One of the most stressful events in a person’s life is moving. However, stress doesn’t only affect humans. Your pets experience it, too. They will most likely be affected by the hassle going on around them. Furthermore, they will have to adjust to a new home. That’s why it is important to help them adjust and stay calm during the move. Research shows that cats and dogs can sense stress in their owners. Well, these tips will help you make moving with your pets as safe and stress-free as possible.
Know where you are moving to
Get familiar with the house or flat you are moving to before closing the deal. Find out what kind of rules or regulations there are for having pets indoors. They might need to have specific vaccinations and check-ups. If you are traveling by plane, make sure to have all the needed identification and certificates. This way, you will avoid unpleasant surprises with the authorities.
Some regulations might not allow you to keep a pet inside the house.
Get your pet familiar with the setting
The main reason pets are stressed during the move is that they are facing something unfamiliar. Unless you are moving with your pets by plane, you will probably have your pet with you for the ride. If you have a cat, you should help it get used to the carrier as soon as possible. Try putting some treats or their favorite toy inside. They will most likely feel more comfortable when the moving day comes.
On the other hand, if you have a dog, you might want to introduce them to the new neighborhood before the move. A few walks around will help them make the change less stressful.
Find a good vet nearby
When moving with your pets, it is important to keep their health in check. First, make a last visit to your old vet. Make sure that you have the paperwork necessary for the move. Also, ask them for the health records of your pet. Second, do research to find a reliable vet in your area. Introduce your pet to the new vet’s office, to help them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
A good vet should be a priority when you move to a new neighborhood.
Start packing early
Whether or not you are moving with pets, you should start packing as early as possible. It is especially important with a pet, however. By packing only a few items a day, they won’t stress out as much. If you do it all in a couple of days or even one day, they will sense the urgency and possibly become stressed or hyperactive.
Many moving companies offer packing services as well. It is imperative to find a reliable moving company that is professional and reputable. If you are moving to or from the East Coast, finding good movers in Boston area is easier than it seems.
Keep them away on moving day
Moving day can be a hurricane of movers and boxes. While you were prepared for the stress, your pets might not agree. To keep them as calm as possible, try to have them away from the scene. Ask a friend or neighbor to watch your pet, or, if necessary, put them in the bathroom with food and water. If you choose the latter, make sure to check on them every hour or so. Moreover, put their favorite toy in there with them – it will help them get accustomed.
Moving with your pets by airplane
If you choose to fly to your new home, make sure to find a suitable airline to accommodate your pet. If they are small enough, they will probably be allowed to travel with you. On the other hand, if they are larger, they might have to travel in the baggage compartment. You will need to provide a carrier for your pet. Additionally, if it is too hot or cold outside, the airline refuses to transport pets, due to a health risk. Before the flight, take your pet for a walk. Make sure to feed them 5 to 6 hours before the flight, so that they don’t get nauseous.
Moving with your pets by car
Safety is an important issue when moving with your pets. When traveling by car, make sure to have the proper carrier for a cat and a car harness for a dog. If your pet is not used to driving in a car, take them for short rides before the move. This will help them with the anxiety of being in the vehicle. Also, don’t forget to put their favorite toy or towel with them. Take regular breaks with your pet. Let them get out of the car and stretch. If you can do this at the time of their usual walks, all the better. That way, the move will not interrupt their routine. Furthermore, bring your vet’s phone number with you, in case of an emergency. The better you prepare, the more piece of mind you will have.
Moving with your pets by car can be a stressful but fun experience.
Meeting the new neighborhood
It was a long road, but moving is finally done. Once you arrive at your new home, put your pet in one room with their food, water, and favorite toy. That way, they won’t be in the middle of unpacking and will stay relaxed. After that is finished, try to slowly take them from room to room. Let them explore their new home and its scents. Designate an area where their food and water bowls will be. Try to feed and walk them every day at the same time. Your pets will feel more secure if they have a structured routine. It also helps if that happens at the same time as in your old home.
While you might want to let them loose to explore the neighborhood, you should hold off. Wait until they learn that this is their new home. Spend more time with them inside the house, and they should be accustomed to it in a matter of weeks. Moreover, keep an eye for other neighborhood animals. They might not all be friendly and/or healthy.
Enjoy your new home with your pet!
While the process of moving can be stressful, moving with your pets doesn’t necessarily have to be bad. The effort is definitely worth the payoff. Look at it as starting a new life with your furry friend. If you take into account the advice we have given you, you and your pets are sure to have a stress-free move.
0 Comments