PCS With Pets- 5 Tips to Prepare

Here at Metro Brokers, we love our fur babies!
Here are some tips to help you prepare for moving your furry family members.
1. You Have Your Orders
The wheels of your military move are set in motion as soon as you have your hands on the official paperwork.
While plotting out your tasks to accomplish, keep in mind what you’ll need to do to prepare for moving with pets.
• If you’ll be moving overseas, do a little research on the animal quarantine requirements. For example, your darlings will need a certain type of blood test. Getting those test results back can take a while. The earlier that you begin this necessary process, the better it will be for the status of your companions and for your own stress level.
• If you’ll be moving within the United States, take the time to look up the regulations on the breed and species requirements in your new area. For instance, there are rules that define which types of animals are welcome in base housing, and both HOA's and military housing usually have directives on what sorts of critters you can have at your private residence.
• Whether making an overseas or stateside move, ensure that your precious ones have a microchip with your current contact information. Embedding this crucial form of identification on your dog or cat can save the day if Fido or Fluffy wanders off in the flurry of your PCS.
• Don’t forget to look up pet-friendly lodging at your new locale. In case you’re not able to move in immediately, you’ll need a quality place to stay. For example, transitioning to a popular military city, such as San Diego, San Antonio, or Washington D.C., you’ll want to beat the rush and make reservations early for a safe spot for your family and furry friends.
2. Your Best Bet Is a Visit to the Vet
Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you have a copy of your military orders. If you usually take your pets to the vet clinic on base, you’ll notice every person with pet will be getting ready for PCS season at the same time. It’s a good idea to have your name in the hat early for a timely appointment. It's imperative to make the trip for any necessary immunizations or renewal of prescription medicines.
• If you’re preparing for an overseas move, the vet on base will share a checklist to guide you through the steps you’ll need to take.
• Discuss with your vet if your canine and feline should take anti-anxiety medication. The use of a sedative can interrupt the natural process of how an animal regulates their own body temperature when handling stress, so you’ll want to make sure this choice is a viable option.
3. Prepare Your Funds
During the span of time that you are patiently (or impatiently!) awaiting the release of your military orders, budget for any random costs that’ll come up. By tucking away funds now, you’ll be ahead of the game and can gradually save money for your PCS with your 4-legged friends.
• Health checks
• Vaccinations
• Quarantines
• Boarding fees
• Travel costs
4. Paperwork
Just like you have paperwork, you’ll need to collect the health history documents of your pets. This will help verify they are vaccinated for the trip and you will have their current medical history to give to their new vet.
5. Make Moving Day Plans
When your PCS plans are coming together and you’re chatting with the representative at your pre-move assessment, clarify that your home includes companion animals. This will alert the moving company the need for safety for your creatures.
Make sure to pack food, meds, and favorite toys/blankets with your Do Not Pack stash. Setting aside a few familiar items can help your pet with the move.
Enduring a move can be considerably frightening for an animal. Do what you can to keep the best interests of your dear ones in mind. Upon arriving at your destination, look for a suitable place to board your furry friends. Choosing a go-to kennel, you can arrange for the safe care of your pets on the day that you’ll expect delivery of your household goods. Once the movers are gone, you can bring your pets home for them to familiarize with the new home.

Photo by Sebastian Conan Travel via Pexes.com.