Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
If the process of moving to a new home is stressful for you, imagine what it must be like for your pets. Check out these tips to make your move safer and less stressful, for you and your furry friends.
Finding the Right Vet for Your Pet
Before your move, discuss the safest options for moving with your vet. Gather vet records, ask for extra prescription refills, etc. Knowing that your pet is in good health buys you time to research a new vet in the community where you will be moving.
When researching a new vet, it is a good idea to ask your current vet for a referral to your new location, and look for recommendations from local, neighborhood social media groups. It is also a good way to meet new people in the area and socialize your animal as well.
Stockpile Your Pet’s Favorite Specialty Food
In case you are unable to find your pet’s favorite or special foods right away in your new area, bringing an ample supply will help you avoid delays and emergencies. Animals generally do not do well when switching foods quickly, so if you are opting for a new brand, mix half of the new food and half of the old food for a while to wean them off their familiar food.
Update Your Pet’s Tags
Make sure that your new address and phone number are visible on any tags, and if you haven’t already, this is a good time to consider a microchip for your pet. Your vet can help you reassign the contact information if your pet already has a microchip.
Do Your Homework
Find out what is required in your new community. There may be stricter leash laws, or tags and licenses required for pet sitting or walking services. Your pet may also need a new medication to avoid localized pests such as ticks.
Manage Your Pet’s Stress
Having multiple people moving items in the house can cause stress for pets. Ask a friend to watch your animal companion while this is going on, or consider checking out pet-sitting services to assist you.
Manage the Environment
Keep as many of your pet’s belongings as possible with you during the move. If any must be packed, do that last.
Never leave your dog at home alone in an empty house – a barren environment can be extremely stressful, causing behavioral and anxiety issues.
If you have to keep your pet alone in an empty home, consider crating them and putting a blanket and toys in the crate with them if it is suitable for your animal. A good way to make them comfortable in a crate is to drape a towel or blanket over the crate so they feel safe and enclosed in a new space.
Protect Your Pet During Travel
Always talk to your vet about the safest possible option for traveling, based on size and breed. Look for dog seat belts for smaller dogs, cats or puppies that will hold them to the seat with a little room to wiggle around and wander in the vehicle. For bigger animals, try a backseat hammock that will restrain them from entering the front of the vehicle while you are focusing on the road.
Road Trip Basics
Keep your pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Your vet may also recommend a calming, all-natural vitamin to reduce stress and help your pet relax.
Pack an on-the-go traveling kit with your pet’s food, water, medications, a leash, waste bags, vaccination records and a toy or blanket to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
Your four-legged friends are just as anxious as you may be during moving day. I hope these tips will help you ease their anxiety and get them into their new home safely.
Far real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609-703-0432. Learn more at www.therealestategodmother.com.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
