As anyone who’s moved knows, it can be a lot of work to move everything you own and change your life, but it can also be stressful for your pets, big or small. Make sure you don’t forget that animals have a lot of stress during a home move. There are things you can do to help both yourself and your pets. How to move with pets is something we’re going to look into more today, so stay tuned!
Before Moving Day
Your current home isn’t just going to be thrown out of wack when you move. It starts when you start to pack.
Both cats and dogs make pheromones when they feel safe, which helps them remember where they live. You’ll see this more in cats, who spread their pheromone by brushing their faces on things. Trying to pack up everything in your house can mess with these scents, which can make your pet feel stressed. Cats and dogs can feel more calm and safe when they buy an air diffuser that releases these scents into the air or put one on their necks. At least 24 hours before you start making changes to your old home, plug in any diffusers you buy.
Your pets know when to eat, when to rest, when you’ll be there, and when they’ll be alone. To make things easier for them when they move, try to keep as much of their daily routine as possible the same. This includes things like feeding, walks, and play time.
Make a place in your home where your pet can go to get away from the noise and chaos of packing. This will also help your pet feel safe on the day of the move. It’s a good idea to start moving your pet’s food, water and bedding to an area that isn’t too noisy. This way, they can get used to the new place before they move. This will also help them deal with the shock of having an empty house, especially if you’ve chosen to store your things in a self-storage facility like Big Blue Squirrel.
When moving, don’t forget to register your pet at a nearby veterinary clinic. Change their microchip address and stay consistent with their flea and worming treatments.
The big day has turned up, you’ve packed up, received your keys, and the removal van is outside. So, how do you keep roaming animals like cats and dogs from getting trampled, lost, or stressed?
If you can, leave your dog or cat with a friend or family member during your move. Bringing a pet into a new, empty home while all your possessions are in storage.
If leaving your pet with somebody isn’t an option, keep them in the safe zone you set up in your old house while it’s being cleaned out. This reduces the risk of injury or loss while providing a safe haven to relax.
Then travel with your pet as usual. When transporting a cat, use the seatbelts to secure it. Unrestrained dogs, especially those stressed by moving, can be a hazard in a car or van.
Before letting your pet out into their new home, set up a safe area similar to your old one. A quiet place with unwashed pillowcases or pieces of your clothing with a reassuring scent will help. Allow cats to explore on their own; don’t force them out of their carriers. If you must let your dog explore a new home, keep them on a leash.
The best time to introduce your pet to your new home is after you have removed everything from self-storage.
