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The presidential candidates may be bleating about change, but the simple truth is most of us do not like change. Well, moving is all about change. This might be why so many of us groan at the mere thought of packing up our stuff.

Moves are a pain because they are stressful both physically and emotionally. When you complete a move, you feel like you have just run a marathon or something. Well, as bad as it is for you, it is even worse for your pet.

Pets are very territorial, particularly cats and dogs. When they are removed from their territories, the stress they feel can go through the roof. To this end, they can sense a change coming much like they can sense a bath.

Sick pets are no fun. Take a trip to your trusty vet before moving to make sure everything is okay. The vet may be able to give you something to calm your pet during the move. Make sure to ask for a vet referral as well for the destination.

As you can probably guess, the key to getting your pet through the move is to limit the stress. The method for doing this obviously depends on the pet in question. A cat handles things very differently than a dog and so on.

If there is one critter that hates moving, it is your cat. The time tested approach is to put your cat in an empty room inside a pet carrier. Leave them there until you are ready to head out and drive to the new location.

When you are at the point where you are going to walk out of the home and head to the new place, pick up your cat and take it with you. Keep them with you in the vehicle. Your smell and voice will help minimize the stress to some extent.

Once the trip is done, place the container in a room off limits to anyone else. Leave your cat in the container. Keep the door closed and your cat should slowly destress. When everything is settled later, close all exits to the outside and let the cat out of the container.

Dogs are obviously different pets than cats. When it comes to moving, however, many of the same issues apply. Your goal is to minimize their stress. You can let them roam while packing, but make sure to keep an eye on them for signs of stress.

Upon arriving at the new location, do not take your pup inside. They may be so stressed that they will relieve themselves. This is not exactly a good way to break in the new home.

A better answer is to take your pup for a slow, leisurely lap around the outside of the house. This lets them get familiarized with the area and do some marking. Oddly, it will also let you relax a bit after a stressful day.

Think about the last time you moved. How stressful was it? Now imagine your pet going through the same thing. If they get stressed, it will add to yours. That is the last thing you need, so take care of them.

Tags: Pets

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