Pet project: One smooth, carefree move

Summer is moving time, and Moving Day can mean big changes for you — along with big anxiety for your pet. Take these (steps to make the big move and adjusting to a new home easier for your four-legged sidekick (and a little less unnerving for you):

Update his tags. Way before the moving van arrives, prepare a new tag that lists your new address and contact information. Switch tags the morning of the move. That way, should the worst happen, at least any good Samaritans who find your pup can reach you at the correct location. Also, have a tag made with a friend or relative's name, address or phone number on it. But make certain that party will be in town while you're en route to your new home. Should the animal become lost, it's critical a rescuer have an available contact. Otherwise the dog might end up in an animal shelter and become a statistic.

Keep medical records handy. If, heaven forbid, a box falls on your dog during the move, you don't want to be digging through other boxes for your pet's veterinary-treatment history.

Prep him for transport. If a long move means crating your dog for the first time, get him accustomed to the container in advance. And make it comfy — if the crate holds a strong smell of home, all the better, i.e. his toys and bedding.

Keep him occupied. Your goal is to minimize your dog's anxiety as much as possible — and to keep him out of trouble and out of your way. Try doggy day care, where he'll get a lot of exercise and attention.

Introduce the new pad gradually. Once you're moved, a room-by-room tour will help keep your dog from being overwhelmed by the new territory. To signal that he has approval to roam, play with him in one room and throw his toy into another. Most important: Be patient. It usually takes several days for a pooch to settle in. Set aside several days to establish the dog's comfort zone — walks, play time and interaction with new neighbors. The first day you head off to work, leave a radio on a soft-music station to give the dog a feeling that someone is there. Confer with your veterinarian about prescribing a sedative that would help minimize separation anxiety if you're gone for long periods. If possible, arrange to come home from work at midday to play with the animal or take him for a short walk.

Source: The Washington Post.

Compiled by Seattle Times staff.