I have moved across the country twice and gone on several road trips, with two dogs. While we tried to make an adventure out of the move itself, moving can be stressful, especially if you have pets to worry about in the process.
But, there are a good amount of things that you can do to make moving with your pets easier or even enjoyable. Take a look to see 5 tips for moving with your pet to keep you and your furry friend happy.
1. Consider crating your pet
Crating your may be the safest bet for ensuring that your pet has a smooth ride. You want to ensure that the crate is big enough for your pet. They should be able to stand up and walk around inside of it.
Also, the crate should be ventilated accordingly so they can get as much air as possible. If you’re dealing with multiple pets, you could possibly crate them together.
But, keep in mind that you’ll need to have a crate that’s big enough for the both animals to cohabitate.
If you’re dealing with pets that aren’t dogs, it’s probably best to keep them in a crate. They may also be calmer if you put a blanket over the crate.
But, the decision to crate your pet has a lot to do with how your pet handles being in the car. If your pet enjoys being in the car, they may do just fine without it. But, if car travel gives them anxiety, keeping them in the crate can keep them calm, cool, and collected.
2. Take a test run
If you don’t know how your pet will handle a car trip, take them on a smaller trip first. This will help you make a decision on whether to crate them and what else you’ll need to pack on the longer journey.
3. Talk to your vet
Having your pet in the car may reveal some unusual behavior like throwing up or drooling from motion sickness. If you find out these things, it’s a good indicator to take them to a veterinarian in order to get professional advice. They may point you to an over-the-counter medication, or something stronger, that can help to calm your pet down in the car.
4. Keep your car well-equipped
There are some things you can buy to prepare your pet for the long haul. If your pet can handle being without a crate, consider buying a pet barrier or a pet seatbelt. These come in various different materials like quilting or netting, as well as different sizes. They’re great for keeping your pet safe and away from the front seat and becoming a distraction while you drive.
You may also want to consider a car seat protector. These will keep the seat of your car from getting dirty, hairy, or ripped from your pet.
5. Take lots of potty and food breaks
Just like humans, your pets are going to need potty and food breaks along the way. Whenever you want a break, be sure to give your pet the time that it needs to stretch its legs. Although, keeping your cats in the car would probably be a better idea.
Pack food in small bins so you can feed your animals as often as you’d like. Also, pack plastic bags to clean up messes along the way.
No matter the species, you’ll definitely be better off in the long run by planning ahead. If you’re aware of your pet’s behavior and the environment that they like best, the next time you’re moving with them will be a breeze.
This post is a guest contribution from Adrian at North Dallas Moving and Storage company. They are experts in the moving and storage industry and had some great tips to share about moving with a pet. Thank you for the great info! If you’re in the Dallas, TX area be sure to check them out.
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