You have plenty of ways to help make the transition easier for your pet during a move. By being patient and offering them support during this challenging experience, your pup or kitty should quickly feel at home in their new digs.
Packing up the house can be a trying time for pets. Be sure to provide plenty of love and affection during this transition period.
Get them used to the crate or carrier
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Moving can be an emotionally trying experience for pets of both kinds; however, there are some steps that can help make their transition less jarring and stressful. Here are a few things that may help make their move less of an ordeal for both cats and dogs alike.
No matter where you’re moving to, getting your pet used to a crate or carrier can make the journey smoother. Gradually increase their time spent inside their crate to ease any anxiety they might be feeling during their transition period.
Step 1: Begin by leaving your dog or cat in their crate during meal time, gradually increasing it every time until they can withstand being there for 10 minutes or so.
Before using their crate for longer trips or transporting anxious animals to the veterinarian, try taking your pet on short car rides to become comfortable sitting there and relaxing in it. From there on out, use it for shorter and longer journeys if need be – even use it as an emergency solution!
Keep them away from the moving process
Preparing to move can be an exhausting, but taking steps now can make a world of difference on moving day for both you and your pets!
Below are the key items to do before, during and after a move:
1. Establish a safe space for your pets to retreat when things become overwhelming, such as a crate, kennel or quiet room. It should include their favorite toys as well as some of your scent for added reassurance.
2. Establish a routine that includes feeding and walking them at their usual times to minimize stress during their move and make them feel more at home. Keeping their life as usual will reduce anxiety levels while helping your pet feel more settled during this new phase.
Keep food and water bowls within easy reach for easy access during the moving process, as well as ensure they have their favorite toy and comfortable bed or crate to relax in during their journey.
Make sure they have a safe space
Animals require some time and attention when transitioning into new environments, so be sure to offer them plenty of attention and comfort during this transition period.
Pet safe spaces can help your animal settle in better to their new environment. Create an area dedicated solely for them with everything from beds, litter boxes, toys and food dishes in one spot – creating the ultimate feeling of comfort for both pet and owner!
Ideal is recreating as similar an environment as possible in your new home, using similar items from their former environment to ease transition from their previous place to yours with minimal anxiety. This will allow your pet to transition with ease from their old place into their new one.
Be sure to give your pet plenty of exercise after moving, particularly in the first few days. Allowing them to explore their new home and yard will give them a sense of achievement while helping reduce anxiety levels.
Make sure they get plenty of exercise
Pets are creatures of habit and thrive when living a routine lifestyle, so keeping their regular feeding, walking and playtime routine during a move will help ensure their comfort during this stressful process.
Keep their routine as consistent as possible to reduce stress on moving day, and give your pets plenty of exercise on that day through walks or visits to dog parks – both can provide much-needed stress-busting. A run or trip is an excellent way to ensure they receive enough exercise so they’ll remain calm during this stressful experience.
As soon as you move into your new home, create an area for your pets to feel at home; for instance, by providing comfortable dog or cat beds, food and water bowls, litter boxes for cats if applicable, and toys they love. This should provide them with a space they can go when feeling anxious or need restful restful space to retreat to when necessary.
