Having a four-legged family member is one of the greatest joys of apartment living. You have found pet friendly apartments that will suit all of your needs, congratulations! You are ready for the entire family, including your pet to venture on to your new pad!

ASPCA Director of Anti-Cruelty Behavior Research Dr. Katherine Miller states that there ways to make the move to your new apartment as safe and easy as possible for your furry friends.

Moving is tough enough on humans, but animals don’t have a clue why strangers are removing the furniture. Like the rest of us, pets need a little extra TLC at moving time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make their move easier at both ends and on the road.

Take your time. Stretch out your packing time over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days, leaving moving day as relaxed as possible for you and your pets. Don’t change your pets’ routines, such as feedings and walks, keep them as normal as possible in the week before moving. Because dogs and cats need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.

Cats aren’t big fans of change. You can help your cats (and skittish dogs) adjust to the moving process by bringing in moving boxes early and by keeping your furry friends in a familiar room you plan to pack up last. On moving day, keep your pets in a quiet room with the door shut or at a friend’s house. This will ensure that your cat or dog won’t get scared and try to make a quick getaway while the movers load up the truck.

Visit your veterinarian. A couple weeks before moving, request a copy of veterinary records, a rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. Be certain your pets are up to date with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would be advisable before travel.

Get tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during travel. While you’re at it, pick up a cat leash – you’ll need it if you’re taking a long road trip or traveling by airplane as well as for the first few days that Fluffy and Captain go outdoors in the new neighborhood.

For the first few days, give Fluffy the security of one room as a home base, including all his/her supplies. Let your pet explore the apartment at his/her own pace, one room at a time.

Remember the saying about cats and curiosity? If you’re moving into an upper-level apartment, don’t open windows more than one or two inches unless they’re securely screened.

Place litter boxes away from feeding areas, preferably on top of a replaceable throw rug. Cats are very sensitive to odors and often avoid using a litter box that’s too close to their food and water. Remove droppings daily and replace litter weekly.

If you’re moving nearby, let your best friend visit your new Pet Friendly Apartments before moving day. (This can also be effective with cats, but keep them securely in their crates.) Show them that you’re relaxed in this new apartment. This is also the perfect time to have your pet photographed and meet the management team.

Take your friend on a walk around the neighborhood to introduce him to new sights and sounds.

If your dog is a chewer, invest in a roomy crate as a doggie condo for times when you’re away from home.

Create a steady schedule for walks and feedings around the community.