We all know that moving house is one of the most stressful times in life, but have you thought how demanding it is on your pets? It’s not just a case of considering how you and your children are going to fit into a new neighbourhood, have you thought about how your pet will adjust to new surroundings too? Follow these handy tips, to help ensure the move is as easy for your pets as it is for you.
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Before the move…
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Give your pet extra reassurance and attention whilst starting to pack and move, so that they feel as safe and secure as possible. Keep your pet quiet and out of the way when packing and moving furniture and boxes.
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Many animals, especially dogs, will become anxious and restless when they see boxes, suitcases and furniture being moved. When you pack leave out you pets bedding, toys and other equipment so that they are surrounded by familiar things. Prior to the actual day of moving, you should speak to your vet if your pet suffers from travel sickness or severe anxiety when in the car. There may be something available to make your pet feel more relaxed.
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The day of the move…
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Keep your pet restricted to one secure room to avoid them escaping or injuring themselves. Keep temperatures as constant where possible, especially with birds. Safe, secure transport for your pet is essential. Cats should be transported in cat carriers, which for long journeys should be large enough to hold water, bed and litter tray. Keep dogs behind a dog guard or attached to a special dog harness which fits into the seat belt of a car.
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After the move…
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Be patient and allow your pet time to adjust, try to be tolerant if they follow you around and make allowances for all accidents on the carpet should they occur! Cats need to be restricted to the house for two to three weeks. It is probably best to confine them to the room they were in on the day of the move for the first few days, whilst unpacking and moving of furniture is still going on.
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Make sure your pet is fitted with correct identification showing your new address. Ideally cats should wear reflective collars. Identity chips are also a good idea as they offer a permanent way to identify your pet and dogs should also wear collars. Ensure gardens are adequately fenced. If possible, take time off work and do not leave dogs alone for long periods of time if you can help it.
Contact your local authority for advice on the local dog walk areas. We all treat our pets like one of the family, so when moving house, this shouldn’t be any different.
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By following these handy tips we hope your beloved animals will have a stress free move too.
