Planning a successful move with pets
Each year, thousands of families move across town or to another place, causing disruption to their regular household routines. As the moving season approaches, we will see many beloved pets get lost and abandoned. Pets slip out of a door that was accidentally left open, and the animal does not return before it’s time for the family to leave. In some cases, the pet is left inside the former home and the owners just don’t return. It is important for pet owners to demonstrate responsible ownership and to take all necessary precautions to make sure the move is smooth for the entire family.
Quebec has the highest rate of animal abandonment in Canada and we all can make a difference to improve this situation. When a person adopts a pet, he or she is making a commitment to the animal. This pet is dependent on its owner for all of its needs: food, attention, and vet care. It is a sentient being that trusts and depends on its owner for its well being and, in return provides its owner love, loyalty, and companionship; much like a child depends on its parents. Responsible pet owners know the commitment to the animal can be for anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the age of the animal at its time of adoption.
Those who are planning a move must take the time to prepare the animal for the move. Make sure the animal’s routine is respected by having its food, bed, and toys around. Make sure the pet’s vaccinations are up to date, have a picture ready, just in case the pet escapes during the move. More owners are choosing to microchip their pets as a way of increasing the chances of it being returned if it gets lost.
On the big day, keep your animal in a separate room or crate, or place it another quiet location. Some owners have a friend keep the animal, or board the pet at a facility during the actual move. After the move, set up the animal’s food and rest areas to help develop its new routine right away. It is important to spend time with the animal to help it adapt to the new surroundings. It will take time for some animals to get accustomed to its new home, so it is important to be patient and support the pet during this change. If the pet requires a licence, make the time to do this right away.
Many pets get loose, return to their old homes, or wander off shortly after a move. If this happens, get the word out quickly on local Facebook groups, Petluck.ca, put up posters, contact the local animal shelters, and be patient. Many cats return to their old homes so it is important to remain in contact with former neighbours.
Unfortunately, some families no longer remain together after a move due to a permanent change. The actual move may be the result of changes in one’s life such as divorce, a senior moving to a home, or a landlord not accepting pets. Some changes in circumstances can be planned for and others are more complex for all involved, resulting in the pets falling to the bottom of the list of priorities.
Re-homing a pet is not as difficult as its sounds. There are steps an owner or guardian can take to ensure the pet ends up in a good home. First, start to get the word out early to your friends and ask people in your network to help. Many people are happy to take a pet that is trained and requires less of a life long commitment in ownership. Other steps include putting up a sign at vet clinic and contacting the local animal shelter for suggestions to help. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to few months to find a new owner. The goal is for all family members is to have a happy ending.