How to Prep for an Inter-State Move with Your Beloved Pets
An inter-state move is a big undertaking, whether you have a small apartment or an entire house (plus a barnyard full of critters) to transplant. But moving with pets is a bit more complicated than moving without, especially if your animal is sensitive to stress, noise, or travel. Here’s how to make it work, courtesy of MarriedWithDogs.com.
Search for Pet-Friendly New Digs
Whether you plan to buy a home or rent, finding a pet-friendly abode will top your list of priorities. Depending on the type of furry friend you have, you may look for more square footage indoors, a large lot for outdoor play, and existing fencing or other safety features.
The perfect home is about more than amenities, however. Even if you purchase a home, a homeowner’s association could restrict the number of pets permitted, plus require damage deposits or fees. In some cases, breed restrictions could prevent your canine, in particular, from moving into a community.
Your best bet is likely to find a single-family, unattached home outside of any HOA zoning. Then, your to-do list is limited to creating comfortable and safe indoor and outdoor spaces for your pets.
Learn About Your New Home
Moving to a new state with your pets requires a bit of planning. For one thing, states have different rules on everything from registration to vaccination requirements (specifically regarding rabies). Transporting an animal across state lines via airplane may also require paperwork that needs your vet’s signature beforehand, notes the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Either way, researching potential health risks can help keep you prepare and keep your pet safe.
For example, a hemorrhagic disease that affects wild rabbits (including endangered ones) may transmit to domestic rabbits; the disease spread across the western United States beginning in 2020. Knowing about such risks is vital for rabbit owners to prepare for a move. Pet owners of other species should also research possible health hazards in their new state.
Plan a Stress-Free Move for Everyone
Moving is hard enough, but doing so with pets increases the difficulty level. For one thing,pets can pick up on your stress, whether it’s work-related or stems from everyday life, which makes their emotional state worse. On the other hand, you might sense your animal friend’s anxiety, thereby increasing yours.
To keep everyone as calm as possible, focus on maintaining a relaxed environment all around. If you have to go back and forth between properties at all, try to arrange a pet sitter so your critter can avoid stressful travel. Then, when it’s time for their interstate move, consider whether medication or other strategies could help smooth things over, suggests GoodRx.
When you arrive, section off an area of the home where your furry friend won’t be disturbed by packing and moving noises. And make their rest area as comfortable as possible, with familiar scents, treats, and toys.
Settle Into Your New Home Together
Once the move is officially complete, aim to keep your home life as chill as possible while you all settle in. Create a cozy space for your critter to enjoy while you clean up, open boxes, and unpack.
Pets need to have their own space at home. Dogs, especially, need a safe space where they can go if they feel stressed or just want a nap. But all animals benefit from having a quiet place away from the noise and even their favorite humans.
After you’ve accounted for your pet’s stress levels, packed and moved your entire household, and arrived at your destination, you may never want to move again. But now, it’s time to unwind, relax, and enjoy your new abode — with the companionship of your furry friends.