Moving can be a stressful time, especially for people. Now imagine how stressful it might be for your pets. They can get very stressed out when there is some unexpected activity in their home or they are thrown into a new environment. While moving with pets doesn’t come with a simple formula, here are some helpful tips to make the experience a little calmer:
Prepare an Overnight Kit
Prepare a little kit that includes enough food, grooming supplies and toys to keep your pet comfortable for the first few days of moving in and unpacking.
Contact Your Vet
If you are planning on moving out of the area, it is important to contact your vet so that they can give you your pets medical records and any prescription medication. You can also ask your vet if they can recommend you to another vet in your area.
Keep Your Pets Away from the Action
During the move the best way to help reduce stress on the animal is by keeping them in the quietest room of the house. If you don’t want to leave them with a friend or put them in a kennel for the day, at least take them away from the action. This could mean emptying a room and closing the door or putting them in a carrier while there is a lot happening in the house. Make sure you are checking in on them regularly and try to walk and feed them at the same time you normally do.
Take Your Pet with you in Your Vehicle
Take your pet with you to your new house in your own car. You can put them in the back of your car in a kennel or carrier. Some pets feel more comfortable if you put a blanket over their carrier or kennel during the ride, so they don’t see the environment changing during the ride.
Don’t Let Your Pet Out Until You’ve Arrived
Be careful when you are transporting your pet to a new neighbourhood, as if they get out they can get lost easily. It’s important to not open the carrier or kennel until your pet is in the new home. Give them a few days to adjust to the new home.
Keep Your Pet Secluded
Move the house before you move the pet. Set up as much as you can, even if it is in a small room of the new house. Try to confine them to a small section of the house while they slowly adjust to their new surroundings. Give your pet lots of attention and reintroduce them to familiar objects as soon as possible. Make them feel at home!
