Moving homes isn’t always an easy process. Organizing everything and making sure it all
goes as planned can be stressful. However, it’s not only yourself and your belongings you
must keep in mind. If you have pets, you need to know that the move is going to affect them
as well. Your furry friends may need some help adjusting to the new environment. It’s no big
deal, as there are many things you can do to prepare your pet for a move. We’ve gathered a
few tips and tricks to make it easier for you.
Talk to your vet
There are multiple reasons why you should pay your vet a visit before the move. Firstly, you
may need to get some health documentation for your pet. Of course, the exact documents you
need depend on where you’re moving. Once you get familiar with the regulations, your vet’s
office is the place to get all the necessary papers.
Every pet reacts to traveling differently. This is why you should make sure to consult your
vet about your travel plans. There are many things to consider: your means of transport, the
length of the journey, etc. If necessary, your vet may also suggest some calming medication.
Take them away from the center of the action
Pets are much more sensitive to outside incentives than we are. Loud noises or new smells
can make your pet feel nervous and scared. Unfortunately, both of those are present during
the moving day. Still, there are a few ways to get around it.
Leaving your pet with a familiar person, such as a friend or a family member, is probably
your best option. This way, they will avoid the commotion of the moving day altogether.
However, we are aware that it’s not always an option. In that case, you should put them in a
separate space, away from the center of the action. As you’ll probably be busy throughout the
day, ensure they have enough food and water. It is also a good idea to leave them toys to play
with, as it will make them feel calmer.
Whether your pet stays in a separate place in your new home or with someone else, being
apart from you is not easy for them. This is why you probably want to get the moving process
done as fast as you can. Hiring professional residential movers is bound to help you enjoy a stress free process
and get back to your furry friend as soon as possible.
Try sticking to a routine
Moving houses is a big change for everyone, and your pets are no exception. The change of
scenery is bound to affect them in some way. Still, not everything needs to change. Sticking
to a routine they had before the move can help them adjust to the new place faster. For
starters, don’t make any changes to your pet’s diet and eating habits at this time.
If you have a dog, make sure to take them out for walks at the same time as before. This type of structure is
going to help with the adaptation process and make it easier for both you and them.
Bring familiar items to the new place
You probably have some items that make you feel at home. Maybe it’s your favorite coffee
cup or a beloved blanket. This is how your pet feels about their bed or their favorite toy.
These items bring feelings of safety and comfort to them. Relying on them to help prepare
your pet for a move is often necessary.
While it’s probably the most important one, deciding on a place for your and your furry friends is
only a part of the whole moving process. Unpacking after the move tends to take up
a significant amount of time. Before you get onto it, it’s useful to devise a plan of what gets
unpacked first. Some of the first things you should unpack are your pet’s bed, toys, and
anything else important to them. The smell will remind your pet of home and will likely calm
them down. Plus, they’ll have time to adapt to the space while you finish the unpacking!
Get them a new tag
Collars can be an excellent accessory for your pets. However, they’re also significant for their
safety. Your furry friends having a tag with your name, address, and phone number on them
is a must at all times. However, it’s imperative during the moving process.
The new environment is likely entirely unfamiliar for your pets. Also, moving is stressful,
and they might behave differently than usual. If your pet runs away or gets lost, it might have
difficulty finding the way home. This is why it is essential to get them a tag with your new
information just before the moving day. That way, even if they get lost, you can count on
your new neighbors to help get your pet home.
Give them some extra love
Showing your pets love is probably an enjoyable part of your everyday life. Still, in situations
where your pets are stressed, putting in some extra care is often necessary. Let them be close
to you during the drive or the plane ride if you can. Make sure you bring some extra treats for
the moving day and give them more cuddles than usual.
While our pets can’t talk, they still have their ways of transmitting information to you.
Learning how to recognize the cues your pet is sending is also very important. You’ll be able
to notice if the situation is getting a bit too overwhelming for them and react accordingly.
Knowing whether they need a belly rub or a calm, quiet space will save you a lot of trouble.
Conclusion
We know that organizing a move with pets can be a handful. With everything else on your
plate, you don’t want to be stressed about your pet being stressed. To avoid that, you should
take some time to prepare your pet for a move. Yes, it’s an extra task amongst plenty of other
tasks during the moving process. Still, it’s completely worth it. Your pet will be much
happier, and you won’t stress as much about them.
Meta description: Moving with pets can be a stressful process. There are different ways to
prepare your pet for a move so you can make it easier for both them and yourself.
Pictures used:
https://unsplash.com/photos/T-0EW-SEbsE
