Moving house can be difficult even with just your human family. It’s even more challenging for pets. They don’t understand why everything in their home is suddenly changing and being moved around, which can cause them a lot of stress and anxiety.
In some cases moving home actually causes pets to go missing. They escape and try to return to their previous home. Also, it can cause behavioural problems or even cause them to have health problems.
During moving time, pets need a lot of extra attention to reassure them everything is ok. Cats and Dogs especially become very territorial and find moving house very disorientating and disruptive to their normal behaviour.
Luckily, there are many ways to make moving easier on your beloved pets and family!
These do’s and don’ts will help your pets settle into their new environment, and quickly feel at home.
DO’S When Moving With Pets
✔️ DO Ask a friend or relative to look after your pet on moving day. This will allow your pet to be out of the way, and allow you to have space and time needed for a move without worrying your pet will be in the way and a distraction. It also ensures your pet is away from any stressful situations and loud noises while being with someone they are familiar with.
✔️ DO Would you would rather keep your pet with you while you move? Have one room in your old house set aside for your pet. Keep the door shut to help reduce any noise or constant action. To help calm your pet be sure to also have their toys, food, water, and bedding in the room. Regularly check on your pet throughout the process too, and let them know they aren’t being punished.
✔️ DO Pack your pet’s items lastly, right before you move. Being around familiar blankets, bedding, and toys will help provide comfort.
✔️ DO Make sure your pet’s microchip and ID tag have been updated to include your new home address. In case your pet manages to escape your new house and try to make their way back home. It’s critical they can be identified should they become lost, so that they can be returned to you safely.
✔️ DO Give your pet plenty of attention and reassurance throughout the move – on moving day, and immediately after moving to your new home. Make them feel safe and comfortable throughout the process which will help them to adjust quicker.
✔️ DO Unpack all of the essential items first before your pet is introduced to the new house, if possible. Try to place furniture and other items in a similar layout to the old home. Seeing familiar things in a new environment will help your pet feel more comfortable and ease the transition.
✔️ DO make regular water and toilet breaks on the drive to your new home if it’s a long distance. Also, be sure that your pet is secure in the vehicle, and take into consideration the heat. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, as the temperature can rapidly rise and have tragic consequences.
DON’TS When Moving With Pets
Make sure not to do any of the following when moving with pets or you can make them extra stressed, disoriented and scared.
X DON’T feed your pet right before you put them in the car to move. If they have just eaten, they are more likely to get sick. Pets, just like humans also can suffer from motion sickness.
X DON’T let your pet explore your new backyard before you’ve thoroughly checked it first. There is a chance it may not be secure. Inspect the fencing around the perimeter and walls. Also, check for any gaps in the fence or broken panels. When you let your pet outside for the first time to explore, go outside with them so that they feel more confident venturing out to explore their new surroundings.
X DON’T assume your pet will adjust right away to their new environment. It often may talk a while for them to settle in to feel at home. Pets are creatures of comfort. Give them plenty of time to relax and feel comfortable in their new surroundings. When you first move, try not to leave your pet alone as much as possible until they have comfortably settled in. Otherwise, it can cause a lot of anxiety.
X DON’T tell them off in the first few days if they start to chew on things or have an “accident”. It takes time for pets to adjust to change. In particular, for dogs, it causes them to become very stressed and anxious. At first, be sure to monitor the way your pet behaves, and also keep them in an area which has minimal furniture.
X DON’T change your regular feeding or walking routine if possible. By following your pet’s daily routine both in the days leading up to the move and also once you are in your new home, it will help to ease the transition and make it more manageable. It will also help your pet feel comfortable and more relaxed.
X DON’T wash their bedding until a few weeks after the move. This is so that they have something familiar to smell in the new house to help them settle in and feel at home.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you will help make the move to a new home more comfortable for your pet. For more advice on how to reduce stress for your pet and how to keep them relaxed and calm, it’s advisable to consult your vet.
Moving home is challenging enough on its own. With a pet, even more, planning and preparation are required. Are you looking for a removalist who make it easy to move with pets?
Next Level Removals are professional and experienced removalists, as well as animal lovers!
We have helped thousands of people move to a new home with their family and precious pets. We help to keep your animals as calm as possible during the move to keep the anxiety and stress to a minimum.
Get in touch with us today on 1300 005 400 or via our online contact form for an obligation free quote.