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A big thank you to Lucy Tate from Doggonow for this guest article.

Moving to a New State With Pets in Tow: Essential Advice

Moving can be a stressful life experience - there is so much to plan and logistics to execute, all within a very tight timeline. And when you add pets to the mix and an out-of-state move to California, you officially have lots to do. How can you prioritize your pet's needs to keep them happy during this transition? Here, Lisa Barr shares essential advice for success. 

Reduce Your Pet's Stress Levels

Did you know that pets can feel stressed out too? Although our ever-happy furry friends may always be cheery, the reality is that they can pick up stress from the people around them. Work-related stress, particularly, can cause long hours and negativity, which could severely impact your pet. This can lead to them acting out in public by misbehaving or throwing tantrums. That's why it's essential to effectively manage your stress to keep your pet happier! 

Prioritize Your Pet's Comfort

As you move to California, remember that your pet is leaving behind everything they know and are familiar with. There will be so many new things to take in, so you should try to purchase some things to keep your pet comfortable. From chewy toys to comfy beds, you can buy many things to help you do so! When purchasing your items, customer reviews can come in handy - but take it up a notch with reviews from veterinarians. This is an even better way to feel confident that you're investing in products that will keep your pet healthy and safe - so be sure to look for websites with reviews from animal pros. 

Adapting to a New Home

How can you help your pet adapt to its new home (and state)? For starters, give your pet some time to adjust to the new surroundings. Let them explore the house or yard at their own pace. Rover also suggests creating a comfortable space for your pet with their bed, toys, and food. If they have a crate, put it in a quiet area where they can go to relax. In addition, stick to your pet's regular routine as much as possible - this means feeding them, walking them, and letting them out at the same time each day. Also, don’t forget to be patient and understanding with your pet as they adjust to their new home. They may have some accidents or act out at first, but with time and patience, they will settle in and feel right at home.

Pet-Proof Your Home

If you're a pet owner, you know that your furry friend can be a handful sometimes. Whether they're getting into the trash or tearing up your furniture, making sure your home is pet-proofed is essential to keep them safe and sound. Here are a few tips on how to pet-proof your home:

• Get rid of any hazards: This means things like electrical cords, loose wires, small objects that could be swallowed, and anything else that could pose a danger to your pet.
• Ensure all doors and windows are secure: Pets can easily escape through an open door or window, so keep them closed and locked when you're not home.
• Keep your trash can out of reach: Pets are often attracted to the smell of food in the garbage, so it's best to keep it in a place where they can't get to it.
• Invest in pet-friendly furniture: If your pet is known to scratch or chew on furniture, opt for items made from durable materials or ones that have a pet-resistant finish.
• Put away your cleaning supplies: Pets can attract the smell of certain cleaning supplies, but these can be extremely toxic for animals.

Moving doesn't need to be stressful for you or your pet. Instead, you can ensure the transition is smooth and seamless by organizing everything well in advance. Put yourself in your pets' shoes and try to account for everything they might need. Good luck!

Ready to make the big move to the golden state? To make the process easier on your four-legged friend, reach out to Lisa Barr at 858.218.5025 for all your realty needs today!