7 Tips for Moving to Rochester MN with your Pet
Your fur baby is an important and loyal member of your family and helps make your house feel like a home. Even the super crazy ones hold a place in our hearts. I just recently re-read the book Marley and Me by John Grogan on vacation. If that movie star pup can move “semi-successfully” so too can your furry angel! But there is no denying change is hard. Your pet is used to their surroundings and takes comfort in that. You may be super excited about moving to Rochester MN, possibly starting your new Mayo Clinic residency or fellowship, or an opportunity to buy your first home, but your pet isn’t sure why the move was even necessary.
Their world is going to change in multiple ways:
1. Everything smells different which is confusing
2. There will be boxes everywhere which can be hazardous
3. Your routine will be off with unpacking and settling in
4. Your new neighborhood already has furry friends your pet doesn’t know
5. Their bed is in a new room that may not be the same comfortable temperature they are used to
6. And then there’s the Minnesota winter – your furry friend may have to learn how to walk in snowshoes
With all these changes, what can you do to help make your furry friend’s transition smoother?
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
1. Visit the vet before you leave to update your pet’s veterinary history. Trim your pet’s nails before the move in case you can’t find the clippers when you move. As a rule of thumb with moving, it’s always the thing you need most that’s buried in the last box you’ll open! Perhaps even try to reach out to anybody you know in the new area (or your Realtor) about their favorite local vet so you can interview them beforehand.
2. Pack the car with their blankets, favorite toys, and treats. These will carry the taste and smells that they are familiar with and will help with the transition. If flying, be sure to consult with your vet to discuss what steps to take to ensure your pets are as comfortable as possible. If you’re traveling by plane, check with the airline to be sure your crate meets their size criteria and having your pets acclimate to the carrier or crate in the weeks prior to travel can help enormously with the actual move day.
ON MOVE DAY
1. On move day try to have a room where you can keep the door closed and a sign on the door “Pets Inside - Keep Closed”. Or better yet, have a friend watch them if possible. Our furry friends, especially cats, love to hide in boxes and we definitely don’t want this precious cargo traveling in the back of a moving truck!
2. Make sure to stop your vehicle and let your pets stretch, use the bathroom, eat, drink and get cuddles.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
1. We know you’ll be busy when you arrive, but try to set up your pet’s bed asap so they have a place to relax while they watch you ripping open boxes looking for your human comforts. On that note, check out our blog post here on moving tips to make your transitions go more smoothly too! (Moving Blog Post)
2. Set up your cat litter box and an alarm for your dog to take them out for bathroom breaks. Life will be new for everyone and routines will be disrupted for a while until you all settle in. Have a dedicated spot in your new home with your pets bed and put out some food and water nearby. Help them see that this is their new spot. Keep an eye on the bowls, or better yet another alarm to remind you to check, as sometimes eating behaviors can be different when stressed.
3. Your pet is likely to wander once your back is turned. It is a new neighborhood after all – who knows what treasures and friendships lay in store. To alleviate your stress, make sure your pet’s tags are updated with your new address and/or phone number. Also, check to make sure they are in good condition and securely attached to their collar. If your dog is microchipped, make sure to update your contact info in the system. Be sure to do a site check once you arrive to see if the yard has any hazards or if there are toxic plants or holes in the fence.
4. Get into a routine as soon as possible. Take your dog for a walk at the same time each day if possible and explore your neighborhood safely on the leash together. Find out where the local dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants are and make some new friends for you both! This will help everyone settle in quickly.
