What Should You Know About Moving With Pets?
Feb 13, 2023
Did you know that there are over 6.9 million households in Australia that own about 28.7 million pets? Australia has always been a pet-friendly country with plenty of fun activities and spaces for your furry creatures.
However, there are also strict rules in Newcastle, Australia, regarding which animals cannot be brought here due to biosecurity reasons. Thus, it is important to know if your pet is allowed here before moving homes in Newcastle.
Besides this, you must follow some steps to make your move more pet-friendly, so your pet can adjust to this new change.
While your
removalists Newcastle pack your belongings, you must spend time with your pets to make them feel less anxious. For more such tips on what to do when moving with pets, you should read below:
What To Do When Moving With Pets
1. Find Out If Your Pet Is Allowed In The State
Even though Australia is a pet-friendly nation, it still has strict rules regarding which pets you can bring into the country. This is due to biosecurity reasons to safeguard the country’s flora and fauna against infections and diseases.
For instance, there are some
restricted dog species in New South Wales, like the American pitbull terrier or Pitbull terrier. Therefore you must do your research and find out if your pet is allowed in the state to which you are moving.
2. Ask Your Veterinarian For Health Records
Once you have seen whether your pet is allowed in the state you are moving to, you must start collecting your pet’s health certificates for the move. Ask your veterinarian for these documents, and get your pet checked before the move. You can also ask your vet for medications to help reduce your pets’ moving anxiety.
3. Get Your Pet Vaccinated Before Relocating
You must also get your pets vaccinated before the move to keep them safe from harmful diseases. If you are bringing a dog to Australia, you must ask a trained vet to vaccinate your pet against:
- Distemper
- Bordetella
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Para-influenza
If you are bringing your cat to Australia, you must get them vaccinated against the following:
- Feline enteritis
- Calicivirus
- Rhinotracheitis
4. Complete the Microchipping And Registration Process
You must ensure your pet is microchipped and registered in the new state you are moving to. For instance, when moving to Newcastle in New South Wales, you must register your pet with the
NSW Pet Registry before your pet turns six months. Also, you must get your pet microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being given away.
This microchip is placed between your animal’s shoulders and contains a unique identification number which will help identify and locate your pet in case it gets lost. When you move homes in Newcastle, you must update these details on your pet’s microchip.
5. Start Your Packing Process As Soon As Possible
It is good to get a headstart on your packing process to complete it within your deadline and to make your pets familiar with the moving boxes. Start bringing in moving boxes weeks before your moving day, so your pet doesn’t worry about this change.
Tip:
Here are some of the best
moving boxes for your packing needs.
6. Maintain Your Pet’s Normal Routine
Animals are creatures of habit, and if there is a slight change in their routine, they will get upset. So, it is better to maintain their normal routine in the following steps:
- Feed them at their normal times
- Take them for regular walks
- Play with them regularly
- Keep their sleeping schedule intact
Here are some useful tips on how to maintain your normal routine when
moving homes with a cat.
7. Hire A Professional To Look After Your Pet
Moving homes is a tough task, and it can get even tougher when you have pets to look after. In between all these tough tasks like
changing your utilities, you may not get enough time for your pets. In such cases, it is better to hire professional sitters to look after your pet and take them for a walk. You can also ask your family and friends to keep your pets for a couple of days while you help your professional removalists Newcastle pack your belongings.
8. Pack An Essentials Bag To Help Your Pet Stay Calm
While packing, you must pack a separate bag of essentials for your pet and keep it with you on the move. This should include the following:
- Favourite toys
- Treats
- Pet beds
- Blankets
You must ensure you unpack these items first when moving to your new home to make your pet feel at ease.
9. Let Your Pet Travel In Your Vehicle
If your pet has
acute separation anxiety, it is best to arrange a secure crate in your car and keep your pet in it. You can fill this crate with your pet’s toys and blankets to keep them happy. You must also take frequent stops to cuddle and treat your pets and show them some love.
10. Remove Hazardous Items From Your New Home
Once you arrive at your new home, you can let your expert removalists Newcastle unpack your belongings while you inspect the premises for any harmful substances that could injure your pet. For instance, you must keep a lookout for the following:
- Paint buckets
- Antifreeze
- Bug traps
- Cleaning supplies
- Plastic bags
- Poisonous plants
- Loose wires
- Nails
You should also secure your fences so your pet cannot run away. Once you have inspected your home, you should set up your pet’s bed and toys in a quiet corner of the room and allow your pet to adjust to this new space slowly.
Conclusion
Moving homes with pets is challenging, but if you follow all the rules and formalities and maintain your pet’s normal routines, it will be easier. Make sure you give your pet time to adjust to your new home, and give them treats and toys to keep them happy.