Moving is hard enough, but when you are moving with pets, it definitely adds more stress and worry. Pets can become anxious and stressed when there is unexpected activity and people in the home. Here are some great tips to make the process easier for you and for your furry family members.
Keep pets away from the action
With people going in and out of your house, the chance of your pet getting out the door and into a dangerous situation is significantly high. To avoid this scary situation, you want to keep your pets as far away from moving day activity as possible. The best solution is to have them boarded for the day either at a pet daycare facility or with a friend or family member. If neither of those options are available, the next best thing would be to have emptied a room prior to moving day and have your pet spend the day in that room. Make sure to give your pet toys and comfortable blankets to make the room more comfortable. Also, make sure that they have adequate food and water. If none of the above options are available, placing your pets in a kennel or pet carrier in the quietest area of the home could also be an option.
Pack an overnight bag for your pets
Prepare an easily-accessible overnight bag for your pet. You will want to make sure that it has enough items to keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking. It should include their food, food dishes, toys, a favorite blanket or bed, and any medications they may need. Also, make sure to include a litter box and litter if your furry friend is a cat.
Don’t give them full access to the new home right away
It is natural to want to let your pets explore their new home as soon as possible, but this often causes more anxiety and stress. It is better to have them stay in one room for a few days so that they can acclimate to the new home and smells. Just as on moving day, make sure they have their favorite toys and blankets, along with food and water. Visit with them frequently and give them lots of attention and cuddles to reassure them that this is a safe place. After a few days, let them out into the main rooms, but keep any extra bedroom doors closed to avoid them running and hiding in a place you don’t want them to be. Soon enough, they will become just as at-home in your new home as they were in your previous home.
Update their information!
Though this is a very simple thing to do, too often owners forget to update their information. Update your pet’s tags and microchip information with your new address (and phone number, if applicable). If you have moved too far away from your previous veterinarian, you will want to make sure to locate a new one as soon as possible.
