Your pet is like a member of your family, providing unconditional love and affection. Aside from companionship, pets also benefit your family in other ways: Pet care tasks teach children responsibility, for example, while exercising a pet is an opportunity for kids and adults alike to get some physical activity as well. If you’re planning to move to a new house, you want to bring your furry friend along. Discover how to find the perfect abode for your entire family with the below house-hunting and moving tips. We’ve even supplied some extra resources that provide guidance for moving during the pandemic.
House Hunting When You Have a Pet
Every person has unique needs when house hunting. Maybe you have kids and want to make sure you’re in a good school district, for example. But you don’t want to forget to consider pet-specific criteria as you examine potential areas to move to. Look for pet-friendly neighborhoods that are close to a veterinarian, have dog parks or similar green spaces for exercising, and have pet-friendly shops (look for signs that say “pets allowed”).
Once you’ve zeroed in on a specific neighborhood, you can start comparing houses. Make sure whatever property you look for has enough space for an animal. A parakeet or bunny will have very different needs in terms of space compared to a large dog with lots of energy to burn. If you have a dog, the ideal house will have a fenced-in yard for them to safely run around in. You can also look into installing a fence, which can range in cost from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on size and materials.
Planning for Moving Day with a Pet
If you are planning a long-distance move that takes you across state lines, touch base with your veterinarian to get any necessary health certificates before moving day. Different states have different guidelines in terms of safety protocols like rabies vaccinations. Check the details of the state you are moving to online to ensure that your cat or dog has all the shots they need, and make sure to keep the paperwork handy to pass on to your new vet.
Whether long-distance or local, prepare to handle pet anxiety on moving day. You will have your hands full with other tasks on the big day, so it’s smart to get ready in advance. Make sure your cat is acclimated to their carrier well in advance. For dogs, take some practice runs in the car to stave off feelings of anxiety that may come with driving. During the move, provide them with a piece of your worn clothing, allowing them to take comfort in your scent. You can also try products like CBD oil, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
When it comes to getting your pet acclimated to your new home, start slow. Use gates or closed doors to keep the animal restricted to one room of the house to start. This helps them get their bearings and ensures they don’t get overwhelmed. Gradually let them into other parts of the house as they become more comfortable. Save the outdoors for last; start dogs on a leash and supervise cats to ensure they aren’t roaming too far from home. Having your pets microchipped helps ensure that they get back to you safely if they do wander off.
As your pet starts to become more comfortable throughout the entire house, you may notice their hair ends up everywhere. To keep your new nest orderly, consider investing in a robot vacuum with strong suction and smart mapping ability. Other household gadgets pet owners can invest in to keep tidy and safe include a pooper scooper, deodorizing spray, quick cleanup cat litter, and chew-free electrical cords.
Moving with an animal in tow might seem daunting at first, but it really doesn’t have to be. With the above pointers and resources, you can help take the stress out of the process and keep your family safe. All it takes is some added research and advanced preparation, and you will be able to ensure a seamless transition for yourself and your pet.
Credit to – Suzie Wilson | Happier Home