Animals become very attached to their territory and may feel anxious and stressed if relocated to a different place. Therefore, it is important to ensure their comfort and well-being by taking extra measures if you own a pet and need to move house.
Whether you’re moving overseas or to a comfy place like Fort Dodge in Iowa, you must prepare to make your pet’s move as seamless and stress-free as possible. Speaking of which, Fort Dodge is a city along the Des Moines River; one of its notable features is it is a major producer of vaccines and pharmaceuticals for veterinarian use. This entails that despite being a city with a small population of roughly 24,000 people, you can expect premium care for your pet, which is a major win. But, before you can avail all these facilities, here are some ways to make this move seamless for your furry friend:
1. Always Have A Plan
Shifting houses is an overwhelming process, and it’s only natural to make mistakes. That is why having a plan helps you take the right steps for you and your pet to have a safe and worry-free move.
Before you tend to your animal, pack up the house and move things out, so you can give your pet your undivided attention. For instance, if you’re planning to move to Fort Dodge, Iowa, you should look into acquiring a storage unit. Fort Dodge is a great place to live with a low cost of housing and affordable utilities.
The overall cost of living index here is 87, roughly 13% lower than most places in the US. Hence, it is an ideal place to move, especially in this economy where prices have suddenly hiked up. This is why, as you prepare to move, search online for Fort Dodge storage units and pick a suitable one for your belongings. We recommend All Purpose Storage as an example of a reliable storage provider in Fort Dodge. It has all the necessary amenities and provides exceptional customer service.
Your pet will also need time to adjust to their new space, and if they walk into a messy house, they may start tossing and rolling around through your things, which can increase your workload, not to mention causes your stress to skyrocket.
2. Visit The Vet
Your pet needs to be in good shape to move, and only a vet can provide that clearance. Your furry friend must get all the relevant shots and vaccines to protect them from all sorts of diseases. You can also discuss with your pet’s vet the best way to make the move less stressful for your animal and how to deduce if an animal is feeling unwell. If you’re moving outside the US, you must visit earlier and get the relevant paperwork to shift your animal.
A vet can also insert a microchip into your animal, a useful safety measure, and use this opportunity to update their medical records. Also, remember to carry water, food bowls, and toys with you so your pet can adjust quickly to its new environment. However, if you’re shifting to Fort Dodge, Iowa, you won’t need to worry about carrying all these items as the city has plenty of pet supply stores. And if you’re low on cash, search online for Fort Dodge coupons to snag some discounts.
3. Crate Train Your Animal
The safest way to transport your pet is to get them accustomed to a crate or carrier. When your pet is used to the confinement, they won’t panic and cry when you move them.
You should also add their favorite blanket, snacks, and toys to the crate to make them comfortable. Positive reinforcement also helps, as you can give them treats when they go inside the crate. This will condition them to get used to being in the crate. And if you have a puppy or a kitten, lining the crate with pee pads will be beneficial.
As you drive, don’t push to complete the journey overnight. You need to account for your animal and ensure they get enough breaks in between. Calculate the distance you must travel and estimate the number of stops you must make. If you have an older animal, they may need you to stop more than once. During a pit stop, hydrate your pet and let them stretch their legs.
4. Give Your Pet Space to Adjust
When you arrive at your new place, give your pet time to explore. They must familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, scent the area, and get used to the environment. During this process, don’t interrupt your animal, as this will startle them and cause them to become anxious. Once they have adapted, you can start introducing their toys, food bowls, and other items.
Your pet may become nervous, stop eating or even pee in odd places. This usually indicates that the animal is restless, exceptionally stressed, and needs emotional comfort. You must set aside time to pet them and provide reassurance in such a situation. Also, if the animal has serious symptoms like allergies or vomiting, immediately consult a vet. Some animals, like cats, go into isolation when they’re introduced into an unfamiliar space. Until your animal shows signs of being comfortable, give them room to adjust to their new house. And, once they’ve settled in, you can start making your house a home together.
Final Thoughts
Moving with your animal is not an easy endeavor, but you can make it happen with a slight effort. Long-distance moving can take a toll on your pet. They may feel weary, uncomfortable, and agitated about relocating. However, you can facilitate the process by ensuring they’re adequately crated, get their necessary vaccines, and are allowed to have their space to adjust. Animals need space and comfort, so make sure you talk, console, and care for your pet as they adjust to their new life. As hard as moving is for you, it is even harder on your pet, so you can’t discount their comfort.
