Petorama: Moving can be both a tedious and...

Ask Yvette

Moving can be both a tedious and exhilarating experience. But moving with pets brings things to a whole new level. Here are a few things pointers and hints that might help other people who are considering a move.

When shopping around, don't forget to look for features that can make life with pets easier. A well built and secure fence is a bonus that can be expensive. Personally, I like at least one door that opens into a fenced yard. It's an extra safety precaution if a pet manages to sneak out. Mudrooms are a welcome addition when you want to dry down a wet dog.

If an alarm is part of the deal, there are pet friendly varieties available. These can allow cats and most dogs to roam while the system is armed.

Get to know pet related laws before you commit to a location. Each city and municipality has their own laws regarding restricted breeds and the number of pets allowed. If you happen to work with pets, zoning can be particularly challenging. Do your homework.

Create a list of places that require your change of address. Include your local animal control and the new licensing office if there happens to be one. If your pet is microchipped, contact the company and update your information. Have one in service phone number put on file in case your pet becomes lost during the move. Your veterinarian should also be contacted with your updated information. Check your pet's collars to ensure that contact information listed is current. If your pet has a medical condition, have a custom tag made that makes note of this.

Plan your packing wisely. Transport essentials yourself, or ensure they are packed last onto the truck. This allows you to take them out first. Your pet's essentials will probably include their bed or crate. Inside the crate you can tuck away their leashes, dishes, food and medications. Don't forget water conditioner for fish as you'll likely be removing some of the water to make the move easier.

Arrange help. Moving day is hectic. People are coming and going. Doors are left open. Ask a trusted friend or relative to pet sit. There is no need for your animal to endure the chaos. You can also use a kennel facility for a day. For smaller animals such as rodents and reptiles, check to ensure lids stay securely latched.

If your pet does not enjoy being confined, then revisit crating or kenneling ahead of time. Moving day is a bad time to find out that your animal is terrified inside a cage. Crates provide a safe haven during chaos and a secure place when service workers come and go. Revisit separation anxiety prevention exercises well in advance of your move. Many people report their pet develops anxiety after relocating.

After the move, make sure that cats have easy access to their litter boxes. Don't allow bad habits to develop because the cat does not know the box is tucked into a remote area of the basement. Supervise dogs carefully so they don't find the hole under the fence before you do. Take them out more than they usually require and give a couple rewards for going outside in their new spot.

Plan ahead. You probably won't eliminate the stress of a move. But you can make things a whole lot easier to handle.

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Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...