Moving is stressful for people, it always has been. With that in mind, just imagine how it feels for your pets. Animals get anxious and easily stressed when introduced to an unfamiliar activity or surroundings. Relocating with pets is no easy feat, whether you have a dog or a hamster. When moving to Hamilton Ontario, everyone in your family should be relaxed. With good planning, everything goes much smoother and with less chaos. Seeing as pets react to sudden unknown changes with anxiety, you should do your best as an owner to prepare them for the move. In this text, we will cover everything from planning the process, medical rules and regulations required for your beloved friends, as well as adaptation to the new surroundings post-move.
Animals are very good at reading body language and sensing the mood of their owner. Aside from this, animals are very good at adapting to new situations at a surprising level. To your pet, home is not just any place. Home is where they feel safe and are together with you. Relocating with pets is stressful no matter what you do. That is simply how things are, and there is no direct solution. What you can do is start preparing everything for the move with your pets. With our help, you will be able to set everything up for a smooth experience. Doing your best to reduce stress will mean a lot to your pets.
Planning before relocating with pets
Good planning is the most important step in relocating with pets and allows for a smooth journey no matter the choice of transport. Make sure to complete all your travel arrangements on time. This way, you will have less things to deal with on the day of the move. One selected person in the family should be appointed for taking care of your pet during the moving process. After hiring movers Niagara falls, it is also wise to discuss the moving process with your real estate agent. Your agent can help you pick the best way to move your pet with recommendations, or by making the needed arrangements. These recommendations may include pet handling agencies that can take care of shipping pets, boarding, and delivery. The costs of these services depend on the chosen services. Overall, here is a brief checklist of important things to plan ahead:
- Obtain the required identification tags for traveling
- Take your pet to the vet for a checkup and to get the needed health documents
- Get your pet’s health record and ask about sedation as an option
- Check the pet entry regulations of the state you are moving to
Be mindful of the state laws
Most states have laws that apply to the entry of dogs, cats parrots, horses, and other various pets. The only exception are tropical fish. It is very important to comply with state laws since otherwise, you may face prosecution or fines. We suggest contacting the State Veterinarian, located in the capital of the state you are moving to, in advance to check for any specific requirements. In several states, there is a border inspection of all animals which are being imported. Others conduct random inspections carried out by the Department of agriculture or the state patrol. Most states primarily check interstate health certificates. In the case of pets arriving by air, officers of the department of agriculture are usually present at the airports for inspection.
It is also worth to mention local laws and rules. A large number of communities enact pet control and license checks. Even though most of the cases relate to dogs only, an increasing number of dog- friendly cities started applying them to cats and other animals as well. In some cases, local laws can limit the number of dogs or cats allowed in a home. As far as horses and livestock go, most cities prohibit stabling within the city limits. The size of the pasture and the distance of the barn from the nearest neighbor can be specified if permitted. In most cases, you will have to stable your animal, or animals, outside the city limit. The time in which you are allowed to obtain a permit and the license fees vary from city to city. Your best bet is to contact the town hall for details.
Identification is important when relocating with pets
It goes without saying that your pets should be properly tagged, regardless if you are moving or not. This includes permanent rabies and identity tags. However, when moving, they should be outfitted with special travel tags. A luggage tag with writing space on either side serves the purpose. The tag should include the pet’s name, along with your name, address, and phone number. In case you cannot be reached, an alternate person to contact should also be noted down on the tag. Pets like fish, turtles, snakes, or rodents are less likely to be lost since the travel in secured containers. Birds are a different case since they are able to fly away quickly in case they get free. For them, the common tag is a leg band. Your pet’s health certificate can also serve as identification.
Settling in after the move
Cats and dogs usually experience the same feelings as people after moving to a new home. The different surroundings, smells, sounds, and in some cases a different climate. Professional movers will bring all of your furniture and items, but they won’t be in the exact same position, which can be confusing. It may take some time for your pet to adapt to all these things, but after that, they will be content. After relocating with pets, you can speed up this adaptation period by using items familiar to them such as water bowls, blankets, and toys. Try placing these items in places similar to their old location, such as particular spots of the kitchen or living room. It is also advisable to keep your pet confined for some time, so it can understand that you aren’t going anywhere and that you are in your new home.