You may be aware of this already, but relocating with pets will indeed require additional preparation and planning. While we are busy preparing for the upcoming move, our minds are often occupied with making plans, packing, choosing movers, etc. In all the commotion, it might happen that you simply do not stop to think about your beloved furry friends and its needs. For that reason, the goal of this article is to show you the 5 steps to prepare your pet for relocation.

Even though a real estate agent can answer any important questions about a home purchase you might have to, when it comes to your pet's needs, apply a more personal approach. You must invest some time and energy to prepare your pet for relocation, just like your family members. Below we've outlined 5 steps to prepare your pet prior to moving:

1. Travel with your pet
2. Help your pet adjust to the carrier
3. Spare your pet the noise and commotion of packing
4. Help your pet get to know the new neighborhood
5. Arrange your pet's "new home"

Travel with your pet

I am not suggesting that you suddenly plan a trip with your pet before the relocation, just so it can get used to the road. However, you must think about the pet's point of view when going places is in question. Throughout most of their lives, all pets really do is walk. There are a lot of pets that have never been in a car or on bus, truck, airplane, or boat. That sort of new experience can be quite traumatic for them.

This is why it is important to carefully decide what kind of transportation you should prepare for the road. Since most people use a moving truck or a car, it doesn't hurt to take a day or two and drive somewhere with your pet. If you have a dog, visiting a doggy festival might be a fun thing to do. You will enjoy a short ride, and then have a few pleasant hours with your furry friend. And in the dog's mind, riding in the car will be associated with something positive.

When it comes to cats, they are a different kind of pets altogether. Sure, there are cat shows as well, but the majority of cats prefer being on familiar ground. They do not like the unknown, commotion, and strangers. Still, that mostly depends on your cat's character.

Help your pet adjust to the carrier

This part can be tricky. I have a cat, and when I need to take it to the vet, it takes about 30 minutes to make it go into the carrier. Relocating with pets requires them to be in the carrier most of the time, especially if you are moving by airplane. Carriers and crates are made especially for this purpose, and they really are the best way for a pet to travel. However, they won't always realize that.

If you bought a carrier to use on your moving day, leave it open and let your pet inspect it on its own. Some pets will just jump in without any problems, others - not so much. When we bought a new carrier for our cat, I left it open in the corner and placed a blanket and a bowl inside, along with some toys. If your pet sees a crate or a carrier as a friendly place, you shouldn't have any problems.

Spare your pet the noise and the commotion of packing

Even though quality movers can help with moving anywhere in California with ease, it is true they can make a great deal of commotion and noise. Furniture getting disassembled and moved, boxes being packed, people coming in and out constantly, etc. If your pet is used to a quiet environment, this will scare them and make them nervous. When you add the fact that strangers will be running around the house all day, you can start imagining the hell your pet might be going through.

Friendlier pets will get used to this situation easier, but in case your pet doesn't like newcomers, there are clever ways to deal with this problem.

First of all, find a spare room for your pet. Put some food and toys inside and lock your pet in there until everything is done. Even though it might seem harsh, it is still better than scaring and stressing out your pet.

If locking them away in a room doesn't work, find someone to take the pet out for a walk or a playdate. If you have relatives or friends who have played with your pet before, you can ask them to help you.

Help your pet to get to know the new neighborhood

After the move, the relocation process might be over for you, but your pet might not immediately realize what has happened. It could still expect to go back to that old and familiar place.

Take regular walks with your pet - this will help with getting to know the neighborhood and understanding that this is their new home now.

Arrange your pet's "new home"

Back at your old place, your pet had a favorite corner. Somewhere where they could sleep, play, and eat. You have to make every effort to recreate this place in your new home. A piece of smart advice is to make it look similar to the old place. This will definitely help your pet adjust to the new house more quickly.

Finding the right movers

Even though all of these steps will help you prepare your pet for relocation, do not underestimate the importance of hiring the best movers. The best option would be to look for pet-friendly movers, such as Mod Movers California.

If you hire someone who has pet relocation experience, you’ll be providing the best service for your faithful companion and helping them in the transition period.

Have a happy move

And there you have it, 5 simple steps to prepare your pet for relocation. Of course, there is plenty of other stuff to do here, like preparing pet documentation from the vet, doing all the regular checkups, packing your pet's toys, etc. However, I wanted to show you a personal approach, something you can do to make the relocation easier for your pet. Happy moving!