Pets: One Thing the Long Distance Moving Companies Won’t Aid You With

January 5, 2009

There are so many things to consider when making the choice to relocate long-distance. The obvious, employment, home and school concerns will long be answered by the time you start thinking of other little things such as will we pack on our own or pay the relocators to pack for us? Which household goods should we leave here and replace when we get there? Should we take the houseplants or find them new homes here in Florida? Then there is the question of moving the family pet.

Shortly after you have gathered your estimates from the long distance moving companies, you’ll begin writing out your moving checklist. Somewhere down around the end of that checklist, you will need to be sure the dog is taken care of. You will need to make sure you have obtained all the paperwork from the vet to carry on to the next one; you will need to ensure all vaccinations are current and up to date. You will need to consider whether the pup rides well or might he need to be sedated for the trip? Is there going to be a large temperature change? From Florida to Montana in the middle of winter, for instance, should have you thinking of adding a few pieces to your dog’s clothing.

This is going to be a stressful time for the poor dog. You will want to ensure that he is as comfortable and content as possible for the big trip to and the settling in process once you have arrived at your new place. Soon after your Florida moving company has relocated you from one end of the country to the next, you will need to start talking to neighbors and new coworkers to get recommendations for a new vet. Maybe plan to visit a few different veterinary offices with your dog before you make a final choice.

Have you updated your pet’s tags? Are there any dog parks nearby where your dog might make some friends and exercise? How about walking trails? You should consider starting or ending each day with a walk with your pet around the new area so he can familiarize himself with his new surroundings. Let him meet some of his four-legged neighbors (with the permission of their owners). It shouldn’t be long at all until he begins to feel as comfortable in his new surroundings as he once did at his old home.