Many families have members that bark or meow and if you are moving to a new home, that means the furry guys will be moving as well. Pets and moving are not always the best combination, but you know your pet better than anyone and there are always ways to make sure the move is smooth for all, even the four legged. Take the time to think about the four-legged members of your family in your move to avoid having your lil angel turn into devil doggy.
These days families that include pets commonly see their pets as actual members of their family and treat them as so. Some homes have pets that have been in their family for over ten years. It is important to remember that these animals have feelings as well. When you are moving and relocating animals it is not uncommon for animals to act out or cause problems during the move, if their owners don’t properly prepare for the move to include them. There are a few things you need to know and prepare for when you have furry members in the house that will be getting adjusted to a new home as well. 
Here are 3 must-know tips when moving and relocating animals:
1. Pets Need Proper Identification
Whether you are shipping a dog, using pet transportation services or just moving a pet down the street they need proper, up-to-date identification is extremely important. You can order identification tags for cats and dogs online or make them yourself at local convenience or grocery stores. You can also inquire with your veterinarian or online for information about other options such as microchipping or tattooing of owner information.
Whatever route you take it is important even if you are not moving your pet right now, to make sure they have identification. Remember as much as some of us may believe they can, our pets aren’t human and can’t speak for themselves!
2. Consider a Pet Moving Service.
There are many pet moving companies that are easily found online that exist solely to help assist you when you are moving to a new home and relocating your pet yourself is not an option. When looking for these companies it is important to take the same steps you would as if you were hiring a moving company to move your valuables. Check on the reliability of the company on online directories and with the Better Business Bureau.
Along with this option, you also have to consider dog shipping or pet transport companies if you are moving a pet to Hawaii or moving pets overseas. There are many of these companies that can also be found online or by word of mouth. As with any company you chose to entrust with precious cargo, do your research. Use online directories and the BBB to find trustworthy companies.
If you are shipping pets on airlines yourself make sure to do very thorough research on restrictions and rules, each airline is different. It is a tricky process flying animals and there is usually a lot of red tape. Give yourself plenty of time to research and make decisions on this in order to choose the airline that will work best for your situation and avoid outrageous extra fees. Contact the airline early. Some airlines permit pets in passenger cabins depending on the size. Otherwise, your pet must travel as air freight. Keep in mind that only a few airlines have climate control cargo holds for pets. These are highly recommended.
3. Give your pets time to adjust
Animals absolutely have feelings too! Moving can really shake them up. Just as you would with your children, spend time getting them acclimated to their new environment. Take walks, play in the yard, give your furry pals time to get adjusted. But above all, remember after relocating pets, do not let them out in the neighborhood without a sturdy fence or on a leash, as they may not know how to make it home!