Moving can be a stressful experience not only for humans but also for pets. Animals can become anxious and stressed when their environment changes suddenly. However, with careful planning and consideration, you can make the transition as smooth as possible for your furry friends. Here are some tips on how to ensure a seamless move for your pets.
Prepare an Overnight Kit
Just like you might pack a suitcase with essentials for yourself, prepare an overnight kit for your pets. This should include enough dog food, cat food, kitty litter, toys, and grooming tools to sustain your pet for the first few days of unpacking. Having familiar items around can help soothe your pet’s nerves.
Keep Your Pets Away from the Moving Action
During the actual moving day, the best approach is to keep your pets in a quiet, stress-free environment. If possible, arrange for them to stay with a friend or a pet sitter during the busiest moving days. If that’s not an option, keep them secured in a quiet room that’s out of the way of the moving chaos. Make sure they have access to their favorite toys, a comfortable place to rest, and fresh water.
Contact Your Vet
Before you move, contact your vet to inform them of your move. You can request records and any prescription medications your pet needs. Ask for a vet recommendation in the new city. This step is crucial if your pet has ongoing health issues that require continuous care.
Update Their Info
Update your pet’s tag to include your new address and phone number. This is crucial in case they escape during the move. Also, update the information with the microchip company if your pet is microchipped. This can be a lifesaver in locating a lost pet.
Traveling with Your Pet
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, it’s important to keep your pet secure. For car travels, use a pet carrier or a pet seatbelt to keep them safe. Make regular stops to allow them to use the bathroom and stretch their legs. If traveling by plane, check the airline’s pet policy beforehand. Make sure to feed your pet at least three to four hours before the flight to prevent nausea.
Gradually Acclimate Your Pet to Their New Home
Once you arrive at your new home, it’s important to let your pet adjust at their own pace. Set up a similar arrangement to what they had in your previous home, like placing their bed and toys in similar locations. Spend extra time playing with them to reduce their anxiety.
Keep a Similar Routine
Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. Feed and walk them at the same time you normally do. This continuity can greatly help reduce their stress.
Give Extra Attention and Love
Moving can be just as stressful for pets as it is for humans. Give them extra attention and show them more affection. Be patient and help them adjust to their new environment with plenty of cuddles and playtime.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Keep an eye out for behavior changes like excessive barking, whining, or hiding. These can be signs of stress. If these behaviors persist, consider consulting a vet or a pet behaviorist to help them adjust.
Explore the New Environment Together
Once your pet seems comfortable, start to slowly introduce them to the new environment. Take dogs for walks around the neighborhood to familiarize them with the new sights and smells. For cats, begin to allow them to explore other parts of the home under your supervision.
Moving with pets requires additional planning and attention, but by following these tips, you can ease the transition for your furry family members. Their comfort and safety are paramount during this stressful time, and ensuring these can help them settle into their new home just as well as you do.
To streamline your move and make the process even smoother, consider using services like Shiply, an online platform that helps you find reliable and affordable shipping options. This can reduce the burden of moving, allowing you to focus more on the well-being of your beloved pets.
