Similar to the challenge of moving with kids, moving with pets can be particularly difficult – not only logistically, but emotionally for some animals. The same stressors that impact humans – including the introduction to a new home and settling in an unfamiliar neighborhood – can also send your poor feline or pooch into a bit of a spin.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ensure that that you have an anxiety-free move for both you and your furry (or feathered) friends. Here are a few tips for managing your move with your pet:
Prep your pet before you pack
- If you’re moving to a nearby location, make the effort to take your pet to visit the new neighborhood and get familiar with the new environment. Maybe there’s a garden sprinkler, or patch of catnip growing somewhere that your pet will just love. However, keep them on a tight leash. Pets are always a flight risk if they get scared – and you don’t want to have to search for them in an unfamiliar place.
- Give your pet a chance to sniff about and get acquainted with the house and garden. Take about an hour or so to let them, well, do what pets do.
- If you’re making a long-distance move where you will not have the same vet, take your pets for a medical pre-screening or checkup, making sure they’re on-record if an emergency arises.
- Take the time to get your pet a new identification tag with your new address. If they somehow manage to make an escape, you’ll want them sent to the right place.
Packing with your pet
- The day you officially start putting things into boxes it’s going to be chaos. Items could be delicately balanced or stacked – and space for simple footing can come become a premium. Set a room aside for your pets and keep them there while you pack things up. Dogs can usually be kept in a fenced in area outdoors – depending on the time of year and the climate in your region – but cats are generally better left indoors.
- Consider hiring a pet sitter for the day – so you can spread out and pack. It’s easier than ever to find loving, in-home pet care specialist using sharing-economy services.
Traveling with your pet
- During shorter moves, you will want to stop for a few minutes about every hour and a half to allow your pet to have a potty break and a chance to stretch their legs. For long-distance moves, give your pet a 30-minute break every six hours or so.
- For safety reasons, take a picture of your pet the day you travel. Again, it’s all too common for pets to disappear during a move. Having recent photos is a good emergency measure to take in the event of this unfortunate scenario.
- Talk to your pets. Tell them what’s going on and ask them if they’re doing okay. While they may not understand what you’re saying, they’ll appreciate the attention and will feel comforted by it.
Moving in
- After you arrive, take the time to get your pet squared away by setting up their favorite toys or bedding items in a new “safe-room”
- Keep your pet extra close for the first 24-48 hours. Again, they will need a close eye over them initially in case of flight.
- Try establishing a routine of sleeping, eating, and going potty as quickly as possible. The sooner you slip into good habits, the easier it will be for your pet to adjust to their new surroundings.
Settling down
- If you didn’t have the opportunity to visit your local vet prior to moving, do it once you’ve settled. Again, having your pet’s medical information on record will only help streamline things in the event of a real emergency.
- Go for frequent walks. The more familiar your pet is with the neighborhood, and the more you’re seen together by neighbours, the less likely your pet is to become lost.
Following these tips should help make your move smooth, safe and much less stressful for you and your pets.
