Are you moving house in the near future with a furry or winged friend in tow? Preparing the move for a pet is just as important as preparing yourself for the move, especially as your pets won’t understand why the world they know is being packed up into boxes and set down in a new, unfamiliar location.
To make the transition as easy as possible for your pet, our team of removalists here at ES Removals has put together a list of 5 tips that will keep your pet as comfortable as possible during the move.
1. Put together an overnight kit
Just as you have likely set aside some essentials for yourself to have readily available on your first night, it’s important to do the same for your pet. Apart from food and food bowls, consider other items that will make your pet feel comfortable like:
- Toys
- Kitty litter and litter box
- Blankets
- Treats
2. Update your pet’s information
One of the most likely times for a pet to become lost is during or just after a move. Take the time to update the information on his or her collar, ID tag, and microchip so that they all reflect your new address and telephone number.
3. Keep your pet out of the way during the move
Whenever possible, place your pet in a quiet room that is as far away from the action as possible. This is important since it will keep them calm and prevent them from getting underfoot while the house removalists are moving your belongings.
4. Be careful when transporting your pet
The best way to move your pet is to keep your pet with you. Make sure that the area your pet will be in is free of debris and of hazards like falling boxes.
If you’ll be making stops along the way, your pet should be in a cage, in a crate, or on a leash. Otherwise your pet may bolt and become lost (this is particularly true of birds who tend to fly away when they are anxious).
When transporting smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, take special care to ensure that they are kept warm during the process. Rather than transport them in a chilly open wire cage, a smaller ventilated container is a better choice.
Fish lovers may need to take the most precautions of all. Many breeds of fish can have a strong and even dire response to stress. Your best bet is to contact a local pet shop or aquarium store for advice on how to move your specific breeds of fish.
5. Stick to a schedule
Follow the schedule you had with your pet at your former residence as closely as possible. This will go a long way in helping ease your pet into his or her new surroundings.
Need help moving house Melbourne? The ES Removals team is happy to help. We invite you to contact us online or call o 1300 886 625 today for advice and to receive a free, no-obligation quote.
