Those of us with pets know that those furry little creatures are an important part of the family. And while you may be excited about moving into your new Hillsborough or Montgomery Township home, your pet may not share your excitement. Your furry friend may not adapt quite as easily as you do, so here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure their well-being during the transition.

• Make sure you can locate your pet. It’s possible that your dog or cat may not feel like the new home is really “home” for a while. Some can wander. That’s why it’s important to make sure your pet has a collar with current ID and phone numbers in case they wander off. It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped. That way, even if the collar comes off, the Humane Society will be able to contact you.

• Keep current on medications. If moving to your new home necessitates changing veterinarians, you’ll want to make sure all vaccinations are up to date and that you have an adequate supply of medications until you find a new vet.

• Take pet food with you. If your dog or cat is used to a particular kind of food, keep some of it on hand—just in case the store in your new area doesn’t stock it. Don’t make your pet adjust to a new food and a new environment at the same time.

• Protect your pet (and the workers) during packing. Having strangers in the house—particularly when there’s a lot of activity such as packing—can be unsettling. Find a comfortable place your pet can stay while you pack up the house. It can keep them from being underfoot and getting hurt. It can also keep them from running away—or even biting the movers.

• Traveling together. You aren’t the only one who will need to take a break when traveling (especially if it’s a long ride). Remember to take a leash—even if your pet isn’t usually on a leash. If you travel during the summer months, keep in mind that a closed car can heat up very quickly. Don’t leave pets in the car on a hot day—even for what you think will be a short period of time. If you’re delayed, your pet can suffer.

• Explore your new home and neighborhood with your pet. Take your fur baby with you into new rooms in the house. If you’re going to have a special place for your pet, put a familiar blanket or kennel or other item there so they know it’s their place. You may want to go out with your pet at least at first to make sure they don’t wander off. Again, you may want to keep pets on a leash for a while until they become acclimated to the new neighborhood.

Your furry friend will adjust to the new home eventually, but he or she may need a little extra attention for a few days to make sure the new home really feels like home.