Moving with pets can often be a difficult and stressful experience if not planned correctly. Gathering your belongings and your pets to move to another place is bound to take its toll on you and your pet.

There are however certain steps that can be taken to ensure that moving with your pets is easily done, and with the minimum of stress for both you and your pet. One of these steps is to ensure you choose choosing the right packing or removal company, no matter where you live in Australia.

At SOS Removals & Storage, we understand that the moving process represents a major change. It's the same for your pets as well!

Your dogs, cats or other furry friends can find it very difficult to deal with the disruption that surrounds packing and moving. Adding to the stress is the often long journey between their old and new homes.

The team at SOS Removals and Storage have compiled the following top tips for moving house with pets. We think these tips will help to ensure that both your own and your pets' move is as calm and as stress-free as possible. We've also provided a range of wider moving hints and tips to further minimise the stress of moving. After all the less stress you encounter, the less stressed your pets will be.

And of course, please contact us if you need further help or assistance in ensuring the best possible moving experience.

Pet Safety during a Move

You may want to check with your local vet as they are the professionals.  They will ensure that your pet is micro-chipped and wears proper identification such as collars and/or tags. The only chore that you have to perform is of keeping your pet's documentation safe and reachable. This documentation should include:

• Current vaccination records
• License and microchip numbers
• Spay/neuter certificates
• Contact number of current vet
• Pet’s recent photograph

It is always advised to consult with your pet’s veterinarian to ensure that your do or cat is healthy enough to travel long distances. Be sure that before you start the ignition, you obtain all the valuable and relevant information that your vet can provide.

Calmer Moving Process

This is possible by hiring the right removal or moving company. Being highly experienced in this field of work enables them to keep your pet(s) calmer.

While the boxes are moved around, packed and stacked to be transported, there should be minimum chaos to ensure that your pets are not startled. You might think that your pet is quite well adjusted to strangers or that they are relatively calmer than others’ pets, however the hustle and bustle in the house can prove you wrong.

The increased level of activity and noise if handled with care and precision can prevent your pets from unexpectedly bolting out the door. You can then concentrate on your calming down your pets with all the major tasks of packing, sealing, securing and carrying the items having been taken over by thorough professionals.

Secure Pet Transportation

Your pets and you deserve peace of mind and professional movers will ensure that your pet is with you at all times, either in a safe kennel or a secure crate or cage. Before transportation it is important to ensure that a proper separate bag for your pet is prepared and ready to be carried to the car. That would include his bedding, towels, treats and toys, food & water, leashes or harnesses, kennels if you plan to take it and any and all medications he may require. It is always preferred that you carry your pet with you but in any case you don’t find the space, the movers would do it for you. It is always made sure that your pet or pets are safe and comfortable.

At SOS Removals, we can arrange for your pet to be transported securely, especially if it is a long-haul journey or interstate move. This may be via vehicle transportation or plane. If it is plane, you will require a secured cage of a certain size. You can check for this through the airlines.

Getting your pet familiar with new surroundings

Just like humans, our pets need time to settle into their new surrounds. Some common behaviours that your pet may experience:

• Constant barking or noise that is more than usual
• Lack of sleep
• Running out your property
• Odd toilet movements
• Destroying property

Here are some tips to get your pet familiar with your new home:

• Take them for walks
• Find local park(s) especially for dogs.
• Provide entertainment, such as soft toys, especially when you are not at home
• Find a local vet just in case of an emergency