When undergoing an uncontested divorce you may find yourself having to move to a new home. Changing residence can also mean your pet will end up in a new home, as well. This can be a difficult transition for your family pet, since he will be in a new environment with one less loved one.
In order to help ensure your pet has a smoother passage, here are some suggestions. First, visit your pet's veterinarian. This is a good opportunity to update any medical care your pet may need, such as shots. If your pet takes medications, make sure you have enough to hold you over during the move and through the first phase of moving into your new home.
Make sure to get copies of your pet's medical records, for example, vaccination documentation. Ask your veterinarian if your pet will need a health certificate for travel. Do take care to update identification information, whether it's an animal chip or a tag. In addition, your current veterinarian may have some suggestions for a veterinarian in your new area.
If you are still searching for a home, consider some of the needs of your pet. If your pet be a dog you may want to think about places you could walk her or him and if there is a nearby park. Another consideration may be how far you are from a veterinarian or animal hospital – especially if your pet has a chronic or serious medical condition.
Before moving your pet into her or his new residence it's a good idea to make the home comfortable and safe. Are there areas your pet can crawl into and get stuck? Are there potential electrical cords on which your pet could trip on or chew?
If your pet is not use to car rides and will be in the car, you may want to take some practice rides. Start with very short trips and then go for longer rides in the days or weeks that follow. This will help your pet adjust to the car and make the move less stressful. If your pet experience motion sickness, consult your veterinarian for possible medication.
On the day of the move have a pet travel kit ready. The kit will include items that will make your pet more comfortable. This could be anything from a favorite blanket, to sedatives prescribed be a veterinarian. Some other items can include:
- Pet food and snacks (though don't be surprised if she or he doesn't eat much);
- Water supply;
- Dishes for water and food;
- Leash and stake;
- Plastic bags and paper towels – this is handy in case of a bathroom accident;
- Soothing music (great for car rides);
- Medications;
- Phone numbers of veterinarian and animal hospital;
- Copies of medical records, especially if you will be traveling a long distance; and
- Lavender spray, helps reduce stress when sprayed into the air – not on pet (make sure it's not synthetic, try to get natural essential oils).
Make sure to have a comfortable carrier for your pet. Being uncomfortable during the trip can greatly exasperate stress levels.
Ideally you should move everything into your new home before you bring your pet into the new residence. Having familiar items in place beforehand, such as a pet bed, will help your animal acclimate quicker to the new environment. On the day you move, not your pet's moving day, you may want to leave your pet with a friend or kennel. If you can't find your pet on moving day, look in one of the moving boxes- they are know to hide there. Again, having a sitter will help make your move easier, since you won't have to worry about the safety of your pet.
Take care to spend extra time with your pet in your new home. Try to keep to a regular schedule, such as when you take walks and feeding times.
