By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving your household is a difficult process, and it only gets tougher if you own furry friends who are moving with you to Colorado Springs. If you own dogs, felines, or both, then here are a few, easy items you can do to help them through the moving process to Colorado Springs.Tip #1: Have One, Final Vet Visit
Some pets do not enjoy trips to the vet, but if you are moving it is crucial to make sure your animals get one, final exam. This is very critical if you're moving far enough away that you will need to get a new veterinarian, or if a plane trip will be required to get to your new home state. Be certain you get the pet’s proof of vaccines, prescriptions, and any other paperwork you are going to need. If you wait until you're too far from your vet to accomplish this, it can be a huge, unwanted headache in addition to your move.
Tip #2: Board Your Pets (If You Can)
Boarding may be tough for furry family members who have separation anxiety, but it is many times a feasible answer in the long-run if you are moving to a new house. If you board your furry friends for moving day then you don't have to worry about them being in the way, there is no chance of them running out of the yard, and you are not 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 like routine, and they can be sensitive to when it is different from normal. Changes in routine could be viewed as a danger, so it tends to induce all kinds of extra stress on their part. So, you should attempt to schedule your move to Colorado Springs so that it disrupts your animals’ routines (as well as your own) as little as possible. Allow them to get acclimated to what's happening a little at a time, and they will adjust much better. Additionally, when you move them, make sure you bring familiarity with them when you can. Favorite toys and blankets can act like a security blanket, and help your pets be calmer throughout the move.
Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pets Are Comfortable With Their Traveling Accommodations
Regardless if you have dogs or cats, you don't want to scoop them up, throw them in the car, and start driving one day. You need to take the time to get your cats and dogs familiarized with traveling. For example, if you have a feline, put their carrying case on the floor with the door open. Let them get accustomed to it being there, and allow them a chance to explore it. If you have a dog, get them accustomed to a crate, or a kennel. Take them on progressively longer car rides, and get them familiarized with being passengers if you can. The more time you can take 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 certain and keep identification on your animals all of the time. If something terrible takes place and your pet ends up lost in the shuffle of the move, how else will they find you, their beloved owner? Make sure that their collar is sized correctly and that their tag includes a phone number that won’t be disconnected during the move.
Tip #6: Chill Out... Your Pets Are Watching
Moving is full of stress, there's no two-ways about that. Even if everything goes without a hitch (which it rarely does), you're going to have moments where you just want to lay on the floor and throw a good, old-fashioned fit. No matter how stressful everything gets, though, it's important for you to remember that little eyes are watching you, and that you may be startling them.
Your furry family members are likely under a lot of stress from the whole moving process. New stuff is appearing without explanation, familiar things are going out the door, and there are strangers arriving all the time. So, take a moment, take a breath, and remember that your pets need you to be collected and reassuring for them. Otherwise it might tip them over the edge of the stress meter.
