By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving your household can be a difficult task, and it only gets tougher if you own furry family members who are moving with you to Tulsa and Oklahoma City. If you own canines, felines, or both, then here are a couple, easy things you need to do to make the moving process easier on them, and on yourself to Tulsa and Oklahoma City.Tip #1: Have One, Final Vet Visit
Some pets do not enjoy trips to the vet, but if you are relocating it's important to make sure your animals get one, last exam. This is super critical if you are moving far enough away that you will have to find a new veterinarian, or if a plane trip will be required to get to your new home state. Make certain you get the pet’s proof of vaccines, medications, and any other paperwork you're going to require. If you procrastinate until you're far away from your vet to get this done, it can be a big, unnecessary headache in addition to your move.
Tip #2: Board Your Pets (If You Can)
Boarding may be stressful for furry family members who have separation anxiety, but it is many times a better answer in the long-run if you are moving to a new house. If you board your pets for moving day then you don't have to fret about them being in the way, there is zero chance of them running away, and you aren't constantly looking to see where they are. It saves time, frustration, and risk, which can help your move go a lot more smoothly.
Tip #3: Preserve as Much Routine as Possible
Our pets appreciate routine, and they can be nervous when it is different from normal. Changes in routine could be viewed as a threat, so it tends to result in all kinds of extra stress on their part. So, you should try to schedule your move to Tulsa and Oklahoma City so that it disrupts your animals’ routines (as well as your own) as little as possible. Allow them to get used to what is taking place gradually, and they will adjust much better. Additionally, when you move them, make sure you bring the things they know and love with them when you can. Favorite treats and bedding can act like a security blanket, and help your pets stay calmer during the process.
Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pets Are Comfortable With Their Traveling Accommodations
Regardless if you have dogs or cats, you don't want to pick them up, throw them in the car, and begin driving one day. You need to take the time to get your animals familiarized with traveling. For example, if you own a cat, put their crate on the floor with the door open. Let them get used to it being there, and allow them an opportunity 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 accustomed to being passengers if you can. The more care you can allow getting your pets on-board with moving (even if they are not ever really going to like it), the simpler things are going to be.
Tip #5: Identification
Be sure and keep identification on your pet at all times. If something terrible happens and your pet gets lost in the chaos of the move, how else will they find their way back to you? Make sure that their collar fits correctly and that their tag includes a phone number that won’t be turned off during the move.
Tip #6: Chill Out... Your Pets Are Watching
Moving is full of stress, there is no two-ways about that. Even if everything goes swimmingly (which it never does), you are going to have times where you just want to lay on the floor and pitch a good, old-fashioned tantrum. No matter how crazy everything gets, though, it is crucial for you to not forget that little eyes are taking it all in, and that you might be alarming them.
Your furry family members are likely under a lot of stress from the whole process of moving. New stuff is appearing without explanation, familiar stuff is going away, and there are new people arriving all the time. So, take a moment, take a breath, and remember that your pets need you to be calm and reassuring for them. Otherwise it might tip them over the edge of the stress meter.
