By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving your household is a rough process, and it only gets more difficult if you own furry friends who are moving with you to Killeen. If you own dogs, felines, or both, then here are several, simple items you can do to help them through the moving process to Killeen.Tip #1: Have One, Final Vet Visit
Some pets don't enjoy visits to the vet, but if you are relocating it is imperative to make sure your animals get one, final checkup. This is super important if you're moving across the country so that you'll have to find a new vet, or if a plane is going to be involved. Be sure you get proof of vaccinations, medications, and any other paperwork you are going to require. If you delay until you are too far from your vet to get this done, it can be a big, un-called-for headache to add on top of your move.
Tip #2: Board Your Pets (If You Can)
Boarding might be tough for pets who have separation anxiety, but it's lots of times a feasible answer in the long-run if you are moving to a new residence. If you board your furry friends for moving day then you don't have to fret about them being in the way, there is no chance of them running away, and you aren't constantly looking for them. It saves time, worry, and risk, which can help your move go much more calmly.
Tip #3: Preserve as Much Routine as Possible
Our pets thrive on routine, and they could be sensitive to when it isn’t what they expect. Changes in routine might be a threat, so it tends to create all kinds of extra anxiety on your pet’s part. Therefore, you might attempt to plan your move to Killeen so that it disrupts your animals’ routines (as well as your own) as little as possible. Allow them to get acclimated to what is taking place gradually, and they will react much better. Also, when you move them, make sure you bring their belongings with them when you can. Favorite toys and bedding can act like a security blanket, and help your pets stay calmer during the move.
Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pets Are Comfortable With Their Traveling Accommodations
Whether you have dogs or cats, you don't want to gather them up, throw them in the car, and commence driving one day. You need to take the time to get your cats and dogs used to traveling. For example, if you own a cat, put their carrier on the floor with the door open. Let them get accustomed to it being there, and give them a chance to explore it. If you own a canine, get them used to a crate, or a kennel. Take them on progressively longer car rides, and get them accustomed to being passengers if possible. The more care you can allow getting your pets on-board with moving (even if they are never really going to like it), the smoother things are going to be.
Tip #5: Identification
Make certain and keep identification on your pet all of the time. If something terrible occurs and your pet gets lost in the chaos of the move, how else will they find their way to your new home? Make sure that their collar fits correctly and that their tag includes a phone number that won’t be disconnected during the move.
Tip #6: Chill Out... Your Pets Are Watching
Moving is an anxious time, there's no doubt about that. Even if everything goes perfectly (which it rarely does), you're going to have times where you just want to lay on the floor and throw a good, old-fashioned tantrum. No matter how stressful everything gets, though, it's vital for you to remember that little eyes are watching you, and that you could be startling them.
Your pets are already under a lot of stress from the whole moving process. New stuff is appearing without explanation, familiar things are going away, and there are strangers arriving all the time. So, take a moment, take a breath, and remember that your pets need you to be calm and reassuring for them. Otherwise it might tip them over the edge of the stress meter.
