Moving can be as stressful for pets as it can be for adults and children alike. Pets become very attached to their home and surroundings and any drastic change can be quite serious for them. But as most pets experience at least one relocation in their lifetime, most manage to get through it and adjust to their new homes with ease. Here are a few simple tips to help make this transition as easy as possible for your pet.

Whenever you pack for moving, do it over a period of time in a well planned manner so that your pet’s normal routine is not disturbed. Get a good- quality, sturdy pet carrier and make your pet accustomed to it by spending some time daily in it. After getting your new address, ensure that you immediately get an ID tag prepared with your new address and emergency telephone number on it. If, somehow, your pet gets lost, it can reach home safely due to the pet identification information.

On the day when you are moving, place your pet in a safe, quiet place (use your bathroom for a while and then you can shift the pet in a room that gets empty at first) so that it can not go out and get lost. Remember to make this zone a complete “No entry” zone so that your pet do not get disturbed with the sight of unknown faces of professional movers.

When planning to travel by a car, make your dog accustomed to a restraining harness. If you have a cat that is moving with you, make sure to transport it in a well-ventilated and securely placed carrier because cats are generally not comfortable when traveling in cars.Don’t leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle because high temperature can kill them. Also, they can be injured or stolen by mischievous elements. Always carry food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls for your pets while traveling.

Don’t put your pet in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van. If your pet is not comfortable with car travel, ask the veterinarian about medication that can lessen the stress of travel.If your pet is moving by air, keep yourself informed about rules and regulations related to pet travel. The airline may give a special container for your pet in the event of your pet container not conforming to its regulations.

Consult the veterinarian about additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates too that are required at your new destination. Obtain information about animal-friendly hotels in your new locality and keep it handy. It will be helpful in the event of unplanned overnight lodging during your move. Find a veterinarian for your pet in the new location even before you move into your new home. You might require medical assistance for your pet just after moving in.

It’s always better not to move fish with you. Give them to your friends or your pet store. If you cannot leave them behind, take the help of professional pet movers.If moving your birds in a car, carry enough food and water for them during travel. Cover the cages with cloth so that they may stay calm and quiet. After successful pet moving to a new location, you must also help them settling into your new home.