Easy Moving with Pets - Coastal Furniture Delivery & Moving

moving Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for our beloved furry family members. Cats and dogs can be particularly sensitive to change, whether you’re moving them across the street or to a new country. As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to consider their well-being and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for them.

Cats, being creatures of habit, can become anxious and stressed by clutter and new surroundings. Skittish dogs, too, may be susceptible to emotional stress during the moving process. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of their needs and emotions during this time.

In this guide on moving with pets, expert movers in Myrtle Beach will provide advice on how to ensure your four-legged family members have a safe and happy journey to their new home.

Is the New Home Safe for Your Pet?

Ensuring a pet-friendly home is the first step in creating a welcoming environment for your furry friends. A pet-friendly neighborhood is a good indication of a suitable home. While reviewing your new surroundings, take note of other pet owners in the area. Are there people walking their dogs? Do you see cats in the windows? Are there pets playing in fenced-in yards? These signs can indicate a pet-friendly community.

For dog owners, a home with available outdoor space for bathroom breaks and exercise is essential. Having a fenced-in backyard provides an added bonus, keeping your pets safely contained. However, even well-behaved dogs can get curious in a new environment, so it’s vital to keep a close eye on them.

In some cases, having a yard might not be possible, so regular walks in a safe neighborhood become necessary. Make sure you feel comfortable and secure in your new surroundings for both your safety and your pet’s.

For cat owners, it’s essential to be cautious of potential hazards inside the home. Ensure all vents and passageways are closed off, and watch out for open staircases or elevated spaces that cats might misinterpret as a launching pad. Providing a safe, quiet space in the home for both dogs and cats to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed is beneficial.

Renters should communicate with their landlords about their pets and be aware of any additional fees related to pet ownership.

After considering these points, the work to ensure a pet-friendly home isn’t done. Several steps should be taken immediately after moving.

Find & Fix Problem Areas

Take the time to identify any potential danger areas for your pets and address them before allowing your pets near them. This includes securing steep staircases and fixing unsecured window screens. Additionally, “babyproof” areas like cabinets containing chemicals or harmful human foods to prevent your curious pets from consuming them.

Make Sure House Plants Are Safe

House plants can add to the ambience of a new home, but some can be toxic to pets. Be cautious of plants like lilies, ivy, aloe vera, Dieffenbachia, Jade, and palm varieties. Consider using artificial plants that are pet-safe but still aesthetically pleasing to avoid any health risks.

Avoid Dangling Wires

During the setup of your new home, make sure to keep wires from televisions, lamps, gaming systems, etc., inaccessible to your pets. Chewing on wires not only damages your belongings but can also pose a strangling risk to your pets.

Keep a Good Environment For Your Pet

Maintain a tidy home with covered garbage bins, closed toilet lids, and easily accessible pet toys and food. For cat owners, providing a scratching post can redirect their natural instincts away from your hardwood floors, carpets, and furniture. Place fragile items out of reach to avoid accidents.

Prepare Your Pets Before Ahead Of Time

Properly preparing your pets for moving day and the adjustment period afterwards can significantly reduce their stress and anxiety. This preparation should be a gradual process, much like crate training or teaching a new trick.

Get The Boxes Out Early

Pets can sense changes, and moving boxes can be a source of stress for them. To familiarize your pets with the moving process, start acquiring boxes early and place them around the house. Encourage your pets to explore the boxes calmly, and reward them with treats when they show curiosity to create a positive association.

A Regular Routine Is Important

While you pack up your home, make sure to set aside time to spend with your pets as you normally would. Stick to their regular schedule for walks, feeding, and playtime to maintain a sense of normalcy during the transition.

Use Pheromones Or A Plug-In Diffuser

Pheromones and plug-in diffusers can create a calming atmosphere for your pets, helping them feel more at ease during the moving process. Consider using these products to minimize disruptions and reduce their anxiety.

Acclimate Your Pets To Their Crate & New Neighborhood

Many pets associate their carriers with unpleasant experiences like trips to the vet. To create a positive association, take them on short trips to new places and reward them with treats and affection.

This will help them feel more comfortable in their carriers during the actual move. For dogs, taking a walk around your new neighborhood before settling in can familiarize them with the sights and scents of their new environment.

Checklist for Moving with Your Pet

Along with preparing your pets, you need to plan for the move itself and how to properly acclimate your pets to their new home. Follow this checklist to ensure a healthy, happy, and safe transition for your furry friends:

Take Your Pet to the Vet for a Checkup & Obtain Their Health Record
A few weeks before the move, schedule a comprehensive exam for your pet, including vaccinations, to ensure they are healthy for the journey. Also, check for fleas during the final exam and obtain your pet’s health records to give to the new veterinarian.

2. Locate A New Veterinarian & Transfer Records

After your pet’s final visit with the old vet, start researching new veterinarians in your new area. Seek referrals from neighbors or online research to find a reputable vet. Transfer your pet’s medical records to the new veterinarian for continuity of care.

3. Update Your Pet’s ID & Microchip Information

To prevent the risk of losing your pet, ensure they have updated ID tags and microchip details. Your pet should wear identification throughout the entire moving process.

4. Make A Transportation Game-Plan

Choose the best method of transportation for your pet based on the distance and their needs. If traveling by car, ensure their comfort and safety with a suitable crate or carrier. For air travel, check with the airline for their pet policies and make arrangements in advance. Plan for regular breaks during long journeys and consider pet-friendly hotels for overnight stays.

5. Consider Boarding Your Pet Upon Arrival

If your new home is chaotic during the initial settling-in period, consider boarding your pet at a reputable facility or doggy daycare. This allows them time to adjust while you arrange the new home. Alternatively, set up a quiet space in the new home with familiar items to help ease their transition.

6. Purchase Supplies

Stock up on essential pet supplies like food, pee pads, towels, baby wipes, treats, chews, and a collapsible water bowl. Ensure that your pet is well-equipped for the journey and their new home.

7. Check Your Destination’s Pet Entry Regulations

If moving overseas or to a different country, be aware of any unique laws and regulations regarding pet entry. Some countries may require specific vaccinations or a quarantine period upon arrival. Seek the advice of pet relocation services for international moves.

The Best Way to Move Pets Across The Country

Moving with pets requires extra consideration and care, but with time, patience, and planning, your pets will adapt to their new surroundings and feel comfortable in their new home.

1.Prepare an Overnight Kit

Pack an overnight kit for your pet, including their essentials like toys, food, treats, litter, and grooming tools. This will help them settle into their new home smoothly without any disruptions to their routine.

2. Keep Your Pets Out of the Action

During the unpacking process, it’s best to keep your pets away from the chaos to avoid unnecessary stress. Set up a quiet and secure area where they can feel safe and comfortable.

3. Keeping an Eye on Your Pets

Even in a fenced yard, monitor your pets’ outdoor activities in a new environment. They may be curious or scared, which could lead to unexpected behavior. It’s best to supervise them until they become familiar with their surroundings.

4. Let Them Adjust Slowly

Moving with pets can be challenging, both for you and your animals. Give them time to acclimate gradually to their new home by introducing them to one room at a time. Use familiar items and scents to comfort them during this adjustment period.

By following these Myrtle Beach moving tips and being patient with your pets during the moving process, you can help them adjust and feel at home in their new environment. Remember, each pet is unique, so adjust your approach according to their individual needs and personalities.