After taking just a quick walk around Portland, it should come as no surprise that our city has frequently been ranked the most dog friendly in the country. Estately recently gave Portland this honor, praising our number of dog parks and welcoming attitude. We have the most dog parks per capita in the nation, so your pooch has plenty of space to roam. It turns out our residents don’t just love dogs; Portland’s first cat cafe, Purrington, opened this year.
- The team at Bridgetown understands your needs and wants to help make your move as easy and stress free as possible. Although your animal friend might not be able to tell you, a move can worry them as well. Here are some helpful tips and reminders to make your move easier for both you and your pets:
- Make sure your pet’s tags are current after the move. A change of address or phone number can be an easy to forget and will result in outdated information if your pet becomes lost.
- Many animals dislike change and may be on edge after seeing their home become unfamiliar and full of boxes. It will be easier to place your pet in a closed room in a separate part of the house where the movers will not be frequently walking in and out of. A dog or cat could become scared after seeing unfamiliar people and try to escape through the open front door.
- Pack their favorite toy or bed near the end so they will be easy to retrieve when you arrive at your new location. A familiar smell, their old water bowl, and a treat will do wonders to make your pet feel at home.
- Put something familiar in their carrier, such as a blanket. This will make it more comfortable and welcoming. Make sure the carrier is placed in a well ventilated area for the duration of the trip. A lightweight sheet placed over the carrier may make your pet feel more secure in a moving car.
- Make sure that the atmosphere has calmed down before letting your pet explore their new home. Then try to stick to the same schedule and layout as before, this will help your pet acclimate to their new space.
- If you’re moving to a different neighborhood, ask your current veterinarian for recommendations for a new local clinic. You will want the number of a nearby vet before any potential pet emergency can happen.
- Don’t be afraid to spoil your pet a little during the move, they deserve it!
Moving with a pet can add complications but seeing that tail wag again after settling into your new place makes it all worth it.