Moving Long Distance With Pets: How to Prepare
Moving is generally recognized as one of life’s most stressful experiences. When pets are involved, everyone’s blood pressure, including your dog or cat’s, is likely to rise. Your pets are a part of the family, but transporting them may be challenging. Along with choosing to relocate, you should think about how you’ll get your four-legged family members to their new home. Our team at Cross Country Movers Philadelphia advises that relocating long distance with pets usually requires assistance. Unfortunately, dogs are unable to comprehend our descriptions of the upcoming long distance relocation. All you can do is try to be as prepared as possible and hope for the best. They will most likely sense what is going on around them. That implies you will have to prepare them for the transfer and assist them in acclimating once they arrive. So, let’s get started with how to prepare for moving long distance with pets!
Preparations
It’s never simple to relocate, especially when you are moving far away. That’s because we have too many responsibilities that impact every area of our life. If something goes wrong, every member of your family will be affected. That is why you need a good plan or a long distance moving checklist. Of course, our pets are also members of our family, and they are aware when something is wrong. As a result, every action necessitates meticulous preparation and organization. We have gathered their experience into this helpful guide for relocating dogs over state lines.
But virtually every time you need to relocate with your small companions, these ideas and tactics will come in handy. Follow these professional recommendations for keeping your dogs and cats safe whether you’re relocating across town or the globe. This is what you should do:
- Outline a moving plan
- Prepare your pets
- Hire reliable moving experts
- Get familiar with possible risks
- Devise a backup plan
And always keep your pet’s health and safety in mind, before, during, and after the move.
Start planning on time
Long distance relocation preparations take about two to three months. Well before the moving day, you should begin planning for your pets, just as you would for the rest of your family. Many moving companies recommend that you start looking for movers as soon as possible. Furthermore, don’t forget to notify them that you have a pet when you’re arranging a contract with them. They will provide you with tips on how to prepare for moving long distance with pets when the need arises.
Preparing your pets
The first thing you should do before your long distance relocation is to contact your veterinarian. Request copies of your pet’s medical records, as well as confirmation that your pet is up to date on all immunizations. You must present this information to your new veterinarian. Also, if you intend to stay overnight at a pet-friendly hotel on your route to your new home, this may be beneficial.
You might wish to discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of sedated travel for your pet. Remember to always consult your vet before giving your pets any medicine. Another factor to consider is vehicle sickness, so speak with your vet about treatment options. The paperwork for your pet is the second thing you should examine. Place them just behind yours to avoid any confusion or hurry while crossing state lines.
Hiring pet movers
You might want to consider hiring a professional pet mover in certain circumstances. What exactly does that imply? If you’re moving to a new state and won’t be able to take your pet with you, or if you’re just worried about the paperwork, hiring a professional may take a lot of the worry out of transferring animals. Pet movers provide a wide range of services and strive to keep your pets safe and secure.
If you’re going to have your pet transported and handled by a pet moving company, be sure they’re registered and insured. Maybe it sounds a little expensive, but the last thing you want to happen to your best friend is for something awful to happen to them. Just make sure to know what to look for when hiring movers!
Be aware of the risks when moving long distance with pets
Your pet may not be able to travel with you comfortably in some conditions. You might be asking how to send a pet cross country in this situation. If you’re relocating with pets, ground transportation is one possibility. However, it may be costly, upsetting for your pet, and even hazardous, so consider twice before doing so. When it comes to the protection of your tiny companions, there is no need to rush. Safety first is a mantra that you will have to stick to!
Stay calm and make sure to have a backup plan
There are many different hacks to ease the move, but be aware of your pets. While you pack the entire house, keep in mind that pets, particularly cats, are apprehensive of changes in their habitats. Bring the moving boxes in early to let them adjust and familiarize themselves with the packing supplies. Allow your pets to have a familiar “safe place” to escape the moving mayhem by leaving one room mainly intact until the last minute.
Your pet’s health comes first
When you’re moving long distance with pets, make sure you prepare in advance and decide ahead of time who will be your future town’s vet. Also, get your pet’s medical records sent over. Find out where the nearest 24-hour emergency room is in addition to your primary care physician’s office before you go. What if something goes wrong during the relocation and your pet is injured? You don’t want to waste time searching for a veterinary hospital. In addition, if you are looking to rent or purchase a new house, be sure the space is suitable for your pet. What about a third-floor walk-up? Can your older dog tolerate the stairs? If you don’t need a yard, is your dog willing to give it up? That is why you have to really think about where you are moving to and plan carefully.
