By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving your household is a rough process, and it only gets harder if you own furry family members who are moving with you to Denver. If you own canines, felines, or both, then here are a couple, basic things you should do to make the moving process easier on them, and on yourself to Denver.Tip #1: Have One, Final Vet Visit
Some pets do not relish in visits to the vet, but if you're moving it's imperative to be sure your animals get one, last checkup. This is doubly vital if you're moving far enough away that you will need to look for a new vet, or if a plane is going to be involved. Be positive you get the pet’s vaccine records, medications, and any other paperwork you're going to need. If you procrastinate until you're a long way away from your vet to accomplish this, it can be a big, unwanted stressor in addition to your move.
Tip #2: Board Your Pets (If You Can)
Boarding can be tough for furry family members who have separation anxiety, but it is often a practical 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 be anxious about them being in the way, there is not a chance of them running out of the house, and you aren't constantly looking to see where they are. 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 appreciate routine, and they can be nervous when it isn’t what they expect. Changes in routine could be viewed as a danger, so it has a tendency to create all kinds of extra stress on their part. Therefore, you could try to organize your move to Denver so that it disturbs your furry family members’ routines (as well as your own) as little as possible. Allow them to get accustomed to what is taking place a little at a time, and they will adjust much better. Additionally, when you move them, make sure you bring their belongings with them when you can. Favorite toys and pillows can act like a security blanket, and help your pets stay calmer during the move.
Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pets Are Used to Their Traveling Accommodations
Whether you own dogs or cats, you don't want to scoop them up, throw them in the car, and commence driving one day. You need to allow the time to get your animals accustomed to traveling. For example, if you have a cat, place their carrier on the floor with the door open. Let them get familiarized with it being there, and allow them a little while to explore it. If you have a canine, get them familiarized with a crate, or a kennel. Take them on progressively longer car trips, and get them accustomed to being passengers if you can. The more time you can take getting your pets on-board with moving (even if they are not ever really going to like it), the easier things are going to be.
Tip #5: Identification
Be sure and keep identification on your furry family member all of the time. If the unthinkable happens and your pet gets lost in the craziness of the move, how else will they find you, their beloved owner? Make sure that their collar fits correctly and that their tag includes a phone number that will not be turned off during the move.
Tip #6: Chill Out... Your Pets Are Watching
Moving is stressful, there is no two-ways about that. Even if everything goes swimmingly (which it hardly ever does), you're going to have moments where you just want to lay on the floor and pitch a good, old-fashioned tantrum. No matter how insane things get, though, it is vital for you to remember that little eyes are taking it all in, and that you could be startling them.
Your furry friends are most likely under a lot of stress from the whole process of moving. New stuff is appearing without explanation, familiar things are going out the door, and there are new people arriving all the time. So, take a moment, take a breath, and remember that your pets need you to be collected and reassuring for them. Otherwise it might tip them over the edge of the stress meter.
