Pets these days are part of our families – so if you’re moving, you’ll want to make sure that you prepare them and your new home for the move. Sometimes, the preparations and hubbub of moving can cause stress on our pets.  Amidst all the preparations for moving to a new home, you may forget that you’ll have to make arrangements for them before, during and after your move. Here are some tips to make sure the transition is smooth for you as it is for your pets:

• First things first: Make sure your new building or neighborhood is pet-friendly. This will save the heartbreak of having to leave your pets behind.
• Gather all their necessary documents, such as health records, and pack them with your own records. See if you can find new vets ahead of time, and maybe even have copies of the records ahead of time.
• Check with your movers – they may offer pet moving services, which will make your life a whole lot easier.
• If you’re traveling long distance, make arrangements with pet-friendly hotels on the way; if you’re going by plane, then check which airlines can help you arrange for their travel.
• If you’re moving to a new state or even city, check the local regulations on pets.
• Prepare them for the move in advanced, especially if they’re not used to riding in cars. Take them on short trips around the neighborhood to get them used to being inside a car. Talk to your vet if you think tranquilizers or car sickness medicines are necessary.
• Pack a pet travel kits – their favorite toys, dishes, water, food and snacks
• Make sure their vaccinations and inoculations are up to date before you move.
• Purchase a sturdy pet carrier, if you don’t have one already. Make sure it’s large enough for your pets to move comfortably, especially for long distances..
• For fish, check with your local aquariums for tips and products to help you transfer your fish. This usually requires a special tank and some form of container to keep them cool.
• On moving day, keep them away from all the activity. Keep them confined to a room, surrounded by favorite things, food and water.
• Try not to feed them before the move.
• Don’t put pets in moving vans or truck beds – keep them in a well-ventilated area and don’t leave them locked inside a parked car.
• If you’re moving birds or other pets in small cages, make sure you have a cover for the cage. Remove food and water to avoid spills, but feed them regularly.
• When traveling long distances, take them out during rest breaks.
• Update their ID tags with your new address and contact information as soon as possible
• Instead of buying them new things, it may be better if you surround them with their old, familiar things to keep the comfortable.
• Secure things which can harm you pet, like cleaning supplies, loose cords and heavy appliances.
• Take them on a walk around your neighborhood so they’ll be familiarized with the new place, as well as be aware of their boundaries
• Get them back on their regular exercise and eating routines as soon as possible.
• Since this is a new home, plan for emergencies, just in case.
• Find a new vet as soon as possible and give them the records from the previous vet.