When you are moving – whether moving door to door, across the country or around the world, there is planning that is required for all family members. This includes your furry family members. On moving day make sure to have a plan to keep them safe, happy, and calm.
Before Moving Day
Set aside pet food, leashes, kitty litter boxes so you have enough for the moving days. It isn’t always easy or simple to run to the store to get needed items when packers or there or you are trying to get the truck packed. Planning ahead and having these items helps keep the packing and moving process smooth.
Make a plan for your pet for moving day by having a safe space for them.
Moving Day
Kennel, Pet Daycare, or Neighbors
If your pet has a routine of being in their kennel for the day, they may do well being in their kennel while items are being packed. It is their safe space and routine, so putting your pet in the kennel may be the perfect way for your pet to hang out for the day.
Check with local pet daycares in the area for moving day. There is a variety of pet daycares, so ask neighbors who they recommend or have used personally so they can give advice. While they may be pricey, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they offer a military or multi-day discount. The daycares provide both a space for your pet and engage them in play throughout the day. This is perfect for high-energy pets who may be unable to get out their energy when they come home for the day because they have to clean, or just want to crash after a busy day.
If there is a neighbor who normally watches your pet when you are on vacation, asking them to watch your pet for moving day is a natural idea. Your pet knows them and will be comfortable with them while they are away from your home for moving day.
A Word About OCONUS moves
If your move includes a flight overseas, make sure to get the pet space ASAP. Get the medical clearance for your pet done as quickly as possible to make sure you can reserve a pet space on Patriot Express (military flights) or pay for a pet spot on the commercial airlines. When flying commercial, make sure there is a pet space for every flight to avoid hiccups at each stop. Also, always call the airlines weeks prior to arrival to ensure there are no restrictions on your pet’s breed for flying so you can make plans ahead of time instead of hurried plans a
