Moving is always an adventure. Having pet reptiles in tow can add an extra dimension to an already challenging time. Many thanks to our guest author Cindy Aldridge for providing the following tips to make moving with your pet reptile easier on everyone.
If you’re an animal person, you probably couldn’t imagine not bringing your pet reptile along with you if you’re moving house. Along with ensuring your companion is as comfortable as possible, you’ll want to make sure they stay safe. If you need help putting together a reptile-friendly strategy for your big move, take a look at the following tips.
Decide on the Type of Home You’ll Need
If you have reptiles as pets, you probably don’t need a large space. However, certain rules and regulations may still apply, so it’s important to know what to expect.
Firstly, you’ll have to decide what you’re looking for. Will it be a starter or a permanent home? Will you buy it, or will you rent it?
If you will be buying a home:
- Make sure there is an appropriate place in the home to keep your pets. Consider the comfort of your animals as well as how convenient it may be to care for them in that location.
- Most pet reptiles require supplemental heat. It’s a good idea to have the home’s electrical system inspected and any necessary repairs done before you move in.
If you plan to rent:
- Finding a landlord that will accept a pet reptile can be challenging. Look for pet-friendly listings online, as you’ll have more options to go through.
- Finally, confirm with your landlord if reptiles are allowed. It’s best to do this right away before you view the place. Nothing is worse than falling in love with the perfect place only to find that your pet reptile isn’t welcome there!
Make the Necessary Preparations
Caring for your reptile is unlike caring for other domesticated pets. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure his habitat is conducive to his health and well-being.
- Ensure you set up a safe enclosure for him to explore. Try to set up the new enclosure in the same layout as your pet reptile is used to for an easy transition.
- Be sure to provide adequate heat, light, and water sources.
- Make sure you have plenty of his favorite food on hand. Live dubia roaches, along with dark green vegetables, are a nutritious source of food for many reptiles.
- Reptiles don’t like big changes to their routine. To make moving as stress free as possible for your pet reptile, get them used to being in their travel cage a few weeks before moving day.
Minimize Stress
All animals can be subject to stress when placed in strange situations. Reptiles are no different.
- Keep all your reptile supplies together, clearly labeled, and easily accessible in your moving vehicle so you can get your pet reptile set up comfortably as soon as possible upon arrival in your new home.
- You can help to minimize the stress associated with being in an unfamiliar environment by reproducing the environment they are adapted for. Look online for some inspiration and seek advice from a veterinarian who is knowledgeable in this area.
- Create a safe place where they can hide away when they feel threatened.
- Leave your pet reptile be until everyone is well settled in. Extra petting and handling may seem intuitive to you, but it can actually increase the stress your pet reptile is experiencing. Just keep an eye on them so you can pick up on stress-induced behaviors.
If you are moving your reptile with you to a new home, it is always a good idea to replicate an environment they’re used to as soon as possible to prevent them from experiencing distress. This way, you and your pet reptile can settle into your new home together with as little stress as possible.
About Our Guest Author:
Cindy Aldridge is the creator of OurDogFriends.org, a website advocating for the love and ownership of dogs. She believes that dogs truly are our best friends and wants to see fewer dogs in shelters and more in loving homes.
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