Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Number of Pets Go Missing During a Move


SpotLight GPS Pet LocatorThe list of things to do when moving can be daunting. In the time leading up to your move, you might get so bogged down with all the planning and execution that looking after your pet can easily be forgotten or neglected.

However, keep in mind that a move is as stressful on your pet as it is on your family and yourself. Make a list of things you need to look after regarding to your pet to reduce any unwanted anxiety before, during and after your move.

Ideally, your pet should be removed from the house when the packing and actual moving is taking place. Moving help, noises, and general upheaval can upset even the most stalwart of animals, and it would be easier just to remove him from the location for the duration of the move. Check him into a local pet shelter or kennel or even with your vet if he has the facility available. Homes of friends or family your pet is familiar with can also be used as temporary measures till all settles down. If there is no alternative but to keep him at home during the move, make sure that he is out of the way of the action.

A curious pet could cause serious damage and harm to himself and others if he comes in the way of heavy furniture and objects being carried about. The last thing you need is to rescue a stuck pet or look after injuries as a result of a fall. Smaller dogs can even be put into carriers or crates as an extra security measure.

Before your move, update your contact details on your dogs ID tag or microchip if applicable. A large number of pets go missing during a move, so take the necessary precautions to prevent this from happening. Take a recent photo of your pet before moving as well, in case he does escape and you need identification. Write out your vet's contact information and keep it in an accessible place. Talk to your vet in advance and get the number of a new clinic in the place you are moving to as an extra safety measure. Carry a list of basic medications with you during the move, as well as a list of your dog's recent vaccinations and medications.

When packing, don't forget any of your pet's items. His bowl, toy, leash, and even blanket are all familiar items that will go a long way in reducing his anxiety once you have reached your new home. Store them in an easily accessible place so that you don't have to hunt through all your crates and cartons. Once you reach your new home, welcome your pet and set aside some time to spend with him. Settling down in a new environment is never easy, so gear up for cuddles, play time and lots of short walks to get him accustomed to his new surroundings.

Moving can cause a lot of anxiety in pets. All the strange noises and people tend to stress him out and many times, pets escape to avoid the upheaval. It's at times like these that a GPS pet locator such as SpotLight GPS comes in handy. A compact and sturdy device, this attaches to your dog's collar and once activated gives you real-time updates about his location. If he runs off, you can also receive turn-by-turn instructions on how to find him. SpotLight allows you to create safe areas where your dog can roam freely. Once you move, you can include your new home and neighborhood as part of these SafeSpots as well. If your dog leaves these zones, you will be alerted via email or text message, reducing the possibility of him going missing among all the other activity of the move.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/number-of-pets-go-missing-during-a-move-4789218.html