Pet relocation can be a daunting and challenging task, but it is essential to ensure that your furry friend is with you when you move to a new location. Pet relocation involves moving your pets from one location to another, either within the same country or internationally. Moving with pets requires careful planning, preparation, and consideration of the dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and stress-free relocation experience for both you and your pet.
The purpose of this blog is to provide you with valuable insights and tips on the dos and don’ts of pet relocation to help you prepare adequately for your pet’s move. We will outline the things you should do to make the relocation experience comfortable and safe for your pet, the common mistakes to avoid, and the things you should never do when relocating your pet. We hope that this blog will help make your pet relocation experience seamless and stress-free.
Do’s of Pet Relocation
A. Plan Ahead
Planning is the first and most crucial step in relocating your pet. You need to research and plan everything beforehand to ensure a smooth and hassle-free move. Research the pet regulations and requirements of your destination country or state, and ensure that your pet is eligible to travel. Some countries have strict quarantine requirements, which may take several months to complete before your pet can travel. You must check and comply with the regulations before you travel.
B. Prepare Your Pet for the Move
Preparing your pet for the move is crucial in ensuring a smooth relocation experience. It would be best to visit your vet for a check-up and ensure that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Your vet can also provide advice on how to make the move as comfortable as possible for your pet. Get your pet accustomed to the crate by letting them spend time in it before the move. Pack essentials for your pet, such as food, water, toys, medication, and a blanket or bed, to make them feel at home during the move.
C. Hire a Professional Pet Relocation Service
Hiring a professional pet relocation service can help take the stress out of moving with your pet. Pet relocation services can provide guidance and support throughout the process, from helping you meet pet regulations to providing safe and secure transportation for your pet. Choosing the right relocation service is crucial in ensuring that your pet is in safe hands. Look for a service that has experience in pet relocation, offers comprehensive services, and has positive reviews from previous customers.
D. Keep Your Pet Calm During the Move
Moving can be stressful for your pet, so it’s essential to keep them calm and relaxed during the move. Exercise your pet before the trip to help them relax and reduce anxiety. Provide comfort items for your pet, such as their favourite toys, blanket, or bed, to make them feel at home. Keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible by feeding them and walking them at the same time you would usually do.
Don’ts of Pet Relocation
A. Don’t Sedate Your Pet Without Consulting a veterinarian
Sedating your pet during the move can be dangerous and is not recommended unless it’s necessary. Sedation can cause your pet’s blood pressure to drop, making it difficult for them to breathe. Sedation can also cause your pet to become disoriented and confused, increasing their risk of injury or accidents during the move. Always consult with your veterinarian before sedating your pet.
B. Don’t Overlook Pet Regulations
Every country has different pet regulations and requirements that you must comply with before your pet can travel. It’s essential to research and comply with the pet regulations of your destination country to avoid any problems during the move. Check airline regulations and requirements for pet travel, including crate requirements, size restrictions, and vaccination requirements.
C. Don’t Forget to Update Your Pet’s Information
Updating your pet’s information is crucial before you move. Make sure your pet’s identification tags and microchip information are updated with your new contact information, including your new address and phone number. This will ensure that your pet can be easily returned to you if they get lost during the move. Additionally, check if your pet’s microchip is compatible with the scanners in your destination country.
D. Don’t Leave Your Pet Unattended During the Move
Leaving your pet unattended during the move can be dangerous and stressful for your pet. Never leave your pet alone in a car, especially during hot weather, as the temperature inside the car can rise quickly and cause heatstroke. Also, avoid leaving your pet alone in a hotel room, as this can be unsettling for your pet and may lead to unwanted behaviour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While relocating with pets can be challenging, there are some common mistakes that you can avoid to make the move more comfortable for your furry friend.
A. Not Researching Pet Regulations
One of the most common mistakes people make when relocating with their pets is not researching pet regulations. Every country has different regulations and requirements for pet travel. Make sure to research and comply with these regulations to avoid any issues during your move.
B. Not Getting Your Pet Accustomed to the Crate
Not getting your pet accustomed to the crate is another common mistake. Pets need time to adjust to the crate and feel comfortable inside it. This is especially important for long-distance travel where your pet will spend a significant amount of time in the crate. Start crate training your pet well in advance of the move to make the transition easier.
C. Choosing the Wrong Pet Relocation Service
Choosing the wrong pet relocation service can also lead to problems. Not all pet relocation services are created equal. Some may not have experience with your particular type of pet or may not be knowledgeable about the regulations in your destination country. Do your research and choose a reputable pet relocation service to ensure a stress-free move for your pet.
D. Not Updating Your Pet’s Information
Finally, not updating your pet’s information is another common mistake. Make sure to update your pet’s identification tags and microchip information before the move to ensure that your pet can be easily reunited with you if they get lost.
Conclusion
Relocating with pets can be stressful, but with proper planning and preparation, you can ensure a smooth move for your furry friend. Remember to plan ahead, prepare your pet for the move, hire a professional pet relocation service, and keep your pet calm during the move. Don’t forget the don’ts of pet relocation, including not sedating your pet without consulting a veterinarian, not overlooking pet regulations, not forgetting to update your pet’s information, and not leaving your pet unattended during the move. Lastly, ISS Relocations is a reliable and professional pet relocation service that can help make your move as smooth as possible. With years of experience, ISS Relocations has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your pet’s relocation is safe and stress-free. So, contact ISS Relocations today to learn more about their pet relocation services and how they can help make your move a success.