Moving With Pets - Checklist

This isn't always easy - but you can definitely make it easier. Below is a list that may help you when moving with your dogs,
cats, fish, etc.

Some good advice is to leave your animals with friends or family while moving. This will eliminate any stress that all the commotion could cause (and animals do get stressed when a lot of change is taking place). Once you are moved in, get your animals things in place to make your new home a little more familiar. Be sure to pay attention to them if they seem 'depressed' once they get home. After a few days, they should be more comfortable and back to normal. It is normal for some animals to stop eating for a couple days after a move, but if it continues too long - consult your veterinarian.

> Items NOT to pack when moving. Leave these items out and accessible so you can use them immediately at your new home:
blankets, dishes, food, leashes, collars/ harness (with identification tags), medications, beds, houses (and anything else you can think of).

> If your pet doesn't travel well in vehicles, make sure you have a crate or cage to transport them.

> Some vets do prescribe safe sedatives for animals. You may also check into any herbs that may help as well.

> If your pet has a house (dog house, cat house, etc) make sure those are at the new location before you take them there.

> For cats, make sure to keep the litter box and litter out so you don't have to search through boxes to find it. Get this set up immediately in your new home.

> Don't try to move small animals in their cages (example: guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, etc.) Usually cages are too big for them to travel in and they will get scared. Clean out cages and put them in smaller carrying cases (small boxes). Make sure there is ventilation and that it's (for the most part) dark. If they can't see what's going on, the less likely they are to get scared.

> Drain out aquariums and clean thoroughly (so you don't have to do it in the middle of unpacking). Gather all items needed for the tank in one place (inside the tank if they'll fit). Put the fish in small containers with ventilation.