Everyone knows that moving house can be pretty stressful on its own, but when you have pets, it can be even harder. Cats and dogs in particular become very accustomed to their own territory, and do not take kindly to being uprooted, so its important to give them extra care and attention, to make the move as easy as possible for them. There are some simple steps you can take to make sure that your beloved pets settle into your new home just as quickly as you do.
Before You Move
- The easiest way to avoid stress for your pets during the move is to arrange for them to stay with a friend or relative on the day. This way, theyre not being disrupted by strange people coming in and out of the house during the removal process. It also allows you to focus on the move without the added worry of potential escaped animals.
- If its not possible to leave them elsewhere and they must stay with you, take precautionary steps to avoid them going missing during the busy moving period. Make sure you have a safe container for cats, and that dogs have an identity tag with your contact details on. This way, if they do go missing, they should be returned easily.
- Pets can suffer from travel sickness, so if youre travelling far, ask the vet for any medication that will make it easier and calmer for them.
- Remember to register with a vet nearer to your new home, and to update any pet insurance details.
Moving Day
- If you have a particularly energetic dog who gets excited easily, it could be a good idea to get up early before the move starts, and take the dog for a long walk. This will help both of you release some energy and calm you both down, and will tire the dog out for a while.
- Keep your animals in one closed, quiet room away from the business of moving to keep them safe and calm, and so you know where they are. Leave their bed, along with some food and water so that they are comfortable and relaxed while you are busy.
- When the time comes for you to leave, ensure that your pets are last out of the house. Be prepared with suitable transport for them, including travel crates or containers if needed.
- When you get to the new house, set up their bed and any toys so they have a familiar sight in the otherwise strange surroundings, and let them explore the house in their own time.
After The Move
- Remember that all change takes time to get used to, and it will take a while for your pet to settle into the new place. To make the transition easier, try to settle back into your usual routine as quickly as possible, so they can begin to feel at home again.
- If you have a dog, have fun exploring new routes around the new house to take for walks, and then stick to the same route so it feels familiar to them.
- If you have a cat, help them furnish the new house with their scent; cats rub their heads and bodies on furniture and walls to make them feel secure and familiar. Help speed up the process when you first move in by rubbing a cloth gently around your cats face, and dabbing it around the room(s) in which it will be kept. This will help your cat feel more at home and comfortable in its new territory.
- Give your pets time and space to get used to the new surroundings in their own time. Expect that they will likely act strangely and out of character for a few days, but that they should get back to normal once they are comfortable. If they dont perk up after a few days, consult the vet, just to check that everything is OK.