Indianapolis Moving Company Do's and Don't for Moving Your Pets

The do’s and don’ts of moving your pet

Change is good, but sometimes our furry family members don’t get the memo. Indianapolis moving companies take care of packing and transporting your belongings, but moving is a still big transition for everyone, especially our pets. From leaving their favorite romping grounds, to taking a road trip in the minivan and transitioning to a whole new world—it’s quite the adventure.

They’re our best friends, so here’s how to make the move as smooth for them as it is for you.

5 Don’ts of traveling with your pet

Don’t let your pet sit in the front seat. It’s fun to see Fido stick his head out the window (which is a no-no), and endearing to feel his head in your lap while you drive, but the passenger seat is the most dangerous part of the car for your pet. In a sudden stop, they could fly into or through the window, and airbags have enough force to severely injure or even kill your pet. A large pet can also try to climb or jump on you while you’re driving. Think about investing in a doggie seat-belt or a barrier to keep him or her safely in the back.
Don’t leave your pet unattended. Each year, hundreds of pets die of heat exhaustion after being left unattended in cars. However inconvenient, don’t make an exception to this rule; never leave your pet alone in your vehicle. When you stay reach your new home, make sure to acquaint your pet with the new environment and prepare a safe place for them to stay while you’re out.
Don’t trust your pet. New environments can bring new behaviors. Your dog may be a pro at walking without a leash, but might bolt out of the car at a highway rest-stop. Your cat may always come home after an evening outside, but don’t expect her to automatically know how to do this at your new home.
Don’t drive distracted. If your pet isn’t used to riding in a car, they might require extra attention. It’s a good idea to acclimate your pet, especially cats, to driving before you make your big trip. Once you’re in the car, don’t let them take your attention away from the road. If you must attend to your pet, park the car and address the situation.
Don’t rely on tranquilizers or sedatives: Most veterinarians will not dispense sedatives or tranquilizers for traveling pets. Over-sedation is the most frequent cause of death for airline pet travel. Relying on sedatives exposes your pet to unnecessary side-effects and can make them more sensitive to high and low temperatures.

5 do’s for relocating your pet

Prepare for anxiety: When dogs and cats experience anxiety, chewing and clawing are their go-to responses. Make sure you have the right toys and bones, or else your seat cushion will become the victim. Additionally, a change of scenery can be scary. The scent from a blanket or old shirt can remind your pet that while everything else might be changing, you aren’t not going anywhere.
Bring the essentials: Make sure to pack plenty of food, plus some extra, in case you get delayed. Your bag should include treats, any medicine, a first-aid kit, vaccination records, clean-up bags, kitty-litter, a drinking bowl and fresh water. Bring baby wipes and a towel in case your friend gets carsick or makes a mess. A collapsible crate is also a must-have to provide a safe place for your pet.
Plan ahead: Traveling with your pet is a fun adventure, but will also add some new responsibilities to keep in mind. If you’re staying in a hotel, make sure to call ahead to see if they allow pets. Find out if you’ll need to pay a pet fee or reserve a pet friendly room. You should also locate a vet at your final destination in case of an emergency.
Provide a place to potty: Just like you, your pet will need an opportunity to make a pit stop and stretch his legs. Pull over at least every three hours to take a walk and get refreshed (bring a litterbox for your cat). When you arrive at your new home, one of the first things you should do is show your pet where they should go—it’s easy to get turned around!
Keep your cool: Anxiety, excitement and stress will not be strangers to you during your adventure. However, like any good leader, it’s important to remain calm, confident, and assertive throughout your journey. Our pets are very intuitive, but showing them you’re in control will make them feel safe and happy, both on the road and in your new home.

You take care of your pets, while the Indianapolis moving companies take care of your move

Hiring a moving company takes you to your new home with peace of mind. Let Leaders Moving and Storage worry about your belongings while you worry about your furry family members. We have more than 20 years of moving experience, guaranteed pricing, a specialized fleet of trucks and highly trained, professional movers that will carefully and efficiently move all of your belongings to your new home.

Eliminate the stress of moving—contact our Indianapolis movers at (317) 280-3385, call us toll free at (800) 481-6843 or get an online quote today.

02/09/2015 By Leaders Moving Indianapolis Mover

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LEADERS Moving & Storage was founded in 1994 in Ohio with a pickup truck and a handshake. Since then, we’ve become one of the largest moving companies in the Midwest and have set the standard for others to follow.