Moving with Your Pet to a New Home

Moving to a new home can be the beginning of a new adventure, but getting there can be really stressful not only for you, but for your pet as well. Pets can sense when a big change is coming as well as when their owners are stressed, which is often the case when preparing to move from one place to another.

Luckily there are a few tips that can help to move pets to a new home easier, which, in turn, can decrease your stress level as well.

Different pets may require different methods to get prepared for the big move. For cats, you should try to make them warm up to the carrier days before the move by placing treats around it and in it so that they get used to it. They will also begin to feel more comfortable being inside of it.

As for dogs, if you can, you should take them for a walk around or by the new house that they will be moving into. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and making them familiar with the new scent can make the moving process easier.

See also: The Most Adorable Dog Houses Ever!

However, the one thing that you can do regardless of what type of pet you have is to make sure that you pack a travel bag for them for the journey to the new home. This bag can include items such as:

• Their water bowls-the ones that they used at their old home can be used while traveling since they are comfortable and familiar with them
• Dog/ Cat food or whatever pet you have
• Treats
• Scooper and clean up bags
• Kitty Litter
• Leashes and collars with their names and new address on them
• Their favorite toys and chew things
• A blanket or old towels

The day of the actual move can be chaotic let a few people going in and out of your old house and this could make your pets nervous. You could lock your pet in a small room with their food, toys, and water while the movers are busy running around your house. It can be difficult to keep an eye on your pets and when you move to a new home your pets may go back to their old home. This can create more chances for them to get lost. If this happens you can report your pet to lost pet registry and hopefully they’ll help you find them.

When you get to the new house you may want to slowly introduce your cat to the rest of the house in a few days instead of all at once. Cats connect with places and moving to a new one could make them want to run back to the old place if they are overwhelmed. Start off with them in a small room and slowly let them explore the rest of the house under your watchful eyes.

Dogs are different. They connect with people more than with places but you would still need to keep an eye on them to make sure they do not get homesick.

You should play with your dog, cat etc. as often as you can as well as give them a lot of treats especially when they show a positive connection to the new home. It is also advised to keep to their old routine as close as you can. That way when they get used to it, it can be easier to add some changes if need be. However, it is best to not leave your dog alone for the first few days when they are in a new place and if you do need to leave try to keep it short or to give them something such as a toy to keep them distracted and entertained.

Moving to a new house can be stressful for your pets but with time they will get used to it. Although cats tend to take longer to get adjusted when compared to dogs. It is important for cats to take it step by step in the new house as for dogs the more tired they are the better they can be so taking them for walks around the new neighborhood would be a good idea.

A nice touch for them is if they have a space from themselves where their food, bathroom and beds are so that they can feel a part of the new home. After a few days at the new place, you can slowly add changes to their room by moving it to where you actually want it in the house. However, try to stick as much as you can to their mealtimes especially in the first few days.

Published in: Smart Home | Author: Lauretta Williams