Moving With Pets – Tips and Tricks for People Moving From California to Seattle and Vice Versa

Before Moving Pets Across the Country, Visit the Vet

Not only will the vet be able to give your pet a check-up and make sure they’re healthy enough for travel, but they can also provide you with any necessary paperwork, like health certificates. Additionally, they can offer you some helpful advice about how to lower the pet’s anxiety levels.

When relocating to a new home that far away, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian a few weeks before you move so you can:

• Get a recent rabies vaccination certificate and double-check that all immunizations are current,
• Make sure your pet is healthy and has access to any necessary routine prescriptions,
• Discuss possible stress-reduction techniques or anxiety-relieving substances,
• Obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records and files,
• Ask your current veterinarian for recommendations for the new vet in a different city,
• Find out more about possible additional exams or vaccines before relocating to a new state.

Change the Information on Their Microchip

First of all, you need to know what your pet’s microchip number is. When the microchip was registered to the pet microchip database, you should have gotten some documentation and a certificate where you can find a microchip number. Additionally, the microchip number is frequently listed on your pet’s vaccination record or passport.

Paperwork given to you when the chip was put in should also hold information about the pet’s microchip registry. Contact it through the website or phone and update the information. Keep in mind that you’re liable for a fine if you move house and do not update your pet’s microchip details.

Get Your Pet Used to the Mess Created During the Moving Process

Many animals like playing with packing materials. Playful cats and dogs usually can’t resist the never-ending amusement of an empty box or packing paper that can be shredded to pieces. That is why you should start packing early – give your furry friends time to grow accustomed to the presence of boxes and other supplies.

If you don’t have a last-minute move, try gathering supplies weeks before your move. Leave the boxes open and stuff them with less often used goods. At first, they may be interested in unfamiliar objects, but soon they won’t even give them a passing glance. Help your furry companions become accustomed to the changes in their environment, and relocation day preparations will continue to run smoothly.

Keep Up With Their Routine

You should know by now that your pet is a creature of habit – it’s especially evident if you own a cat or a dog. It usually means that any kind of schedule changes don’t sit well with them – the more it varies, the more their anxiousness increases. In order to lessen your pet’s stress in the weeks preceding your move, know that they need to be fed at regular times. In addition, you should never miss their routine playtime or walks and, whenever possible, provide them with additional love and patience.

In order to achieve all of that, you must stay organized throughout the whole process. When planning the move, create a to-do list to help you make a timetable for all the tasks that are ahead (such as choosing the relocation company, changing the address, updating personal information, gathering important documents, and so on). The more organized you are, the less your furry friends will suffer.

Try to Keep Your Pet Entertained During the Relocation Process

Even if you are busy with all the move to a new city brings, you must set aside a little more time to spend with your animal companions. Let them release all that nervous energy, and the whole relocation process will be less stressful for everyone.

Consider asking a friend for help, organize playdates, and, if possible, squeeze in an additional walk or play session. If you’re relocating in a hurry and don’t have time for all that, consider getting pet sitters that will entertain your furry friend and let you work in peace. All you have to do is choose between some of the best pet-sitting apps. That way, you’ll be able to focus more on other tasks, which can help you avoid relocation mistakes.

Create a Comfortable and Secluded Space for Your Pet

You want to ensure your furry friend is as comfortable as possible at any moment during the move. You must take care of them in all the relocation stages, such as:

Of course, know that much of the unnecessary stress for both you and your furry friends can be avoided if you decide to get long-distance moving services. Professional cross-country movers are able to do most of the work in a matter of hours, compared to the weeks of preparation you’d need when relocating on your own. Additionally, if you decide to get packing services, note that you won’t need to get your furry friends accustomed to the new supplies – bringing packing materials will be the responsibility of long-distance movers.

Get To Know the Laws in a New State

Make sure to do your research before it’s time to move. It’s crucial to understand the pet laws in the new state so you don’t stumble upon unpleasant surprises after crossing the state border.

For example, if you plan to hire movers from California to Seattle, you need to know all about Washinton pet import laws and what actions are allowed and prohibited in public areas. On the other hand, if you plan to get movers from Seattle to California and move to the Sunny State, keep in mind that laws and requirements may vary depending on the city or county you’re relocating to. Therefore, it’s best to check the necessary information with the local animal control agency.

Find a Pet-Friendly Residence When Moving With Pets

Make sure your pet is welcome in your new home. If you plan on becoming a homeowner, it shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you think about renting an apartment, you must do your research first.

When you’re looking for a new place to live, it’s important to ensure that it’s pet-friendly. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect apartment or house only to realize that your furry friend can’t stay in it. Here are a few relocation tips to help you find a pet-friendly place:

• Check the lease agreement – most leases will have a clause that states whether or not animals are allowed. If you’re looking at a place that doesn’t allow them, move on to the next one.
• Ask the landlord or property manager – even if the lease doesn’t mention animals, it’s always worth asking the landlord or property manager if they’re open to the idea of you having a pet.
• Look for pet-friendly amenities – some apartment complexes and neighborhoods have amenities like dog parks or walking trails that make them more pet-friendly.
• Consider your pet’s needs – if you have a large dog with a lot of energy, for example, you’ll need to find a place that has a yard or is close to a park.

In addition, be prepared to pay a pet deposit. If they allow domestic animals in their complex, many landlords will require a pet deposit. Be ready to pay one if you find a place that you’re interested in.

Ease the Transition Period for Your Furry Friend

You must get your companion accustomed to its carrier or crate well in advance of the move. If your furry find doesn’t cope well with spending too much time in the vehicle, talk to your vet about the possible solution. Additionally, if you’re relocating on your own, you should find suitable accommodation.

You can limit your search to several well-known booking platforms only to include accommodations that welcome animal companions. Remember that the drive from California to Seattle is around fifteen hours long, so you’ll probably need a place to spend the night – and not all accommodations are pet friendly. Plan your route and book the accommodation ahead to avoid these inconveniences.

At the same time, note that hiring a cross-country moving company can simplify this process, as well. Letting movers help you means you won’t need to drive a relocation truck all the way to another state.

However, note that there are several items movers can’t move, and this includes animals as well, so make sure you book a flight and prepare your pet for it. In the video below, you can find some helpful long-distance moving tips on how to move with pets and prepare them for a plane ride:

Pack up a Bag of Essentials for Your Pet

You’ll need to make sure you have enough food and water for your pet during the move, as well as any medications they may require. You should also pack a collar and leash, along with any toys or bedding that will make your pet feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Remember to bring important paperwork, such as their vaccination records, and don’t forget to include disposable plastic bags in this bag. Packing a bag with essentials is one of the most important relocation day tips you will get – so make sure it’s not one of the things you forget to do.

During the Moving Day, Hire a Pet Sitter, and the Move Will Go Smoothly

It’s important to make arrangements for your furry companies on the relocation day. The last thing you want is for them to be underfoot while movers from a long-distance moving company are lugging boxes and furniture out of your home. A pet sitter can take care of them for the day, helping you move efficiently and giving you one less thing to worry about. This, alongside all the before-mentioned moving with pets tips, will help you achieve the best relocation experience – for you and your furry friend(s).