Prepping Your Pets for a Move to Grand Junction
Your moving day is set and it’s time to start preparing! As you’re making your lists and checking them twice, don’t forget to factor in your furry friends. Here are some tips for making sure the process goes smoothly.
Medical records
When moving to a different city or state, one of the main things you need to take into consideration is finding a new veterinarian that is the right fit for you and your pet. If you have family or friends in the area ask for recommendations or do your own research by reading reviews and news articles. Once you find one, contact your current vet to initiate a transfer of medical records. Then schedule a “get to know you” appointment shortly after your move. (If you’re looking for a recommendation for a Grand Junction vet, let me know! I have several I really like!)
Transportation
Whether it’s a short drive or a long plane ride, your pet will likely need to be put into a carrier. For most pets, this is a foreign concept and they require time to get comfortable with it. Start acclimating your pet as early as possible and use comfort items like treats and favorite toys and blankets to make the experience a positive one for your pet. If you’re moving within Grand Junction your moving commute should be a short one luckily! If you’re moving to Grand Junction, depending on the move time, you may consider asking your vet if they have anything they would recommend giving to your pet to help manage their stress during travel.
Acclimation
Pad your moving schedule with ample time to get your dog or cat acclimated to their new home. While the movers are still hard at work, keep them safely away from foot traffic to reduce stress. (I’ve kept my kitty in the bathroom with food and water so she could be out of her carrier, but not have a chance to escape out the front door in all the moving madness!) Once you’re finished moving, make sure to clear anything that could be dangerous and block off areas as necessary then let them free to get a lay of the land on their own.
