UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

They love us unconditionally. They protect us without regard for their own lives. They are creatures of habits that directly correlate to their sense of security. After all they do to keep us happy and safe, we make decisions for them that can be terribly unsettling and frightful for them…..we MOVE. The very least we can do for our beloved pets is to learn how we can diminish the trauma of moving.

For most of their lives, our pets’ experience is limited to the inside of our homes or to the boundaries of our property line. They learn to regard the sofa, the overstuffed easy chair and the family room rug as known and safe territory within their world and their world is about to be turned upside down.

There are tips to minimize trauma to our special family members during the moving period, some of which derive from the Movers Directory and the Humane Society such as:

Make certain that the pet is wearing proper identification and required tags in case he gets lost.
Obtain a copy of your pet’s medical history and be sure all shots are current.
Consider boarding where possible during very hectic periods of the move to avoid increased stress that can lead to illness.
If you move across state lines, check with the State Department of Animal Husbandry to assure compliance with entry laws. Some states require up to date rabies certifications. (Hawaii for example, requires a 120 day quarantine for dogs and cats that have just moved from another state).
Pack over a longer period of time rather than wait till the last minute. You may be able to handle last minute panic far better than your pet. Moving day should be as relaxed as possible.
Because they live best by routine, try to maintain as normal a life as possible for them by walking and feeding them at the same times and in the same places during the week before the move.
A few days before the move, designate a special room for your pet and let your pet get used to the “pet room” that should have familiar toys, feed bowl and pet carrier with the door opened. Your pet should have favorite objects around him that have that familiar smell. Place a sign on the door that says “Pets. Do Not Open” and instruct the movers not to disturb your pet.
On moving day, keep your pets in their carriers, board, or ask a friend to care for your pet during the actual move itself. Your pet can easily panic in the midst of such turmoil.
When moving into the new home, choose a small room again to be the “pet room” where your pets are less likely to panic as the movers come and go in the hectic operation that is hard to avoid. Have bowls, toys and furniture in place as much as possible before you let your pet out of the carrier or crate.
Although dogs adapt more quickly than cats to their new surroundings, don’t let them outside without restraints to avoid panic and running off. It’s best to allow several days to a week of slowly letting them get used to the new smells in the new territory.
If the process of moving does not permit you to give your pet the level of attention you wish such as walking or other routine activities, know that there are those who truly love animals and who make it their business to help you keep your pets as safe and happy as possible during difficult times.

If you need help maintaining a normal routine walking, feeding, playing with your beloved pet during the moving period, you may call 978-618-8301 and speak with Judy about details.

Tell your pets “We’re moving”.We know without question that your trusted pets will be busy getting all the new smells sorted out so that they can protect and love you unconditionally as we must love them right back.