Page 21 - Leisure Living Magazine: August 2020 Edition

‘Fur-get’ About Stress When Moving With Pets
If you’re a pet parent, you’re far from alone. According to the American Veterinary Medical As- sociation, nearly six in 10 Amer- ican households have at least one pet.
When the time comes to move that household, however, there are a few things you should consider to keep your four-legged family members happy and healthy.
Moving with Pets
1. Before you pick up the rental moving truck:
• Check with your pet’s veterinarian to see if a mild sedative is recom- mended for the move.
With proper preparation, your pets will be able to handle a household move with ease.
• If your animal will be traveling in a crate, consider preparing him ahead of time by leaving the crate out and open for your pet to go in and out of freely.
• Consider taking small trips in your car with your pets in a crate or carrier to help get them more acclimated before your big move.
• Put your pet on a leash or in a kennel or cage when outside the moving truck.
• Be sure to have an appropriate ID tag at-
tached to your pet’s collar with a current phone number. You might also consider microchip technology that has the full information about your pet placed on a chip under his skin.
2. During your move:
• Try to keep your pets away from the ac- tion.
• Animals should travel only in the cab- in of the Penske rental truck, where the driver can control the temperature and keep an eye on the animal. Use a dog harness or crate your pet properly for the trip. Never place pets in the back of a moving truck, as the temperature can become dangerously high and create an unsafe environment for animals.
• While on the road, make sure to take your pet’s favorite blankets, toys and high-val- ue treats to make the ride as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
• Bring enough water and food for the journey, as well as any medications they may need.
• If you are moving with small pets, such as guinea pigs, birds or fish, keep them contained at all times.
• Never leave your pet in the truck.
• If your pet becomes overheated while traveling, take her to an air-conditioned area and place her in a shallow tub of cool water or rub her down with cool,
wet towels.
• If you have to travel a long distance to
your new home and have to stay some- where overnight, look for a pet-friendly establishment.
3. When you arrive:
• Make sure to unpack your pet’s belong- ings—bedding, food and water bowls, toys—as soon as you get there. Having familiar items around will help your pet adjust as quickly as possible to his new surroundings.
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