Moving across the country with your pets can be a daunting experience for many families. However, it’s possible to avoid many common problems by taking the right precautions. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on how to move cross country with your fur babies.
When planning a move with pets, it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable in a vehicle for an extended period of time. Consider taking your pets for a short drive a few weeks before your move. If your pets get sick on a short car journey, that could signal problems in the future.
Fortunately, there are a number of things that pet owners can do if their fur babies don’t travel well. Many vets will prescribe anti-nausea medication for pets. These medications can help pets feel more comfortable on an extended drive.
Other pets may experience high levels of anxiety if they’re stuck in a car for an extended period of time. For these types of situations, a vet may recommend the use of a sedative. While it’s never a good idea to make a habit of using a sedative with a pet, the occasional use of one isn’t usually a problem.
When you’re setting up an area for your pet in a vehicle, try to make it one where your pet can see the outside world. Don’t just put your dog or cat in a crate in the back of the car. When animals can’t see outside of a vehicle, they’re more likely to become sick. In addition, they may not know what’s happening if you don’t give them any visual information about their environment. This can cause stress and anxiety in many pets.
If you’re staying in hotels while traveling, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make sure that they accept pets. In most cases, a hotel will charge a small cleaning fee if you have a pet. If you can’t find a hotel that accepts pets, look at local listings, such as bed and breakfast places. These will often allow pets, but policies can vary based on location.
Finally, make sure to stop frequently if you have a pet in the car. Try to avoid traveling for more than two hours at a time without a stop. This will give your pet a chance to stretch his or her legs. In addition, it can be a good time for you to stretch your legs too!
