If you are a pet owner, then there is no way you are going to forget about your pets when moving. Moving with pets does come with its own challenges.
Spending time with your fur babies before the move will prove to be beneficial. You want to take the time and thing about how the move will affect your pets. This can be just as stressful on your pets as it is on you.
Maintain Their Regular Routine
Many pets are uncomfortable with any change in their routine. To ensure a smooth transition make sure to maintain their regular routine for as long as possible. Walks, feedings, and bedtime should all remain scheduled at the same times. Pets enjoy stability, and if you do not have to rearrange their schedule, they will be able to deal with the transition better.
Use a Crate a Few Weeks before the Move
It may have been a while since you have used a training crate, and most likely it is packed away somewhere in the garage, attic, or basement. A lot of families will use a crate during the moving process due to it will make them feel they have a safe place and will feel more secure. This will especially help if your pet has anxiety.
Think about re-introducing the training crate in a safe space. If your pet is not use to the crate, then introduce it to them slowly. You will want to start this process a few weeks to a month before the move. It may be stressful on you, due to your pet having objections to being crated up. Start with 15-minute intervals. Make sure they have water and favorite toy with them. Also, when the 15 minutes is up and you let them out, let them know how proud you are of them and offer then some type of treat.
Start Packing Early
The ASPCA recommends that by bringing moving boxes in early will help your pets adjust to the moving process. This will help them become familiarized with boxes and packing. If you are needing to put stuff into storage you will want to do it sooner than later.
New House Pet Tour
If you can get into your new house before the move, it is recommended that you let your pets have a tour of their new home. They will become familiar with the new smells and sounds. Remember to also update your pet’s tags with the new address.
Veterinary Needs
Take your pet into your vet and make sure they are in good health. If you have any questions about moving with your pet, they will be able to answer them. If your pet has a higher anxiety you may want to ask if there is anything you can give them to calm them down. If you are moving to a new part of town or state, ask your vet if they have any recommendations for that area. Then make a new appointment with that vet for a wellness checkup.
Quiet Room
As you are packing and tearing apart your home, keep your pet in a quiet room. This will help keep their stress levels down and as far away from the chaos. Make sure to place a sign on the door to let movers and other people know that a pet is currently in the room and that the door should remain closed.
Pet Sitter for the Day
See if a family member or friend will pet-sit for you for the day. It will keep your pet out of the way and will lessen the chance of your pet walking out of open doors.
Keep Your Cool
It is time to bring the crate training into effect. This is their domain and will feel safe and secure, as well as this is the safest spot for them. If your animal is acting stressed, try not to make it worse by showing your stress level. Animals can notice subtle changes in emotion more than you think.
Is a Sedative Necessary?
The day has arrived, and you have everything packed up and now its time to put your pet in the car. Your vet may have prescribed a light sedative for your animal. This will help them keep calm during travel and keep their anxiety levels down. Make sure to follow all the directions and do not give them more than is prescribed.
Load the Pets Last
Your pets should be the last to be loaded. Try to wait to the last possible moment to load up your fur baby’s food, toys, and bedding. They will want to remain comfortable till the end and will appreciate you for doing that for them.
Think Ahead for Long-Distance Moving
When traveling short distances, you may not need to make as many preparations besides loading your pet into the vehicle. But for long-distance moves, you will need to make plans of time. To prevent car sickness, feed your pet at least 3 hours before travel. This will minimize the chances of vomiting. Also, make frequent stops to give your pet some water, exercise, and to use the bathroom. Keep your pet on the same mealtime.
Exercise Pet at New Home
Once you arrive at your new location, take you pet for a walk around the block. You will be ready to start unloading everything, and your pet will be anxious about its new surroundings. This will help them be able to relieve some of their stress and some of yours. Let them check out the new smells and sounds, do not rush the walk, take your time.
Get Back into Routine
New sights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming for any animal. Try to get back into their normal routine as quickly as possible. The old routine will help your pets comfort levels and make them feel right at home.
Unpack Familiar Items First
When you first start packing your home, you should pack an essentials bag for you and your pets. These will be the first boxes you will unpack. You will be able to create an area for them and make them feel at home very quick. If your dog is used to a doggy door, install that right away. Surround your fur babies with toys and items they are accustomed to, and you will soon find they are feeling more at home then you.
Take Them Out to Explore
Now that the chaos of moving has subsided, take your pet for a long walk. Let them smell everything they want to, and do not usher them to hurry up. Your pet may also hide in their crate or somewhere they feel safe, this is normal. If you have a doggy door show your dog where it is, if you have a cat show them where all liter boxes are located.
Pets May Have Accidents in the House
Pets do not always feel safe in their new homes and might hide. This and other behavioral problems may temporarily escalate. Some pets may refuse meals, go potty in the new home, or start to bark more. This is a way of them cooping with the new surroundings and may be them protecting their new home and owners. Overtime you will see these behaviors start to diminish and everything will return to normal.