Any kind of relocation is a stressful occurrence and a life-changing event. Just think about it, you’re leaving everything you knew behind, all your comforts and routines. The familiar surroundings of your cozy home, the place where you feel safe, and you should feel that way, it is your territory! And just imagine the panic and sheer chaos of the moving day. All those new smells and sounds, strange people tearing your place apart, wait for a second! What?! Yes, we are talking about your pet, although we fully understand that you might be experiencing some stress as well.
So, you decided to move to New Jersey for one reason or the other. It’s probably becauseyou couldn’t pass up the opportunity of an affordable rent. Whatever the case is welcome to The Garden State. We can only hope you let professionals pack your home properly. This means your items will be handled with care and your stress levels will be greatly reduced. Number one rule for your most precious cargo, make sure your pet is somewhere else on moving day. This is not a safe environment for your fur baby.
Paperwork requirements
The requirements to import a dog or a cat into New Jersey fall down to “CVI” or “health certificate”. This should be completed and issued by a veterinarian licensed in the country or state of origin within 30 days of travel. The health certificate is also required by most airlines. Although rabies vaccination isn’t required, you need it for dog licensure. The New Jersey Department of Health states: “New Jersey law requires all dogs 7 months of age or older to be licensed by themunicipality where they are housed”.
The certificate features your pet’s breed, sex, age, the point of origin, the point ofdestination, the name and post office address of the ownerand if the dog has been vaccinated, type and date of vaccination. This paperwork is easy to obtain once you have found a certified vet and you got over the bill.
Moving your pet across country
We already pointed out how stressful a move can be for your pet. Moving a long distance will make it even more stressful. The only thing you can do to help your best friend is to plan ahead and make sure every detail of your pet’s journey is thought through. Our advice is to consider air travel opposed to driving your pet all the way to your New Jersey home. This is a much shorter trip for your pet to make and less stressful. Even though many would think it’s more expensive, think again. Anyhow your pet’s wellbeing is priceless. Shipping your pet to New Jersey via air will only require the correct paperwork and an airline approved crate. Call your preferred airline well ahead of time. You will be able to book your pet a spot in the cargo as well as to ask about crate specifications.
How to prepare your pet for the move
On a moving day, make sure your pet is in a dark quiet room with the door shut or at your friends. Make sure to slowly get them familiarized with boxes and other packing material. Pack an “essential box” for the first few days after the move. Include plenty of its favorite food and toys, something for your dog to chew on, leash and poop bags. If you are moving with a cat this box should include kitty litter, box, and scooper. Don’t forget their bed and an item that retains familiar smells from home.
Some people like to prepare theirpet for the crate before the actual travel. This is done by letting the pet get comfortable around the crate whilst making positive associations. Make it a cozy place with lots of treats and your pet will be happy and compliant on the moving day. People also like to use calming drugs on cats prior to travel. This comes from the prejudice that cats are poor travelers. My personal experience is quite different. Plus, you are always risking side effects to the drug.Some cats become hyperactive on drugs instead of calming down.
Getting your pet settled in your new home
Adjusting to an unfamiliar environment is highly individual, but it’s definitely much easier for dogs than it is for cats. The only thing you can do to make this process less stressful for your pet is to have lots of patients. Hopefully you were thinking about your pet when you were choosing your new home. Or better say, you considered your pet’s needs as well. I personally like to limit my cats to one room in the first few days, until they are comfortable enough to explore other rooms. Don’t forget to make litter boxes available and nearby, point them out to your cat so there are no accidents.
Dogs are much easier in that sense. Your best friend will just be extra clingy until it too is comfortable enough in its new surroundings. Don’t leave your dog alone in the first few days and make sure he is surrounded with familiar items and his bed is nearby. Don’t wash the dog bed prior to the move and certainly don’t buy a new one. Your dog needs those familiar smells to soothe itself in the new environment. Probably the best remedy for your dog is a nice long walk in the new neighborhood. What better way to get to know your new neighborhood than to explore it with your best friend!