If your family is getting ready to move, here are some things to do for your pet:

Buy a new ID tag for your pet  As soon as you know your new address, get a pet ID tag that has your new address and phone number. Also have a picture of your pet. There are stories of dogs and cats that have traveled hundreds of miles back to the area that they know as home. If they do get lost in your new neighborhood it will be easy for someone to call you when they find them.

Buy a good pet carrier  This is like a small house for your dog or cat. It might be hard at first to put them in one because they won’t be able to run around and play but remember they will only be in it for a little while and they will be safer than if they are running around on moving day. It’s a good idea to buy one a few weeks before you move and have your pet spend a little time in it each day. That way they won’t freak out on moving day when they may need to spend a lot of time in it.

Make your car trip safe  There is a special leash for dogs who have to travel a long time in a car. It is called a restraining harness. If your dog likes to jump around a lot in the car then it would be really important to have a harness for them. Most cats don’t like to travel in cars. It's best for them to be in a carrier. Take bathroom breaks for your pet too. It is also really important to let them have some exercise. Don’t ever leave your pet alone in the car, even in the summer because it gets a lot hotter in the car than it is outside.

Talk to your Vet  If your pet doesn't like to ride in the car make sure to talk to your Vet about what they can do to help your pet travel more easily. Ask your Vet for a copy of all your pet’s health information, like when they had their shots.

Find pet-friendly hotels to stay at before you leave  Some hotels will let your pet stay with you in your room and some won’t. REMEMBER … never leave your pet overnight in the car. Google for "pet friendly hotels" along the route you will be travelling.

Plan ahead for air travel  If you are going to be flying to your new home talk with the airline on what you need to know about taking your pet on the airplane.

Get your new home ready  Make sure you have everything you can that will make your pet feel at home from the first day in your new house. Stuff like their food, bed, favorite toy, litter box, food and water bowls.

Remember, when you move to a new city or neighborhood you most likely will be both sad and happy. You will be sad to leave your friends but happy to think about the new friends you will make. Your dog or cat doesn’t understand it the same way. They are in a whole new area and it can be kind of scary for them. Make sure you spend lots of time with them in your new neighborhood and take them for lots of walks, with their leash on. Not only will you be helping them to feel at home in your new neighborhood, but every time you do this you will also be showing them how to get back to their new home too!