchip. This will enable them to be safely returned to you should they become lost near your new address.
Secure your new backyard
Once you’ve unpacked at your new property (and before your pet arrives at the new home), it’s important to thoroughly assess your outside areas. Smaller dogs can easily escape through holes or gaps in fencing and will quickly become lost as they explore the local area.
You must make all outdoor areas pet-safe so your dog or other animal can’t escape when playing in these locations. Walk around the perimeter of the area, making a note of any gaps in fencing or unsecured hedges that your pet could escape through. You may choose to secure your hedges by using a roll of chicken wire or other mesh material. Place this at the base of the hedges to stop your pet from pushing through and make it a suitable height for the size of the animal.
If your outdoor areas need a significant amount of work to make them fully pet-safe, keep your pet on a leash until the work is completed, or consider securing an extendable leash to a fitting on the property.
Remember that making your outdoor areas pet-safe involves other factors than simply securing the perimeter. Any garden chemicals (such as lawn feed or fertilizer) should be locked away, ideally in a lockable shed or outhouse building. Finally, make sure that your pet has access to food and water, especially if you intend to leave them outside for long periods when going to work.
