Moving can be an exciting yet stressful time. As you gear up for a new chapter in your life, it’s essential to remember that your pets will be along for the ride. Pets, just like humans, have a routine and can feel anxious when their normal daily life is interrupted. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure that they are comfortable during the journey. In this article, you will learn about effective strategies when moving with pets across the UK, focusing on dogs and cats – the most common types of pets.
Preparing for the move
The first step towards ensuring your pet’s comfort during relocation is preparation. This process involves both physical and mental preparation, helping your pets adjust to the changes that they’re about to experience.
Before the move, make sure to get your pet checked by a vet. It’s important to ensure that your pet is in good health before the journey. This is also the perfect time to update your pet’s vaccinations, if needed. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of your pet’s medical records and a health certificate, especially if you’re moving to a different state or country.
Next, familiarise your pet with their carrier. Carriers are typically used for air travel or transport in a car. If your pet isn’t used to being in a carrier, the journey may cause them unnecessary stress. Start by leaving the carrier in a place where your pet can explore it. Put some of their favourite toys or blankets inside to make it more appealing. Gradually increase the amount of time that your pet spends in the carrier until they are comfortable.
Choosing the mode of transport
There are different ways to transport your pets across the UK, depending on the distance and your pet’s comfort. Whether you decide to travel by car, air, or hire a professional pet relocation service, it’s crucial to consider what will make your pet the most comfortable.
Travelling by car is often the most comfortable option for pets. However, it’s not always feasible, especially for long distances. If you choose this method, make sure to plan plenty of breaks for your pet to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.
If you decide to travel by air, be sure to read up on the specific airline’s pet policies. Some airlines have specific carriers, schedules, and rules regarding pets. It’s also important to note that the pressure and noise in the aircraft’s cargo hold can be distressing for animals. Therefore, it’s worth considering a pet-friendly airline that allows pets in the cabin.
Packing essentials for your pet
When moving, it’s easy to get caught up in packing your stuff and forget about your pet’s needs. However, your pet will need its own set of essentials during the move.
One essential item to bring is your pet’s food. Keep enough food for the journey and a few days after the move. Don’t forget to pack a portable water bowl and bottled water to keep your pet hydrated during the journey.
Other essential items include a leash for dogs or a harness for cats. These will come in handy during rest stops when your pet needs to stretch their legs or relieve themselves. Also, bring your pet’s favourite toys or blanket to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Settling in at the new home
Finally, once you have arrived at your new home, it’s important to help your pet adjust to their new surroundings.
Try to set up your pet’s area as soon as possible. This can include their bed, toys, litter box for cats, and food and water bowls. Having a familiar space can help your pet feel more comfortable in the new environment.
Remember, patience is crucial during this process. It might take some time for your pet to adjust to the new surroundings. Consider using a calming spray or plug-in diffuser to help alleviate your pet’s stress.
In summary, relocating with pets across the UK can be a challenging process, but with the right preparation, mode of transport, packing essentials, and settling strategies, you can ensure that your pets are comfortable throughout the journey. Your pets are part of your family, and their comfort during this transition should be a top priority. With careful planning and consideration, you can turn the potentially stressful relocation journey into a comfortable experience for your pets.
Making use of expert pet transport services
While the journey of moving your pet across the country might seem daunting, there are businesses available to help. Professional pet relocation services offer a range of options to assist in moving your beloved pet, from dogs and cats to more exotic species.
Whether you’re looking for door-to-door pet transport, long distance pet travel assistance, or even international pet relocation, these specialists can provide the solution. They will handle the logistics, ensuring that your pet is safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
Before you choose a pet transport service, verify if they are members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). This ensures they follow a high standard of ethical pet relocation practices.
It’s crucial to communicate clearly with the transport service provider. Inform them about any specific needs or behaviours of your pet. If your pet is anxious or has certain dietary restrictions, make sure to tell the service provider in advance. This will allow them to better cater to your pet’s needs, and ensure a smoother journey.
Bear in mind that while pet transport services can be a great help, it is ultimately your responsibility to prepare your pet for the move, including getting a health certificate and ensuring your pet is comfortable with their carrier.
Post-move: Checking in with the Vet and microchipping
After the move, it’s important to help your pet settle in and continue to feel safe and secure. One critical step in this process is to schedule an appointment with a vet in your new location. This allows you to ensure your pet remains in good health following the journey.
It’s advisable to bring along your pet’s medical records from their previous vet. This includes all vaccinations, tests, and any medications your pet may be taking. The new vet can then have a complete understanding of your pet’s medical history and current health status.
In the UK, it’s mandatory to have your dog microchipped. If you are moving from a different country, your dog might already have a microchip that is not compatible with UK systems. Therefore, it’s important to also check this aspect during your visit to the vet.
For cats, while microchipping is not compulsory, it’s highly recommended. Cats are known for their curiosity and might wander off to explore their new environment. A microchip can help reunite a lost pet with their owner.
Conclusion
Relocating across the country with your pets is no small feat. However, with enough preparation, careful selection of pet transport options, packing the right essentials, and helping your pet settle into their new home, the experience can be made less stressful for both you and your pet.
From ensuring their health before the journey to partnering with professional pet relocation services, every step you take is crucial in making sure your pet is comfortable during this transition.
Finally, consulting with a vet post-move and microchipping your pets are important steps in ensuring their well-being in their new home. After all, just as the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is", and for many of us, our pets are a big part of our hearts. The comfort and safety of your pets during a move are not just important, they’re essential. Your pets are relying on you to make this move as smooth as possible, and with the right planning and preparation, you can ensure that they feel right at home, no matter where you are in the UK.
