The Pet Lover Chronicles: 5 Things To Consider When Moving To A New Neighborhood

One of the main reasons people have pets is comfort. Pets give you complete and unconditional love all the time. What do they ask in return? Nothing really; maybe an occasional pat on the head or a gentle tummy rub. We, as owners, try our very best to give back to our pets in every way imaginable. This is why one of the major considerations when moving to a new home or neighborhood is the effect it will have, emotionally and physically, on our beloved pet. Our pets feel as anxious and restless in such situations and it is best to think in advance when it comes to your pet's health and overall welfare.

Moving to a new home is never easy. No matter how intense the preparation, moving jolts the senses and gives us a feeling of uneasiness. Simultaneously eager and anxious, we try our best to make this life-changing event as smooth as possible. Our pets are also affected in such situations; they are just as anxious as we are.

How do we find a pet-friendly neighborhood? Here are the 5 things we should consider:

1. Proximity

One of the first things to check out when moving in is the nearest veterinary hospital or clinic. In case of medical emergencies, knowing that a good medical facility is just nearby will bring peace of mind. To avoid future pet health dilemmas, it is advisable that you find a veterinary hospital even before you need one.

2. A vet you can trust

A rapport between you and the hospital staff is vital so it is best to make arrangements early on. "My advice is to get a testimonial from someone you can trust to recommend a hospital or a specific doctor," says Paul Gambardella, V.M.D., M.S., Diplomate ACVS, Hospital Director of Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey. Being comfortable and having an open line of communication with your new vet is essential for your pet's health and well-being since you are your pet's advocate. Your pet cannot speak for itself; you can. It is also not enough that you trust your vet's knowledge and capabilities, it is equally important that he has the license to back up his competence. Remember: your pet's life is too important to entrust to an unlicensed vet. If you have doubts, you can check the local listings at www.veterinarianpetcare.com or www.vetworld.com/vetusa for a list of licensed vets in your area.

3. A clean, well-equipped facility

The hospital itself is as important as the vet. A tour should be on your itinerary to make sure it not only has the necessary facilities but maintains a high quality of sanitation. According to Gambardella, "There are no red flags until you experience the hospital and its staff, and then the first impression usually hinges on appearance and odor. If the facility appears dirty and/or there is an unpleasant odor, then this may be a reflection on the level of care that is provided."

4. Competent hospital staff

Even the best vets need assistance from capable, well-trained personnel. Remember that you are entrusting the health and life of your pet unto the hands of these practitioners so it is imperative that they are qualified to deal with various medical situations.  It would not hurt to find out what kind of training they have undergone to qualify for the job.  Ideally, you must be able to have confidence in the complete package - your vet, the staff, and the hospital itself.

 

5. A pet-friendly environment

Of course, this may seem obvious; but most of the time our pets get the shortest straw when it comes to health issues. We should give equal attention to our pet's health and well-being since we are going to share our home with it. One of the most common pet problems is, yes, you guessed it - fleas and ticks. Most pets have hair or fur, so most pets will have fleas or ticks. It's best to check the new neighborhood for these pests and be aware of applicable flea and tick removal methods. It may not be a pleasant task but all pet owners will have to go through the process of flea and tick removal at least once in their lifetime. Also, look for nearby pet-friendly places like restaurants, parks or even a dog beach. Also see if there are pet lovers clubs or associations in the area.

 

These options allow you to spend time with your pet beyond the confines of your house.  It is also a great way to  meet new friends. Joining a club of pet owners who share the same enthusiasm for pets as you do will give a sense of belonging and support; members of such clubs are always more than happy to help out a fellow pet lover.

Take the time and effort to find the ideal neighborhood not just for you but also for your pet. Doing so will give you the assurance that you have done your best to give it a long, healthy, and fruitful life.

Next on The Pet Lover Chronicles: "Pet" Peeves and Tick Removal