Prepare your pets ahead of time for the move.

Locally

Keep dogs and cats in crates in the new home until you are able to supervise and watch them closely when out of the crate. Take the dogs for a walk in the neighborhood to get them used to the smells. Give them a treat immediately upon return to your new home. Show your cats immediately where the litter box is. It may be helpful to keep them confined in a room with litter box for a few days with plenty of food and water until they become accustomed to their new surroundings. Be very patient with your pets. Even a local move into strange surroundings can be very difficult for them.

Longdistance

Dogs

Have plenty of water available. Do not feed dogs prior to car ride. Try to feed them at night time when you are not travelin and make sure you allow them time in the AM to relieve themselves before placing in car. Have secure in crate and/or pet seat belt. Stop often to allow them and you to stretch and relieve themselves. If you have to stop for a time make sure you do not leave them unattended in car with windows rolled up especially in the summer time.

Make sure you have a petAid kit made up and have documentation of your pets vaccines and medical history with you.

MOVING TO CONTRA COSTA COUNTY WITH PETS.

Please know that pets are required to be licensed in Contra Costa County.

As a courtesy to my clients locating here from another county or state I

will provide you with a pet friendly packet of information

as well as application form to submit to the Contra Costa Animal Services to procure the proper pet licensure.

Further, I will pay the cost of licensure for one year for up to 2 pets as a closing gift and gesture of goodwill towards my clients and their furry friends.

Moving with cats can be especially difficult. Cats tend to become more attached to their environment rather than to people. When relocating with a cat, it is necessary to prepare in advance. Show your cat plenty of attention and constantly reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move does not come as a shock.

Cats may not be as familiar traveling in cars as dogs are. Several weeks prior to the move, it is recommended that you take your cat on short trips in the car around the neighborhood and then slowly increase the distance.

On moving day, confine your cat in its favorite room along with its favorite bed and toys. This is to make sure that it won't run away. Seeing everything packed and empty may make the cat feel unstable. Pack a travel case for your cat and count on numerous rest stops.

As you settle into your new home, spend some more time with your cat. Sit down with it and provide your cat with a comfortable living space. Keep it in and around the house for as long as it takes them to become acclimated. Limit the cats' explorations to just the new house and then gradually accompany it on tours outside.

Confining the cat may seem a bit cruel, but cats are more likely to run back to the old house, no matter the distance. This process could last up to a month before the cat becomes completely familiar with the new house, the scents, and noises it makes on the new carpet and floors.

Consult with your Veterinarian on a long move. Sometimes sedatives may be given. However , I did so many years ago when I moved to California and the results were less than stellar. In fact, after we left Kansas City and arrived in Cheyenne, Wyoming I stopped giving the sedative. One of my cats actually became more hysterical with the medication. Fortunately we were able to stop several times and I had her in a cage and took her out and held her for quite awhile and gave her attention.

When we entered California we stopped at the national forest. Took out sleeping bags opened them up. Put leashes on the dogs and cats and had all 4 of them lying around with us for a couple hours of relaxation.

That seemed to help the cats as much as the dogs. It certainly brought a lot of attention from the passerbys especially when they saw the cats on leash.

Once we made it to our destination we were ok.