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Moving to a new home brings a lot of change for every member of your family—including your four-legged friends. Transitioning into a new home can be very stressful and confusing for your pets, so it’s important to take a few precautions when you’re moving with them.
In this blog post, we'll share some practical tips to make before, during, and after the move easier on you and your pets.
Before the Move With Pets
There’s no way to guarantee that your pets will be completely stress free during your move. However, there’s plenty of things you can do to make the process easier on them and that starts before the movers even arrive. Here are a few ways to prepare your pets properly for a move:
1. Familiarize Them with Moving Supplies
Start by introducing your pet to the moving supplies. Boxes, packing tape, and moving crates can be unfamiliar and intimidating to pets. By allowing them time to sniff and explore these items, you can help reduce their anxiety. Additionally, consider placing their favorite toys or blankets inside the boxes or crates to create a positive association.
2. Keep a Routine
Maintaining a consistent routine is crucial for pets during the upheaval of a move. Try to keep their feeding, walking, and playtimes as regular as possible. This consistency provides a sense of normalcy and security amidst the chaos of packing and moving preparations.
3. Visit the Vet
If your pet struggles with serious anxiety, it may be a good idea to seek some help from your veterinarian. Vets can offer more specialized advice for your pet and may even prescribe sedatives or anti-anxiety medications that will make your pets more comfortable throughout your move.
During the Move
This can be the most stressful part of the moving process for pets so it’s important to make them as comfortable as possible. If you don’t take the time to properly move your pets, they could start exhibiting some unhealthy behaviors like not eating, hiding, fear-based aggression and more.
Here are a few tips to keep pets less stressed during your move and avoid these behaviors:
1. Keep Your Pet Secure
Keep your pets in a quiet, closed room on moving day to prevent them from escaping or getting injured amid the commotion. If you’re in a smaller space without this luxury, consider leaving pets with a friend or at a daycare service for the day.
2. Travel Safely
When you transport your pets, use a secure, comfortable carrier for your pet during the journey to your new home. If you’re traveling a long distance by car, take frequent breaks for potty time and stretching.
3. Comfort Them
Place familiar items like toys, bedding, or a piece of your clothing in their carrier to provide comfort and a sense of security.
After the Move
Pets are highly adaptable creatures, and with your love, patience, and support, they will soon embrace their new home as enthusiastically as you do. Here are a few ways to help this process along:
1. Set Up a Dedicated Space
Establish a cozy corner in your new home with your pet's bed, toys, and other familiar items to create a safe haven for them.
2. Explore Together
Introduce your pet to the new house gradually, one room at a time. Accompany them during the initial exploration to provide reassurance.
3. Stick to Routines
Maintain your pet's usual feeding, walking, and playtime schedule to help them adjust to the new surroundings more quickly.
4. Give Extra Love
Spend quality time with your pet. Offer plenty of attention, cuddles, and playtime to help them feel secure and loved in their new home.
5. Watch for Signs of Stress
Monitor your pet for signs of anxiety or stress, such as excessive vocalization, loss of appetite, or destructive behavior. If problems persist, consult with your veterinarian.
Learn More About How to Move with Pets and Other Helpful Tips
By following these tips and being attentive to your pet's needs, you can help ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends during this exciting new chapter in your lives together.
Helping your pets adjust is just one step of the long and complicated moving process. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful moving tips and expert advice. This article on helping kids adjust to a move is a great place to get started.
