Moving homes is a stressful undertaking for most people and is even worse for pets. The increased activities in the home and their introduction to a new home can cause distress. Whether you own a cat, fish, dog, or bird, there’s no one size fits all strategy for moving with pets. Nonetheless, here are some tips on the best way to move pets.
1. Moving Your Cat
Cats are very territorial pets. They hardly ever warm up to strangers in their home. For this reason, you might want to have some treats set aside for the movers to give your feline. This is a great way for them to get acquainted. During the move, make a point of surrounding the cat with familiar items such as toys, water bowls, or a blanket. Put the cat in a crate for the duration of the move. This is the safest way to transport your pet cat. After getting to your new home, introduce the cat to the new surroundings by restricting it to only a few rooms for a start.
2. Moving Your Dog
Dogs, like cats, can also be territorial to a fault. Your dog can get very anxious and uneasy when new people are around. Make sure to have some dog treats for the movers. During the move, you want to have a dog travel cage or crate. Alternatively, the dog can travel with you in the car. But make sure there’s enough room for it so it doesn’t interfere with your driving. Once you’ve gotten to the new home, introduce the dog to the new surroundings by putting them on a leash until they’re comfortable. Make sure the dog has a pet ID tag on the collar or get it a pet microchip. This will make it easier to trace it should it run off at some point during the move. Try to stay home with the dog for the first few days or hire a pet sitter. This will help ease the dog’s anxiety and help it settle in.
3. Moving Your Small Pets
Tiny pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are very sensitive to extreme temperature changes. You should make a point of protecting them from direct sunlight and cold drafts during the move. These pets should be comfortable being transported in the cage they live in. Just make sure it’s well sealed to prevent escape.
4. Moving with Fish
The moving process for fish is more complicated than the aforementioned pets. Place the fish in bags containing a mixture of new water and clean water from the aquarium. Make sure the fish are not crowded and seal the top of the bags with rubber bands. The bags should be carried inside a dark, insulated cooler. Once you get to your destination, make sure to run the filter for a few hours before returning the fish into the tank. Make sure not to keep the fish out of their normal habitat for more than 48 hours.
5. Moving Your Birds
Birds should be carried with carriers of the appropriate size. Cover the bottom of the carrier with litter and secure the doors from the outside. The birds should be kept away from direct sun in a cool and dry place. Make sure to carry with you a supply of food and water.
Make sure to talk to pet-friendly Edmonton movers before settling on a moving service provider.
