Moving can be a very stressful time. You’re worried about your belongings, you’re under a lot of physical strain, and you need to adapt to new surroundings. Moving with pets can be even more stressful for not just you but your furry friends as well.
Can you imagine how your pets must feel during a move? They don’t understand what’s going on. Suddenly, their things are packed up in boxes. They might need to take a long car ride or a flight. They also need to get used to a new place.
If you love your pets as much as we do, there are a couple of things that you can do to make the move easier for them.
Have a Designated Pet Area
Make sure you have a fenced or closed-off area for your pet to stay in while the job is done. This applies to the house you’re leaving and the house you’re moving into. It can be a room in the house that is further away from the hustle and bustle of the move. The door and windows should be shut (keeping the weather in mind). It would be a good idea to place a sign on the door so people will know not to go in or to be extra careful. Remember to put out food, fresh water, toys, and anything else that will make them feel comfortable. A litter tray will be needed for cats. Dogs will have to be taken out (on a leash if possible) for regular bathroom breaks.
Keep The Routine When Moving With Pets
Pets also find comfort in having the same routine. Make sure that you stick to their feeding and walking times. If your pet is used to going to the park on a certain day or at a certain time, try to keep that routine.
Microchip Your Pet
As an extra security measure, it is a good idea to have your pet microchipped so that if it is accidentally let out or escape, you are almost guaranteed to find them again. If your pet is already microchipped, it is a good idea to double-check that it works (and that your details are still correct) at your local vet.
You should also let some of your neighbours know that you will be moving so that if they spot your pet, they can call you.
Do a Safety Check When Moving With Pets
Before relocating your pets to your new home, ensure that your yard and fencing are secure and that gates or exit points can be locked securely. It is also a good idea to check for any poisonous plants. A pool or water features must be fenced off or closed to prevent your pet from falling in.
Inform the Moving Company About Your Pet
Tell your moving company about any pets tagging along in the move. This is especially important if you have any exotic pets or special instructions regarding pets. The moving company may need special equipment, skills, or materials to pack the pets or enclosures. Most companies will be used to requests like these, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on the best way to safely move your pets.
Contact the Local Vet When Moving with Pets
If you are moving to a completely new town, ensure you know where the nearest veterinary clinic is and have all the correct contact details. You can also make an appointment to introduce yourself and relay your pet’s medical history if necessary.
You should also keep a lookout for symptoms of stress. These include urinating in strange places, changes in behaviour, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, changes in appetite, and constipation. Contact your vet immediately if you notice changes in your pet’s behaviour.
Cats need special attention
It’s no secret that cats don’t enjoy traveling and like getting into a cat carrier even less. A good tip is to bring out the carrier a few weeks before the move and have the cat get used to it by leaving it open with a favourite blanket inside. Ask your vet for some calming medication if they’re still skittish of the carrier by the time the move comes around.
It is very important to keep your cat indoors for between two and six weeks in your new home. Start by keeping them in one room and then gradually having them get used to the rest of the house. You’ll be able to tell if your cat is calmer when eating well and using the sandbox regularly. Remember to place their food and water bowls and litterbox in a place with minimal foot traffic to keep them safe and calm.
Moving house can be stressful enough without having beloved pets underfoot and acting up due to stress. The tips above should help to make the move a breeze with your pets. For additional moving tips, browse our blog.