Moving with Pets in Silver Spring

One of the hardest things for pets is to be moved to a new home. Animals feel safe and secure in their familiar environment, and any change in location or routine can shake their confidence and undermine their trust. In addition to that, your pet can sense your growing excitement/anxiety as the move grows closer, packed boxes start piling up, and the home becomes barer, all contributing to its sense of uncertainty and unrest. Some animals become anxious and upset, some become overly excitable, and some even become aggressive. They don't understand what is going on, but they can definitely sense that something major is changing their world and it invariably affects them.

Here are some tips that can help you make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible for your beloved pet:

Routine: pets feel safe and secure with a consistent, daily routine. Obviously that routine will be disrupted before and during the move. If possible, visit your new Silver Spring location with your pet, to allow them to become familiar with the new surroundings and scents. After moving into your new home, try to re-establish your pet's daily routine as soon as possible.

Formalities: do not forget to obtain a new ID tag for your pet with your new phone number and address, and to replace the old tag on moving day. Research the specific laws and restrictions applying to pets in your new location

Veterinarian: choose a new veterinarian prior to your move. If possible, try to get references from other pet owners in your new area, and verify by calling the Veterinary Medical Association (VMA) in Silver Spring. Your new veterinarian may wish to consult with your previous veterinarian regarding your pet's medical history, so keep his number available. Make sure to pack your pet's medical documents (vaccinations), health certificates and any medicine prescriptions required. Find out if your pet requires any additional vaccinations before moving.

Essentials: on moving day, pack a special box to be brought to your new location together with your pet (not with the movers). This box should contain your pet's essential necessities for the initial period after the move, such as food, bowls, medications, health records, familiar toys, bed, litter box, extra leash, etc. Also pack a recent photograph of your pet, in case they accidently run off at your new location.

Moving day: if your pet is overly anxious, you may want to consult with your veterinarian regarding tranquilizers, which can reduce your pet's stress level. While still at your old home, it is advisable to keep your pet secure in a quiet room (the bathroom, for instance), and hang a sign outside to keep people from opening the door by mistake. If it is a small animal, you can be kept safe in a well-ventilated pet carrier. Try to familiarize your pet with the pet carrier prior to moving day, so that they feel comfortable in it. Your pet should travel to your new location in your own car, or with someone they are familiar with.

Transition: if your are planning to stay at a hotel before moving in to your new Silver Spring home, look up pet friendly hotels and motels in advance, although it is better to try to arrange for a friend to keep your pet during any transition period, or to find a clean, friendly kennel.

Arriving at your new Silver Spring home: place your pet securely in a quiet, safe room with food and water (together with their familiar toys, bed and litter box) until after the movers have left and the confusion of the move is over. Let them explore the house at their own pace. Lay out your new home with familiar things such as their bed, eating bowls, toys, litter box, etc. and make sure the windows are closed and the door secured. Cats should be kept indoors for at least a week, after which they will begin to feel comfortable and develop a sense of location that will help them find their way back home if they are let out. Take dogs out for frequent walks, that will help them become familiar with the new neighborhood. If you are moving within Silver Spring, your pet may attempt to go back to your old home. It is advisable to supply the new home owners of your previous home (and your previous neighbors) with your new phone number and a photograph of your pet.

Following the above tips will help your pet (and you!) get through the move to your new home as smoothly and stress-free as possible.