By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving your household is a rough task, and it only gets more difficult if you have four-legged family members who are moving with you to Oklahoma City. If you have canines, felines, or both, then here are a few, basic tasks you should do to make the moving process easier on them, and on yourself to Oklahoma City.Tip #1: Have One, Final Vet Visit
Some pets do not relish in trips to the vet, but if you're relocating it is crucial to be sure your animals get one, last exam. This is doubly critical if you're moving far enough away that you'll have to find a new vet, or if an airplane trip will be required to get to your new home state. Be sure you get the pet’s proof of vaccines, prescriptions, and any other paperwork you're going to need. If you wait until you are far away from your vet to get this done, it can be a huge, un-called-for pain to add on top of your move.
Tip #2: Board Your Pets (If You Can)
Boarding might be tough for pets who have separation anxiety, but it's often a practical solution in the long-run if you are moving to a new home. If you board your pets for moving day then you do not have to worry about them being bothersome, there is no chance of them running out of the house, and you aren't constantly looking for them. It saves time, worry, and risk, which can help your move go with less worry.
Tip #3: Preserve as Much Routine as Possible
Our pets thrive on routine, and they are unsure when it changes. Changes in routine could be viewed as a danger, so it tends to create all kinds of extra worry on your pet’s part. So, you could attempt to schedule your move to Oklahoma City so that it disrupts your animals’ routines (as well as your own) as little as possible. Give them time to get accustomed to what's taking place slowly, and they will react much better. Additionally, when you move them, make sure you bring their belongings with them when you can. Favorite toys and bedding can act like a security blanket, and help your pets stay calmer throughout the move.
Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pets Are Comfortable With 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 should take the time to get your animals accustomed to traveling. For example, if you have a cat, place their carrier on the floor with the door open. Let them get used to it being there, and give them a chance to explore it. If you own a canine, get them familiarized with a crate, or a kennel. Take them on progressively longer car trips, and get them familiarized with being passengers if possible. The more care you can take getting your pets on-board with moving (even if they're never really going to like it), the simpler things are going to be.
Tip #5: Identification
Be certain and keep identification on your furry family member at all times. If the unthinkable occurs and your pet gets lost in the chaos of the move, how else will they find their way to your new home? 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's no arguing about that. Even if everything goes without a hitch (which it hardly ever does), you are going to have times where you just want to lay on the floor and pitch a good, old-fashioned temper tantrum. No matter how stressful things get, though, it's crucial for you to not forget that little eyes are watching you, and that you might be alarming them.
Your furry friends are already under a lot of stress from the whole move. New stuff is appearing without explanation, familiar things are going away, and there are new people 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.
