Planning to relocate and it includes packing up your four-legged family members? Moving with pets is never a fun-filled party. It is a stressful time and it is just as stressful for your pets. Your pets do not really understand what is happening, and it is up to the pet owners to make them comfortable. Read on for some tips to make moving into your new as stress-free as possible for everyone especially your pet.

Preparing Your Pets

Consider taking your dog to your new neighborhood for walks before you move in. In order to get your dog familiarize itself with the scents of the new place, do walk by your new house. If possible, bring your dog into the new house. Another option is to try to bring something from the new house to your dog so he can familiarize himself with its unique smell.

Try not to isolate your dog in a dog crate when you are packing. Instead, include him while you pack and move boxes as this would allow him to investigate and check out the activity. An isolated dog in a crate or a room by itself while you and your family are packing, may result in your dog feeling nervous.  This could lead to stress-related behaviors such as hyperactivity, jumping or barking.

What Should You Do with My Pets On Moving Day?

Moving day is chaotic for dogs when they see strangers carting off their favorite furniture and familiar surroundings. Do assign a responsible family member to be the dedicated dog sitter. It might be less stressful for your family and your dog if you have a dog-loving friend watch your dog for the day. When it’s time to leave for your new home, pack your dog into the car last, so he/she won’t overheat. Cover the dog crate with a light blanket, so your dog won’t see the passing scenery, which can be frightening.  You can remove the blanket once your pooch has calmed down.

If you are moving long-distance, your pets will need to be crate-trained well before your move. On the day of your move, your pets should be wearing collars including up-to-date rabies tags and your new address and phone number.

Prepare Your Dog for Change

This is easier said than done, but the best way to keep animals calm when moving is to stay calm yourself.  Here are more ways to prepare your dog for the big move.

A couple of days before the move, reduce your dog’s food servings by one-third, so that he/she won’t have a full tummy when it is rocking on a plane or bouncing in a car.

Make sure the dogs are microchipped and have ID tags with your new address on them. If they escape during the move, they can easily be traced back to you.

For international move, do work with your veterinarian to find out what tests, vaccinations, paperwork, or inspections are required by your destination country.

Do assemble and tape some boxes several days before the move, so your dog becomes accustomed to the new look and sound of his home.

If you are transporting your pet in a carrier, let he/she smell and inspect it before move day.

If you are looking for reliable dog transportation services, you may want to visit Shiply, an online delivery platform that connects customers with rated transportation companies.  Instead of spending time searching for the perfect dog transport service, Shiply allows the services to come to you.  All you need to do is fill up some details on their platform and within 30 minutes, you will receive personalized quotes in your inbox.  You will be able to compare the quotes and also look at the reviews of any services for peace of mind.