Taking Your Pet When You Move
One of the most common reasons that people
give up a pet is because they are moving, and
they decide they cannot take the animal. If
you’re a renter, you may be discouraged about
finding a pet-friendly rental. Or, you may think
that your pet will find the move too traumatic,
and therefore is best left behind. Or, you may
feel that moving is complicated enough without
having to deal with pets, too.
Remember, though, that your pet is depending
on you now more than ever. Though moving
can be an adjustment for pets, what they really
want most is to be with you, wherever you are.
There are challenges to moving with your pet,
but with a little planning and creative thinking,
the move can be accomplished without too much stress for either you or your pet. Here
are ways to deal with each of the issues mentioned above:
How am I going to find a pet-friendly rental?
The key here is planning ahead; allow plenty of time for your search. If you are moving
to an area where there’s a lot of competition for rental housing, start by gathering proof
that you are a responsible person. A letter of recommendation from any or all of the
following people can help a lot: your current landlord, your veterinarian, your trainer, your
groomer, a neighbor or two, a pet sitter or dog walker. All of these people can contribute
to the image of your dog or cat as a valued, well-behaved family member.
Next, start checking the local newspaper and ask local realtors about pet-friendly
housing. Here are several websites that might be helpful in your search:
www.petswelcome.com
www.peoplewithpets.com
www.petrealtynetwork.com
www.hsus.org (search for “pet friendly housing”)
You could also try calling the local humane society in the area where you’ll be moving.
They may have a listing of pet-friendly rentals.
Wouldn’t my pet be better off left behind at the local animal shelter?
If you think it would be more humane to drop your pet off at your local shelter, you
aren’t aware of the reality of pet overpopulation in this country. Millions of animals are
destroyed in shelters each year. Many of them are cute, lovable, young, healthy and/
or special in some way, just like your pet. There are too many animals and not enough
good homes. Even if your pet does get adopted out to a new home, being in a shelter for
a period of time and then adjusting to a new home can potentially involve a great deal
more stress for the animal than simply moving.
How can I make the move less stressful for my pet and for me?
If you’re moving to another state or another part of the country, the trip itself can seem
daunting. It doesn’t have to be traumatic; once again, it pays to plan ahead. If your pet is
not accustomed to riding in the car, get him used to it gradually. Start by sitting in the car
(without going anywhere) with him for short periods of time. To make it a more positive
experience, you can give him a treat or play with him. Progress to taking your pet for
short jaunts in the car. By the time you’re ready to go on a long trip, traveling in the car
should be less stressful for your pet. If your pet continues to be anxious, try giving him
one of the herbal formulas designed to soothe and calm. Again, try this ahead of time, in
case your pet has an adverse reaction. Sometimes, playing the radio or an audio book
can help relax your pet.
If you’ll need to stop overnight, you should plan ahead by locating pet-friendly
accommodations along your route. Many motel and hotel chains take pets. Here are
some helpful websites that list pet-friendly places to stay and also contain helpful hints
for traveling with pets:
www.petsonthego.com
www.petswelcome.com
If you have a dog, give her a good long walk before you start out and make frequent
stops so she can stretch her legs. Keep her on a leash at all times when she’s outside
the car or hotel room. Even if she normally responds to voice commands, she may
spook easily in new environments. Cats should be kept in a carrier or crate while you’re
driving. At rest stops, you can let your kitty out (in the car, of course) to use the litter box.
Or, use a crate large enough to hold a small cat-litter tray, as well as bedding and small
food and water dishes.
Make sure you take along a supply of your pet’s regular food and some treats – now
is not the time to change your pet’s diet. Also, you might want to bring along your pet’s
favorite toy or bed to provide comfort and familiarity for your pet during your stay in
foreign accommodations.
When you arrive at your new home, be extra careful to keep your pets safe and secure.
If your dog will be spending time in a fenced yard, make sure that the fencing is sturdy
and has no escape routes. For a few days, you might not want to leave her alone outside
while you’re away. Even if you have an indoor/outdoor cat, don’t allow your cat outdoors
for at least a month. Cats are very place-oriented and have been known to attempt to
return to their former home. Establish a feeding and play/exercise routine for your pets
as soon as possible, to reassure them that life goes on as usual. Try to spend extra time
with your pets so they’ll feel comfortable and safe in their new surroundings.
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