I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger. As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles filled with tips for living on a budget.
My family has been trying to find a house, or town home, to move into for many years. We have outgrown our tiny condo. Four people (two adults, two teens), five cats and a dog in a shoe box size condo (aka – an apartment we own, not rent) just doesn’t cut it anymore.
I cannot imagine having to move with our pets. I know our dog and at least two of our cats would be OK with moving to a new place (or at least I THINK they would be). Three of my cats, most especially our oldest one, Velcro, would probably die from fear. He’s afraid of his own shadow, let alone moving him to a new home.
When you are moving it’s important that you take your pets into consideration. Not all apartment complexes or communities are “pet friendly”, and if they are, they most likely have plenty of rules you’ll need to follow. Some places even have limits on the number of pets you own, including small critters.
Here are a few tips to consider when moving into a new place with pets.
– Obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records. You will need this information for your pet’s new vet. Some apartment complexes might also require your pet’s medical records. Make sure you pet it up to date on all their vaccinations and your pet license if required.
– Pack all of your pet’s belongings and supplies together and make sure to unpack them immediately when you get into your new home. It’s a good idea to set your pet up in their new home right away. Take the time to introduce your pet to where they will be sleeping, eating and if you have cats, where the litter box will be placed. The sooner you get your pet acclimated to their new home the better. Your pet will be curious so let them have some time to explore their new surroundings.
– Your pet might experience a lot of anxiety with the new move. DO NOT SCOLD YOUR PET if they act out in any way such as have an accident in the home or chew up something that is not a toy or treat. If you reprimend your pet for doing something wrong it will only add to their anxiety. Instead you should be reassuring to your pet. Take some time to play with them and cuddle with them. Make them feel comfortable in their new home.
– Make sure your pet has an ID. Being in a new home with new surroundings could be confusing for a pet. They might accidentally wander off and not be able to find their way back to their new home. This is why it’s vital that your pet have an up-to-date ID tag, including your new phone number and address. If your pet has a microchip embedded into them make sure you contact the service immediately and provide them with your current information at your new address.
It would also be beneficial to have a current photo of your pet, just in case they do get lost.
You should also jot down the number of the local pet shelters, area vets and animal control just in case your pet does wander off.
– If you are moving far away, and your a traveling by car or truck with your pet, it’s a good idea to get to know some pet friendly hotels along your route. You can do a search for pet friendly hotels on the Internet or visit PetsWelcome.com. Make sure to know the hotel’s policy on pets up front or you might be in for a big surprise. Some places charge per pet, with a 1-2 pet minimum. There might also be weight restrictions. A hefty deposit might also be required, and some places do not refund the deposit.
It’s a good idea to call ahead and make reservations at places that are suitable to your needs. That way you are prepared to pay any extra fees involved.
I’m sure there plenty of more things you can do to make moving with your pet less stressful and more enjoyable. I would love to hear from my readers who have experienced moving with a pet (or pets). Feel free to comment and share your tips.
I found a few more articles I thought would be useful if you are moving with pets. Click on the article title to be taken to the full article.
Write your pet’s resume to help you rent an apartment
Renting with a pet – What to ask your apartment manager
How to help your pet adjust to a new home
What do you need to know when you rent an apartment with a pet?
The Apartment Guide has more information and articles about moving and moving with pets. They also offer tips on how to make the most of your space, as well as having a pet on a budget.
For more articles you can check out www.ApartmentGuide.com/Blog and www.Movingtoday.com.
Also, if you’re ready for a whole new space or are looking to move, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect pet-friendly apartment community.
For more tips on making the most of your space and budget, as well as other useful information, you can “like” the Apartment Guide on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide) and follow them on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/AptGuide). They are even on Google+.
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Kimberly
* Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
RealestateJeannie says
Fabulous article ! Most of the many homes that I sell are to pet owners. Last night I was at a clients new home and she was discussing that when they moved her pet would not go. With a little help from the vet and a lot of love they are all loving their new home!
Shaundra says
The pet resume idea is interesting! I’ve moved across the country a few times with cats so they are getting used to it by now but have to say the part about packing the pets’ things together & unpacking them right away at the new home is ESSENTIAL.
deanna says
My mom lived in an apt for 1 year that her cat HATED. She hid under the table all the time. Don’t know…she just hated it there.
xoxoxo