If you are relocating this summer, you are not alone. Millions of Americans move during these four months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and many of those Americans have pets. A move to your new home can be stressful for you and your family, but even more so for your pets. And a stressed pet makes for an even more stressed family! Often on moving day, the family has so many other things to worry over, the pets become overlooked in the chaos. AllHomesAZ has over 10 years of real estate experience in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix Valley and Tucson area, and know exactly how challenging a move can be for the entire family. We have taken the time to prepare a quick guide for a less stressful transition for both you and your furry family members.
The most important thing you can do when preparing for moving day is to plan ahead. You already know you will need to transport your pet to your new home, so make arrangements before moving day so that there is no confusion as to how they will be traveling. Cats and other small animals will need to be in crates until you are settled into your new home, and dogs should either be in crates or wearing a seatbelt harness while in the car. Arizona weather can be difficult for your pet due to the heat, so be sure to prepare for the hot weather in Tucson and Phoenix. If you are flying, your pet must be in a crate as well if they are too large to sit in your lap. Be sure to contact your airline regarding their pet policies so that you may make proper arrangements and decide if flying is the right decision for your family.
It is also a given that your pet will need certification of their health. This includes their rabies vaccination tags as well as all of their documentation from your vet regarding their health. Most states, especially Arizona, also require you to register your pet, so you will need to make sure that they are up to date in the registry of the state where you will be living. Be sure to keep your pet’s medications on your person when traveling and bring a travel bowl with water and food in order to keep your pet nourished during this time. If the travel to your location cannot be completed in one day’s travel, make sure that the hotel where you will be staying allows pets before you ever start driving. You may even want to make boarding accommodations for your pet for when you arrive in your new town – just for a couple of days. This will help to keep your pet safe through the hustle and bustle of moving into your new home and allow you to focus on helping your pet acclimate to its new environment when you bring them into a home already filled with familiar scents and belongings. There are several great pet-friendly hotels and boarding kennels in Phoenix and Tucson. If you are unable to place the animal in boarding, it is best to keep them locked in an empty room of the house while you move your belongings in.
Remember, your pet does not understand what moving means and will probably be afraid. Be sure to give them plenty of attention and care. We advise placing a sheet over your pet’s crate so as to keep them calm while in a moving vehicle. It is important that the humans remain as calm as possible and do not make a big deal out of the new environment to the pets. By preparing your new home for your pet and retaining a positive and calm demeanor, you ease your pet’s anxiety and make it feel safe. As an extra precaution, do research about the area you are moving into so that you are aware of any dangers the environment may pose to your pet, such as ticks carrying Lyme disease or local rodents with their various contagions. While neither Phoenix nor Tucson have an abundance of ticks or rodents, these animals still do exist in Arizona. Learn the nearest location of an emergency vet well in advance of moving and research veterinarians in the area.
No matter the reason for your move, caring for your family – pets included – is of utmost importance. With proper planning, you can help make your relocation as stress-free and easy as possible. AllHomesAZ is an expert in Arizona Real Estate. We buy houses no matter their condition because we like nothing better than helping Phoenix and Tucson homeowners sell their homes quickly and easily. We can help you sell your current home or help you buy a new one. Give us a call today at 480.227.5214 or visit us online for more information.
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