By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving your household can be a rough task, and it only gets tougher if you have furry friends who are moving with you to Atlanta. If you have canines, felines, or both, then here are a couple, simple things you need to do to help them through the moving process to Atlanta.Tip #1: Have One, Final Vet Visit
Some pets don't enjoy trips to the vet, but if you are relocating it's imperative to make sure your animals get one, final checkup. This is very critical if you're moving across the country so that you will need to find a new vet, or if a plane is going to be involved. Make certain you get proof of vaccinations, prescriptions, and any other paperwork you are going to require. If you delay until you're too far from your vet to get this done, it can be a big, un-called-for stressor to add on top of your move.
Tip #2: Board Your Pets (If You Can)
Boarding may be tough for furry family members who have separation anxiety, but it is lots of times a feasible solution in the long-run if you are moving to a new residence. If you board your furry friends for loading day and unloading day then you do not have to fret about them being underfoot, there is no chance of them running away, and you aren't constantly looking for them. It saves time, frustration, and risk, which can help your move go much more calmly.
Tip #3: Preserve as Much Routine as Possible
Our pets thrive on routine, and they are unsure when it changes. Changes in routine might be a threat, so it tends to induce all kinds of extra stress on their part. As such, you should try to schedule your move to Atlanta so that it disturbs your furry family members’ routines (as well as your own) as little as possible. Let them get used to what is happening gradually, and they will respond much better. Also, when you move them, make sure you bring their belongings with them when you can. Favorite treats and bedding can act like a security blanket, and help your pets be calmer throughout the process.
Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pets Are Used to Their Traveling Accommodations
No matter if you have dogs or cats, you don't want to gather them up, throw them in the car, and commence driving one day. You need to take the time to get your cats and dogs used to traveling. For instance, if you own a cat, put their carrying case on the floor with the door open. Let them get familiarized with it being there, and allow them a little while to explore it. If you have a dog, get them accustomed to a crate, or a kennel. Take them on progressively longer car rides, and get them used to being passengers if you can. The more time you can take getting your pets on-board with moving (even if they're not ever really going to like it), the simpler things are going to be.
Tip #5: Identification
Be sure and keep identification on your animals all of the time. If something terrible occurs and your pet is lost in the chaos of the move, how else will they find you, their beloved owner? Make sure that their collar fits correctly and that their tag includes a phone number that won’t be disconnected during the move.
Tip #6: Chill Out... Your Pets Are Watching
Moving is full of stress, there is no doubt about that. Even if everything goes perfectly (which it rarely does), you're going to have days where you just want to lay on the floor and pitch a good, old-fashioned fit. No matter how crazy things get, though, it's vital for you to remember that little eyes are watching you, and that you might be scaring them.
Your pets are already under a lot of stress from the whole process of moving. New stuff is appearing without explanation, familiar stuff is going out the door, and there are strangers showing up all the time. So, take a moment, take a breath, and remember that your pets need you to be collected and reassuring for them. Otherwise it might tip them over the edge of the stress meter.
