Moving With Pets? These Tips Can Help

By csheaffer@helenadamsrealty.com - February 26, 2020

Moving can be a difficult transition for the whole family, including your furry friends. The secret to moving with pets is planning and preparation. Animals can be especially sensitive to the moving process and can take a longer time to adjust to their new surroundings. Keeping your pets safe and calm during a move is important and these tips can help put the whole family at ease.

Before moving into your dream home, make sure your pet will love it just as much as you do. While you’re previewing the new property, try to walk around the neighborhood to determine whether the area seems safe and convenient for your pets. Are sidewalks lining the streets? Any pet-friendly parks or greenways nearby? Do you see neighbors out walking their dogs? Looking at the move from your pet’s point of view will help you establish ways to get them comfortable in their new surroundings once settled in.

Cats are very sensitive and prefer to be in a familiar environment, meaning they typically have a more difficult time moving says Purina. Dogs tend to adjust much more easily to moves than cats. One important detail to remember when moving cats is to make sure they’re comfortable in their carrier. No matter how near or far you are traveling to make your move, your cat will be much safer in a carrier. If they have never been in a carrier, introduce the idea slowly. Start by putting a blanket and cat treats inside, leaving the door open, and making the experience a positive one. The ASPCA recommends to help your cats or skittish dogs adjust to the moving process by bringing moving boxes and suitcases into your home early.

Once you've moved into your new home, don't be surprised if your cat "disappears" for a few days. She or he may choose their cat carrier, a closet, inside boxes, or underneath a bed. Before being familiar with the new home’s sights and smells, cats may search for hiding places and, for most cats, the darker, the better.

Prepare an easily-accessible overnight kit for your pets’ first night in the new house. This way, before you get around to unpacking every box, you’ll have quick access to what your pet needs most like dog food, kitty litter, toys, and grooming tools. In the same way you would keep your toiletries and essentials in an easily-accessible bag or box, treat your pets’ necessities the same.

Purina suggests that sticking to your pets usual routine after the move is crucial for them to adapt to the new home. Maintaining the same schedule for treats, grooming, and bedtime will help your four legged friends feel more comfortable. Consider walking your dog at the same time each day, as well, to help them transition into the new home.

Once you are settled in your new home, contact your vet. If you’re close enough to keep the same veterinarian that you used prior to the move then you can simply update your pet’s medical records, microchip information, address and phone number. If you are moving further away, it’s time to research a new vet. You can ask your previous veterinarian or new neighbors for recommendations or consult your real estate agent for local suggestions.

Moving can often be stressful for people, so just imagine how anxious it can make your pets. Between packing up and moving out and getting acclimated to the new place, it’s a tiring process. Don’t forget about your furry friends during the chaos! By following these easy tasks, your pet will start feeling right at home in the new place, puting you both at ease.

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