Relocation Guide

Moving With Your Pet

Because your pet is an integral part of your family, we recommend you follow these simple steps to make your move smoother for you and your favorite feline or canine companion.

General Tips

• Be sure you secure a copy of your pet's medical history from your veterinarian. Verify all shots are current.
• When in route to your new home, take along a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate. A signed health certificate by your veterinarian, says your pet is in good physical condition. A rabies certificate states when and where your pet was vaccinated.
• Often a change in your pet’s routine may cause your pet to become nervous. Make sure you keep a close eye on them as added stress may cause them to misbehave or run off. You should consider boarding your pet during the most hectic days of your move.
• Always insure your pet is wearing proper identification and any required license tags.
• After you are settled in to your new home, give your pet time to adjust to their new surroundings. It isn't recommended you allow your pet to roam freely until they learn where "home" is located.
• Does your pet have an ID implant? If so, remember to update your contact information.

It's A Dog's Life

• If possible, try to ease your dog into the new environment. For short distance moves, you may consider taking your dog with you for visits to your new home prior to your move. Allow your dog to sniff and explore their new home.
• Take your dog for walks to get acquainted with its new surroundings. Introduce your dog to the mail carrier and other service providers who will come to your home regularly.
• Moving from the high density to low density, or the reverse, may mean a transition in housebreaking procedure. The suburban dog will find that city living means learning to relieve itself on the pavement rather than grass. Don't forget the pooper-scooper. A city-bred dog must become accustomed to using a designated area in the suburban yard. Be sure you place your dog on a fairly rigid schedule just as you would a puppy.

It's a Cat's Life

• Introduce your cat to its new home one room at a time. For the first few days, restrict it to one room. Be sure you surround it with familiar objects: feeding and water bowls, toys, bed or blanket, and litter box (placed away from feeding bowls). Gradually introduce it to other rooms. As your cat becomes acclimated to its new surroundings, gradually move the feeding dishes and litter box to their permanent locations.
• Be aware of the impact of moves on your cat it has been an outdoor pet in the country and moves to the city, keeping it a strictly indoor cat is recommended. Hazards can have life-threatening consequences if you move to the city with traffic and elevators (if you're in a high-rise). Make certain that all windows have secure screens to prevent your cat from falling.
• Conversely, city cats are accustomed to being indoors. Proceed with caution if you allow the cat to go outside in a suburban setting. Indoor cats are not used to traffic or to other animals. Presented with the opportunity to run away cats have been known to travel incredible lengths to return to their former home.

Need a local Everett veterinarian for your pet? We know several vets in the area and we would be happy to recommend several to you. Contact us for a complete list of professional vets in the greater Everett, WA area.