Tuesday, 13 December 2022
Moving with Pets
Moving to a new home is stressful. Between the boxes and the bubble wrap, getting all of your belongings moved safely and the hours spent comparing the top moving companies can be a lot, but another member of your family might be feeling the stress of the move, too–your pet. They can sense that you are getting ready to leave and might be wondering if they are coming with you or not. Here's a few things you can do before, during and after the big move that will make the entire process of moving easier on your pet and easier on you.
BEFORE
You must plan ahead to avoid any surprises. Your dog feels what you do and you should make sure they’re as comfortable as you can with the move.
Find out if you need a new license, what the leash laws are, and whether there are breed bans in place.
Don’t wait until your pet gets injured or sick. Do some research to find out if they’ll need any new vaccinations or preventative medications. Does your new area have ticks, heartworm, or leptospirosis?
We’ve all read the sad stories about dogs who were lost during a household move and eventually found their way home across the country. So, it might be a good idea to get your pet microchipped and be certain your cell phone number is on their collar.
In the days and weeks ahead of moving, and even when you’ve moved into your new home, it’s important to keep up with your pet’s schedule. From feedings, walks, playtime and their morning and night routines, helping your pet keep a consistent schedule will help them stay calmer and happier during the moving process.
Crate train your pet now if you’ll be needing one for the move. No dog wants to be forced into one for the first time on moving day.
You may have noticed your pet getting nervous the last time you pulled out a suitcase for a trip. Imagine how they’ll act when the whole house is being packed up! Leave a few boxes and suitcases out ahead of time, so they don’t associate those objects with you leaving and leaving them.
Even before you move you can start getting your dog used to the new world by taking them to similar environments or simulating new noises. If your move is not far, try walking them in the new neighborhood, introducing them to the neighbors. It’s best to know about that cat next door before your dog chases it up a tree.
Your pet might need to live by different rules in your new home, especially if you are downsizing from a single family home to an apartment, so work on these before you move. Train them now to stop barking if you’ll have closer neighbors. Get them on a bathroom schedule if they won’t have access to a doggie door.
When you’re making a packing checklist, put your pet’s items at the bottom of the list, and be sure to unpack their items first when you arrive in your new home. This will help eliminate any added stress when they realize their toys and treats are gone. Plus seeing those familiar items right away will help reassure your pet in their new surroundings.
DURING
Are you moving across town or over the ocean? Driving or flying? Transporting your own belongings or hiring a mover? These decisions will determine what arrangements to make for your pet on moving day.
Local moves can usually be completed in a day, so consider setting up an appointment for daycare. Or arrange for your pet to spend time with a friend on the big day. This will free up your attention to focus on the move.
If you’re driving to your new home, use a pet friendly road trip planner to map your route and find restaurants, dog parks, and hotels along the way. When booking reservations, always confirm that the hotel’s pet policy will accommodate your entire family. For dogs, pack a comfortable bed or blanket and give your dog a spot to relax.
If your move is taking you cross country, then you may want to look into hiring a pet transportation company that will pick your pet up from your home and take them to your new home. From driving or flying, each company will have specific requirements of what they need to prepare your pet for their trip, and you’ll want to give yourself enough time to secure a company before you move.
AFTER
First things first, make sure to pet proof your new home. Before you introduce your pet to their new abode, you’ll want to check a few things. Make sure all doors and windows are secure, your pet can’t escape from your yard, there are no unsafe materials or chemicals in their reach, make sure screens in windows don’t have holes and plug up any holes or or nooks that your pet could get stuck or injured.
When you arrive at your new home, set up a quiet spot for your pet away from the unpacking activity. Creating a refuge with his bed or crate and a few of his favorite toys will help him relax and settle in.
Pets go through an adjustment period just like us when moving to a new house. Until they become familiar with their new abode and neighbourhood, take care that they don’t become startled and try to escape.
Encourage your pet to explore new rooms by placing toys and treats inside. And use blankets, beds, and toys with their scent on them for the first few weeks.
Develop a new routine by feeding them at the same time and in the same place each day. And, within a few weeks, they should have made the adjustment and be content in their new environment.
I know first hand what it’s like to move with pets, we just moved back in Summer 2021. So, I hope this helps you prepare for moving with pets! If you are moving with your pets soon and want to know what my experience was like moving with my 2 dogs, give me a call, I’d love to tell you all about it.
If you’d like more information, I found this free ebook from PetRelocation.com to be super helpful.
