[dropcap]A[/dropcap] long-distance move is exciting but only when you have carefully planned for it. Of course, you must have considered everything, packed all your stuff, and are ready to travel the long distance to your destination. But, what about your fur babies have you prepared for them? Even if you have, are you sure it is the best way to ferry your little pets? Moving is a stressful event for us humans and so it is for your fur babies.
Here is how you can plan a long distance move with all your pet’s requirements in mind. Remember, if your pets will feel safe and comfortable during the move, you will automatically feel the same.
The pet’s routine is of great importance. Make sure you keep it in consideration and continue following it:
- Your pet must have a set routine n its daily life. From time to get fed and watered to a particular schedule for outdoor walks, the pet must know what to do, when to do, and how to do. Whatever is the daily routine of your pet, make sure you follow the same during the relocation. It must be kept in mind that there is more flexibility to follow your routines when you are traveling by car than by plane. However, if you have to travel by air, you must continue to follow the routine before and after the travel.
- Have all the materials or equipment handy that you will need to maintain the routine of your dog. If you use a collar and a leash to take your dog for a walk, make sure it is in your possession when you plan for a walk after or during the relocation. Ensure that you have a list of supplies with you and all these items are part of your packing list.
- Pack the pet’s equipment and material in one central location. When you are traveling, especially long-distance, the journey takes a toll on you. At such a time, you will not want to spend your time and effort in finding things that you need for your pet. Make sure that all the supply relating to your pet is packed in a single bag or box.
When you have multiple pets, make sure you are ready to manage them during a long-distance move.
- You might take a few stops during long-distance travel. If you do, make sure where you will stay is pet-friendly accommodation. Moreover, make sure you check with the hotel/ motel staff about you having multiple pets with you and how they are willing to accommodate. If you fail to find any such assistance from your hotel/ motel service provider, checkout for a local pet sitting or kennel service.
- Irrespective of the mode of travel you choose, make sure that you check the safety requirements of the pet while loading and unloading them on your preferred mode of transport. Make sure that the pet feels safe while entering or exiting a vehicle during the breaks you take in the journey. He pet can feel exposed or uncomfortable with such frequent change in the environment, especially when they are used to living in the safety of their home.
Compile all your pet information and make it easy to access.
- It is very important to have all your pets’ information at one central location. This includes pets’ tags, records, shots, and medication. If your pet is on some special medication, make sure you have the original prescription as well as the label of the medication with you. If the medication needs to be kept cool, make sure you have done the right arrangements for it.
- Another important piece of information to have handy is your vet’s number and address. In case of emergency, you must be able to reach to the vet without any time loss. The pet may feel uncomfortable r behave strangely because of the moving trauma and it is best to take advice from the vet about the right way of handling the situation.
Plan frequent breaks so that the pets can eat, stretch, and get relieved.
Meeting the physical needs of every involved in a cross-country relocation is the best way to make it stress-free and comfortable. Your pets too need some time to stretch their bodies, eat in comfort and urinate or excrete. Make sure you consider all this when you plan the breaks in your journey. Check out for any pet-friendly parks in your way and let the pets play there for a while. If you are traveling by air, make sure you give your pet enough time and comfort to get relieved before the plane departs.
Just like you, your pet will also undergo the transition and it is important to make them feel comfortable and protected. Make sure you use these simple moving hacks and make the process fun-loving and stress-free for your fur babies.