This
isn't always easy - but you can definitely make it easier. Below
is a list that may help you when moving with your dogs,
cats, fish, etc.
Some good advice is to leave your animals with friends or
family while moving. This will eliminate any stress that all the
commotion could cause (and animals do get stressed when a lot of
change is taking place). Once you are moved in, get your animals
things in place to make your new home a little more familiar. Be
sure to pay attention to them if they seem 'depressed' once they
get home. After a few days, they should be more comfortable and
back to normal. It is normal for some animals to stop eating for
a couple days after a move, but if it continues too long - consult
your veterinarian.
Items
NOT to pack when moving. Leave these items out and accessible
so you can use them immediately
at your new home:
blankets, dishes, food, leashes, collars/ harness (with identification
tags), medications, beds, houses (and anything else you can think
of).
If
your pet doesn't travel well in vehicles, make sure you have a
crate or cage to transport them.
Some
vets do prescribe safe sedatives for animals. You may also check
into any herbs that may help as well.
If
your pet has a house (dog house, cat house, etc) make sure those
are at the new location before you take them there.
For
cats, make sure to keep the litter box and litter out so you don't
have to search through boxes to find it. Get this set up immediately
in your new home.
Don't
try to move small animals in their cages (example: guinea pigs,
hamsters, birds, etc.) Usually cages are too big for them to travel
in and they will get scared. Clean out cages and put them in smaller
carrying cases (small boxes). Make sure there is ventilation and
that it's (for the most part) dark. If they can't see what's going
on, the less likely they are to get scared.
Drain
out aquariums and clean thoroughly
(so you don't have to do it in the middle of unpacking). Gather
all items needed for the tank in one place (inside the tank if they'll
fit). Put the fish in small containers with ventilation
