While moving home is an exciting time for you, it can be a stressful period for your pets. It’s important to do everything you can to ease the moving process for them.
To keep your furry friend as relaxed as possible, here are eight tips on how to move with pets.
1. Prepare your pet for the move
The process of moving with pets and the disruption to their routine can often cause them anxiety. Keep your pet calm by slowly familiarising them with packing materials, like cardboard boxes. Try to create a positive experience with these new objects to reduce uncertainty.
If you have a dog, you could take them for a walk around the neighbourhood you’re moving to. This is a great way to help your pet adjust to their new surroundings.
2. Choose the right moving method for your pet
Every animal is different, so it’s important to choose the right moving method for your pet. If you have a particularly anxious little friend, you could give them to a relative or friend to look after on moving day. This avoids overwhelming them with any loud noises or strangers. It’s also a great way to keep your pet out of harm’s way while you’re moving large objects around.
3. Pack essentials for your pet
Packing up your belongings can be a chaotic job, so amongst the chaos, keep your pet’s essentials at the ready. These include their favourite toys, food and any medication.
Make them easily accessible so you can quickly find them on moving day. As soon as you get to your new home, you can keep your pet distracted with food or their favourite toy.
4. Manage your pet’s anxiety during the move
A handy tip for moving with pets is to assign them to someone on moving day. This ensures that they will always be on somebody’s radar to keep them comforted, hydrated and well-fed.
Clear out a room in your new home for your pet. To make them as relaxed as possible, place their bed, food and water, toys and litter tray inside. The familiar smells of their belongings and your previous home will help ease them into this new environment.
You could also add puzzle feeders or scratching posts for cats to keep them entertained while you organise your belongings. Be sure to regularly visit your furry friend to reassure them of your presence.
5. Settle your pet into the new home
Once you’re in your new home, check that the rooms and garden are pet-friendly and secure.
Keep cats inside for the first week or so to familiarise them with the house. This will help them associate the space with home, making them less likely to run off. Ensure they have an identification tag or have been microchipped by a vet before letting them venture outside.
Try to stay home with your pet as much as possible during the first few days to ease the confusion of the process. Work up to periods of leaving them on their own in the new space.
It’s important to reinforce the new house as a happy, positive place, so be sure you give your pet lots of fuss. Play with them and provide plenty of treats to put them at ease.
6. Bring familiar items
When settling your pet into their new home, make sure to bring their bed, toys and blankets from your old home to fill the space with familiar scents.
No pet likes too much change, so even if their old bed could do with an upgrade, avoid buying a new one while moving. Filling the space with your pet's home comforts can help them associate their new surroundings with home.
7. Update pet records and identification
When you move, you’ll need to update your pet’s records with your new address and contact details. Here are some important steps to take.
Contact the vet
If you’re staying in the same area and have chosen to stick with your current vet, you’ll need to inform the practice of your move so that any correspondence will go to your new address.
Notify your pet insurance provider
Vet fees vary around the country, so the region you live in will impact the price of your pet insurance policy. For this reason, you should notify your insurance provider when you move home. Your insurance could be invalid if you fail to do this.
Update your pet’s collar tag
Moving with pets can be disorientating and confusing for them. If your pet goes missing, having the correct contact information on their collar tag will ensure they’re returned to you quickly and safely. If your address or home phone number is on the tag, you’ll need to update this information when you move.
8. Maintain routine and comfort for your pet
To settle your pet in as quickly as possible, establish a routine early on. Maintaining your normal daily routine will help your pet feel secure.
Over time, your usual routine, such as the morning feed or your evening walk, will allow your pet to settle into your new home.
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