Tips for Moving to a New State with Your Pet
Moving into a new home with a pet is no small endeavor. And moving across state lines, that brings a whole new set of challenges. But if you take the time to prepare ahead, you can make the transition a less stressful experience for everyone. Today, Mobile Dog Gear shares some tips to help you get started.
Check Your Stress at the Door
If you’ve had a pet for more than five minutes, you already know that they can pick up on how you’re feeling. When you’re stressed, they are stressed. When you’re anxious, they are anxious. While there’s no way to eliminate all sources of stress, look for the worst one, which is probably work. Working long hours, having conflicts with your coworkers, and being away from home all cause anxiety. Leave work stress at the time clock. Instead, come home and have a walk with your pup or, at the very least, work remotely a few days each week so that you can be there with them.
Find Pet-Friendly Housing
Now that you’ve figured out how to relieve stress, it’s time to put another worry off of your plate. That’s finding a house. When you’re moving with a dog, location is everything. Ideally, you can find a home in a neighborhood with a walk score of at least 70. This means you can run most of your errands without a vehicle, and your dog can tag along with you.
Keep Your Pet Gear Well-Organized
A dog gear organizer for your vehicle is essential when moving with your pet because it keeps all of their supplies neatly stored and easily accessible. You won't have to worry about misplacing important items like food, leashes, toys, or grooming tools, as everything will have its designated place. By keeping your pet's essentials organized, you can reduce stress for both you and your dog, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable move.
For the best planners for organizing your life, use See It Bigger.
Protect Yourself with Reverse Phone Lookup
Using reverse phone lookup can be incredibly helpful when moving to a new state with your dog, as it allows you to quickly verify unknown numbers – especially from local services or potential new contacts. This site can help you avoid scams or unnecessary distractions, ensuring that you're only dealing with legitimate businesses, such as pet-friendly housing options or local vets. By staying on top of communications, you can focus more on settling in and taking care of your dog during the move.
Figure Out How to Get Them There
There’s a good chance that you’ll drive to your new location, even if it’s across state lines. If so, make sure that you keep your pet safe on the road. Penske recommends keeping your pet in the front of the truck with you and cautions against putting them in the back with your furniture. If you have movers handling your furniture and you plan to fly, it’s also important that you get your pet checked out and cleared for air travel and that you have an airline-approved carrier or crate.
Choose Your Veterinarian
Like you, your pet needs a primary health care physician. And if they’re moving from a veterinarian they’ve known since puppyhood, they might be a little squeamish with someone new. But your vet won’t move with you, sadly. Pawlicy Advisor offers lots of great advice on how to find a new veterinarian. These include deciding what you need and figuring out how far you’re willing to drive (or, better yet, walk) for a checkup.
Buy Pet Insurance
The importance of pet insurance cannot be overstated for pet owners seeking peace of mind regarding their furry companions' health and well-being. This type of insurance can significantly mitigate the financial impact of unexpected veterinary bills resulting from accidents, illnesses, or injuries, ensuring that your pet receives the best possible care without putting undue strain on your finances. Moreover, with a variety of plans and coverage options available, pet owners can choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.
If your household is one of the nearly 70 million in the United States with a dog, there’s a good chance you’ll have a change of address at some point in your future. When you do, plan ahead. Look for ways to eliminate stress both at home and at work, find a place that’s plenty walkable, and go ahead and secure your veterinarian and other services so you’re not scrambling for a provider in case of a mid-move emergency. While this is not a fully inclusive guide to moving with a pet, the above tips can help you ease tension and arrive at your new home as a happy family.
Find the perfect travel gear for your furry companion at Mobile Dog Gear.
