You finally found the perfect place! It has the right amount of rooms and bathrooms and the layout is a dream. But what about your cat or dog—can your new place accommodate your fur babies? No need to sign a new lease—here are a few modifications you can make to your new home to make it pet-friendly:
Buy Some Pet-friendly Furniture
You might really like that beige tweed couch, but it’s not the best option for a pet parent. Pick the wrong material and you could end up with stains and odors that are hard to get rid of. In addition to stain-resistant fabric, pet parents should also look for furniture that’s covered with one of the following materials:
Avoid the following fabrics since they are more vulnerable to scratches and stains:
You should also avoid light colors like white or beige.
Get Trash Cans With Lids
Trash cans with lids are a must for pet parents, especially if you know that your pup likes to dig around in the trash looking for bones or other scraps. Getting a taller trash can with a lid for your kitchen and bathrooms will save you from endless cleaning. Pick a can that’s both durable and secure and consider putting it in a place where it’ll be hard to knock over.
Install Screens on Your Windows
If you have a cat, you definitely need screens on your windows, especially if you plan on opening the windows when it’s hot out. Installing screens on your windows can even keep your cats from falling from high-rise buildings and two-story homes. These falls can cause serious injuries and even death, so be sure to get those screens installed as soon as possible.
Opt for Tile Flooring
There’s nothing like a brand new carpet in a new home. They’re cozy and luxurious and are often the highlight of the room’s decor. Unfortunately, carpets are not ideal for households with pets. Most are not durable enough to withstand stains, odors, or damage from your fur babies.
Instead of carpets, opt for ceramic tile or porcelain tile flooring, which are both highly resistant to stains and scratches.
If you can’t give up carpeting altogether and decide to purchase a rug or two, get ones that are washable and made from “indoor/outdoor” materials. Avoid thickly woven sisal and jute rugs, which are more likely to sustain serious damage from scratching.
Any big changes are likely to cause anxiety for your pets. Planning can minimize the anxiety for both you and your pets and help ensure a smooth transition to the new digs, especially if you’re moving long distance. Here are a few things to keep in mind before moving day:
Learn the Laws
Complying with new county, city, or state laws can sometimes take several weeks to prepare for. Some states require pets to quarantine, others inspect animals at the border, and some just ask to see heath certificates. Contact the Animal Control Commission in your new locale to determine which documents you’ll need and for information on licensing your pets.
Schedule a Check-Up
Once you find out what the new laws are, you might have to schedule a check-up so you can get the necessary paperwork.
Here are two of the most commonly needed documents when moving with pets:
During the check-up, you can ask your vet about microchipping so your pet doesn’t get lost while exploring the new neighborhood.
Be sure to keep all health documents with you while traveling.
Decide on Transportation
If your new home is not too far from the old one, consider putting your fur baby in daycare, a kennel, or with someone you trust while you load and unload your vehicle and get set up.
If daycare is not feasible, here are a few tips for driving with your pets:
Driving can sometimes be the most cost-effective way to move, but sometimes it’s necessary to fly. Any air travel arrangements should be made well in advance. You’ll have to call the airline and make a reservation since a limited number of pets can be transported per flight. Keep your pet’s health documents in your carry-on. If your cat or dog is small enough, they might be able to board the flight with you. Larger animals and exotic pets might have to fly in the baggage compartment or be shipped as cargo. Make sure you understand the airline’s requirements for transport containers.
Another option is to use a pet transportation company that can help you take care of the paperwork and help with short trips to international moves.
Whether you travel by car or plane, make sure your dog’s ID tags are up to date and include a cell phone number.
We know that this is a lot of information to take in. Here’s a handy checklist of things to pack for your pet:
Everything we’ve listed so far applies to both dogs and cats, but here are a few things to keep in mind that are specific for dog and cat parents:
Dogs:
Some cities have breed-specific legislation that bans or restricts over 100 dog breeds. Contact the Animal Control Commission to learn more about local regulations.
Cats:
For long car trips, consider buying a compact litter box with a handle for easy transporting and a door that helps keep odors inside.
Here are a few final tips to help you and your pet settle in:
Moving is hard on everybody, so pat yourself on the back for being extra patient with your animals. In time, the stress will subside and you’ll all be settled in and comfy in your new home.
Wondering if you should sedate your pets while traveling? Not sure which vaccinations you need before the big move? Contact a vet today and get the answers you need to move forward with your move.
