If the moving day seems stressful to you, imagine the effect it has on your pets.
Managing your move can be a demanding experience. There are countless variables, and everything needs to be just right. Naturally, this causes us stress and anxiety. Now, have you ever stopped to think about how this affects your pets? They see what’s going on, but they do not understand why or what is happening.
Let’s look at some tips to help make your move a more pleasant experience for you and your furry friends.
A Guide to Moving Your Pets
Make Certain that Your New Accommodations are Pet-Friendly
It’s best to do this way ahead of the move. However, it’s never too late to check either. If you’re moving into an apartment or renting an efficiency – check with the management to ensure they allow pets. Also, scout the area for parks or walkways nearby.
Make Boarding Arrangements for Moving Day
Moving day has the potential to become chaotic for both you and your pets. Keep in mind that there will be people coming in and out of your home that your pet doesn’t recognise. This may cause stress for your pets and they may attempt to flee through an open door. Due to their stress, they may resist your calls to return to you.
Hence, the best-case scenario here is to schedule boarding for your pet or have a familiar face watch them while the move takes place. If boarding your pet, it’s best to call ahead of time as most people move on the weekends – which also happens to be peak hours for boarding.
Cater to Your Pet During this Time
This is a much more challenging time for them than it is for you. They are creatures of habit, and even slight disruption cause major changes in their behaviour. Make them comfortable by allowing them to sleep in the bed, taking them for walks, or even giving them plenty of treats. Pets commonly consume much less food and water during stressful times. Be sure to monitor their intake and encourage them to continue their regular consumption. Also, be mindful of them while you’re away. If you have a chance, break away for a bit and spend some time with them to prevent them from feeling neglected.
Stay on Your Routine
Pets love routine. They expect the same activities at more or less the same times each day. Do your best to keep as many variables constant as you can. As an example, feeding and walking them.
Inspect Your New Dwelling Before they Enter
When arriving at your new residence, be sure to take a look around for any items that might be potentially harmful to your pet. Materials like wet paint, broken glass, or sawdust can be dangerous around pets. Prevent them from making contact with these items via a quick walkthrough beforehand.
Keep Familiar Items Handy
Your pets generally have some items they love being around that make them comfortable like a blanket or a toy. Bring these into the new residence as quickly as possible to help your pet associate them with their new home.
Take Some Time for Them
Regardless of the chaos that’s going on during the move. It’s important to take some time out of your day to play with your pets in the new home and make them feel loved. This helps to create a positive association with the new location.
Update Their ID Tags
Are your pets microchipped? Keep in mind these chips store your personal information. Hence, it’s important to update this information after each move. These chips are no good to you with outdated information.
Survey Your Yard
Do you have dogs or cats? They will be spending time in your yard. Make sure that there are no harmful chemicals or pesticides present in the grass. Also, keep gates and fences closed if you have them. As previously mentioned, your pet may attempt to flee during this stressful time – so be alert.
Slowly Transition Your Outdoor Cats
If you have an outdoor cat, try keeping them indoors for the first few nights. Naturally, the cat might become disoriented and not recognise home. Gradually allow them to spend more time outside while they associate with their new home.
Moving day is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster! Consider every factor and plan for as much as you can to reduce any uncertainties. You and your pets will appreciate it!