Moving Pets in the UK: 4 Tips on Choosing your Movers
Posted on 04/12/2013
Moving Pets in the UK: 4 Tips on Choosing your Movers
Moving home can be stressful enough for us humans, but it also affects your pets more than might have thought. Making sure your pets get moved to your new home as comfortably as possible can help them reacclimatise to their new environment and make the whole process much less harrowing for them. There are a number of specialist pet movers in the UK, but what should you look for when choosing a service? The tips below will help you make sure you are getting the right service for you and your pet without breaking the bank.
What are your pet’s needs?
The services offered by pet movers will vary depending on what animals you have. Dogs and cats are the most common, and therefore most catered for, species when it comes to pet moving services. There are even companies that focus specifically on dogs or cats. If you have more exotic animals, then you may know their requirements much better than a company, so make sure to thoroughly discuss what solutions they can provide, and whether they are able to cater for your pet.
How far are you moving?
If you are planning to move abroad with your pet, rather than nationally, you might want to look for slightly different services from a pet mover. Some only operate on a national level, for example, while there are specialist worldwide animal couriers that transport animals all over the world. Make sure you are checking companies that are going to fit what you need. There is probably no point getting quotes from international movers if you are moving from one part of the UK to another for example.
Do you really need a pet mover?
If you’re move is not too far, and you plan on doing most of the removals process yourself due to budget constraints or simply because you want to do the move as cheaply as possible, then you need to identify whether using pet movers is justified. As mentioned, if you have a large or exotic animal, and don’t have space in to transport them yourself, then pet movers are probably a good solution. However, for cats or dogs, a short move will not be too stressful for them provided you get them a comfortable and spacious pet carrier.
Compare quotes
Don’t just go with the first company you find. Shop around, as there are more pet moving companies than you might think, and by comparing quotes you will make sure you get the best value for money. While doing this, it’s also a good idea to find out what find of insurance a pet mover will offer. Do make sure that your pet is healthy and fit enough to cope with the move too, by getting a check up at your local vet. This way if anything should happen to your pet, such as falling ill while under a company’s care, you have a stronger case.
Finally, if you are planning to move abroad with your pet, make sure you are in line with a countries regulations regarding the transport and keeping of animals. There may be differences in the country you are relocating to that could catch you out and force you to have to leave your pet at home, so always check this before arranging a pet mover, or any other aspect of your move, for that matter.
