If you have a pet then you definitely understand that they are as big a part of the family as anyone else. So when a move is made, our four- legged friends have to get acclimated to their new environment like the rest of the family. Here are several tips and suggestions that will help your pets get prepared for the transition into their new home.

Call the Vet- Be sure to get in touch with your pet’s old vet to retrieve copies of records containing their vaccinations, medications, and other needs that their vet may have assisted with. Also, it would be a good idea to find a reputable vet in your new location. Get on the Internet, read testimonials, ask residents in your new location, and make phone calls. Make sure you find the right fit for your pet.

The Essentials are Accessible- It is always a good idea after you are done packing all of your things to make sure that you have enough essentials that are always accessible during your transition time. This is no different for man’s best friend or any other animals you may have. Make sure they have enough food, water, and toys to last them a few days while things are being moved to your new residence. This will help take stress off of you, knowing that you have quick and easy access to things that will meet your pet’s needs and keep them occupied. 

Supervise Them - It is important to remember that you are not the only one having to get used to a new environment, your pets have to as well. In order to help them get adjusted to their new surroundings, supervise them as much as possible.  Do not let them roam around outside the house or in the neighborhood unattended. This will help give you and your family peace of mind, knowing that your friends are protected during the transitional phase. 

Update Their Verification Information- We all know that a change of address is part of every moving process. The same rule applies for your pets as well.  Make sure that any verification information they have is up-to-date. This includes dog tags or callers. And some animals can even be found through a micro-technology GPS chip. In the case that something does go wrong and your pet gets lost, these are effective ways for them to be returned to you.

Spend Time with Them- The best way to put a mind at ease, pets included, is to spend time with them whenever possible. Taking them for a walk, playing fetch, or even just giving them a treat during a move will help them stay calm. These are also additional ways to get them adjusted to their new environment, while being a great stress reliever for you during a time of relocation.   

Pets are definitely valuable and loved members of any family just like anyone else.  We hope that this information can be used by people everywhere who have to involve a pet in the transition process. If you would like any additional moving and storage information, please feel free to browse through our additional SMARTBOX Blogs.