Moving with Pets: How to Ensure a Smooth Transition for Your Furry Friends
Moving homes can be a stressful experience, not just for us humans, but for our furry friends as well. Pets, like people, can become attached to their surroundings and may find the process of moving disorienting and anxiety-inducing. However, with careful planning and a few essential tips, you can ensure a smooth transition for your pets. Here’s how:
1. Prepare an Overnight Kit
Just like you would pack an overnight bag for yourself, do the same for your pet. This kit should include enough dog food, kitty litter, toys, and grooming tools to sustain your pet’s needs for the first few days of unpacking. Having these items readily available will make your pet feel more comfortable during the initial days in the new environment.
2. Keep Your Pets Away from the Action
The best way to reduce stress on an animal during a move is to keep them in the quietest area possible. If you don’t want to leave them with a friend or a pet sitter for the day, at least try to find a quiet room where they can stay. Make sure you check on them regularly and try to feed or walk them at the time you usually would; having some sense of a routine in the midst of all the changes can help a lot.
3. Transport Your Pets in Your Own Vehicle
Cats and dogs can be highly sensitive to a new environment and a sudden change in their daily routine. If possible, transport them in your own vehicle. Some animals feel more comfortable when they’re near their owners. You can also hire professional pet movers who have experience in dealing with pet anxiety during a move.
4. Don’t Let Your Pet Out Until You’ve Arrived
While it might be tempting to let your pet out as soon as you arrive at your new home, it’s best to set up some of their things first. Let them get used to their surroundings gradually. Set up a space specifically for them with their bed, toys, and other familiar items. This will help them feel more at home and reduce their anxiety.
5. Update Their Info
After you move, don’t forget to update your pet’s tags and microchip information to the new address and phone number. It’s also a good idea to locate a new veterinarian in your new area and provide them with your pet’s medical records.
6. Give Them Time to Adjust
Just like people, pets need time to get used to new places. They may exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill. Be patient and give them time. Try to keep their routines as normal as possible to help them adjust to their new home.
Remember, moving can be just as stressful for pets as it is for us. But by following these tips, you can help ensure a smoother transition for your furry friends. At The Liberty Group we understand the unique challenges that come with moving pets. We’re here to help make your move as easy as possible for every member of your family, including the four-legged ones.
