The presidential candidates may be bleating about change, but the simple truth is most of us do not like change. Well, moving is all about change. This might be why so many of us groan at the mere thought of packing up our stuff.

A move is taxing in many ways. Beyond gas prices, it wears you out. The physical strain is obvious, but so is the idea of moving to an area where everything is new. If you think it is a stressful time for you and your family, your pet is easily ten times as stressed.

Why is this so? Well, most pets are much more attuned to their environment and are highly territorial. When removed from familiar terrain, they will stress out to the point they become catatonic or physically sick, neither of which is good.

Sick pets are no fun. Take a trip to your trusty vet before moving to make sure everything is okay. The vet may be able to give you something to calm your pet during the move. Make sure to ask for a vet referral as well for the destination.

Assuming everything checks out okay, it is time to get ready for the move. You have one primary goal. You want to reduce the stress level of your pet as much as possible. Low stress means they will be less likely to panic.

If you have a cat, moving is an extremely stressful time for it. The goal is to limit sensory input. Place your cat in a moving container and put it in a quiet room till you are ready. This will help settle your kitten.

When you are ready to go, take the container with you. Make sure it is in the same vehicle as you. You want to reassure your kitty with your odor. There is a downside, however. If you stress out, your cat will sense it and do the same.

Upon arrival at your new residence, take the container into a lit, quiet room. Do not let your little one out. Give it an hour or so to calm down. Only when the movers are completely gone and everything is shut should you open the container.

Moving a dog involves similar issues. The goal is to let the pup know you are with them. Let them put around the house while packing is being done. When it is time to move, keep them in the same vehicle with you.

Upon arriving at the new location, do not take your pup inside. They may be so stressed that they will relieve themselves. This is not exactly a good way to break in the new home.

Instead, take you dog outside on a leash. Do a slow lap of the house. Let them stop, smell and mark everything. This helps them get acquainted with the new home and calm down. Once they are done, then you can go inside with them without any problems.

Your pet is going to be stressed out when you move regardless of what you do. The key is to try to limit it as much as possible. The more successful you are in this regard, the easier things will go for you as well.