Simple Strategies When Moving With A Pet

If you’re planning to move with your furry friend, especially if you’re downsizing the smaller accommodations, you’ve got your work cut out for you. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make your move a pleasant experience for everyone. Keep reading as The Insured Pet offers up a few insights to keep Tank’s tail wagging throughout the process.

• Getting Ready

  Preparing for a move with an animal starts by getting your current home ready for the selling process. Cleaning is one of the first tasks that you’ll have to tackle. To eliminate odors, begin by cleaning the carpets. Urine, vomit, and even mud from dirty paws build up over time, even if you don’t notice it. Use a commercial cleaning machine after you’ve thoroughly vacuumed the carpet throughout your home. If you’re not sure where to find a carpet cleaner, you can enter your ZIP code into the RugDoctor website to find a location near you.

  You also want to take steps to reduce the appearance of the pet living in your current home. While the vast majority of buyers likely have a dog or cat themselves, your home will put off a better first impression if it’s neat and tidy, meaning toys, food and water bowls, and the dog bed are best left hidden in the garage.

• The Search Is On

  Next up is deciding how much home you can live in with a pet. Most animals will do just fine living in a smaller home, but all dogs need access to the outdoors. While some breeds, such as the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd, will be happier being outside most of the time with a big yard, others, like the Chihuahua or any toy breed, may fare better inside where the temperature is regulated.

  Another important step in the moving process, whether you have an animal or not, is understanding your lending options. Look at the different types of loans and lenders available. Different loans have different credit requirements, but you can contact PennyMac – (866) 549-3583 – if you have questions.

• Safe and Sound

  Once you have chosen a home, you’ll need to decide what can go with you and what you should get rid of. Remember, smaller spaces can’t accommodate as much stuff as a large home. A cluttered house is harder to clean, and, according to UK-based Pets4Homes, this can actually affect your pet’s health. Keep only the furniture and personal belongings that you need, and make sure to measure the rooms in your new home to ensure that your current pieces will fit.

  A few other tips to keep your pet safe during the move include:

  • Help them acclimate to their surroundings by walking the new neighborhood
  • Ensure that you have adequate pet insurance in case of accidents or injuries
  • If possible, fence the backyard
  • Remove poisonous plants from the flower bed and garden
  • Update their collar and microchip information
  • Box your current home up a little bit at a time to reduce stress on your pet
  • On moving day, designate someone to watch your dog or drop them off at a boarding facility
  • Pack a bag specifically for your pet that includes food, water, an extra leash, and medication
  • Keep your dog crated in transit
  • Do not leave a dog in a hot car when you stop
  • If moving across state lines, make sure you have your pet health certificate handy
  • Keep their routines consistent

It’s likely that at some point during your pet’s life, you will have to move. If this is to downsize due to retirement or after the kids leave for college, then there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. From making sure your current home is ready to list to packing an overnight bag for your pooch, the prep work you put into the process will save your sanity on moving day.