Moving to a new home in a new city or community can be a difficult adjustment. Your routines will change, and you’ll have to become familiar with different surroundings. You’ll have to say goodbye to longtime neighbors and friends and meet new ones. Your life can look and feel a lot different when you move, but you and your family members won’t be the only ones who might struggle.
If you have pets, sudden changes and a different environment can be hard as well. When you’re moving, don’t forget about these lovable friends. Cats and dogs, in particular, can feel the anxiety of a move. Fortunately, there are some tactics you can use to ease these feelings and help your pet become accustomed to your new home.
Putting these strategies into practice will benefit your pet and you. Both of you can then enjoy this experience more and not dread it so much.
Preparing to Move: Get a Pet-sitter
As the day of your move approaches, you’ll start organizing your belongings and packing them up in boxes. This can put your home in a state of disarray, and it may confuse your pet. Things will get even more hectic when the professional moving company arrives and begins loading a moving truck with the boxes, appliances, and furniture. It can be stressful, and your pet can sense and feel that stress, too.
During the loading process, it may be helpful to have a neighbor, family member, or friend take your pet for a day or two. This can alleviate a lot of the anxiety your pet will feel as you empty your house. Plus, it can get your pet out of harm’s way as you and professional movers carry heavy objects back and forth. This will minimize the chances of someone stepping on your pet or dropping something on her.
During the Trip: Take Breaks
If you’re moving out of state, you’ve got a long drive ahead of you to your destination. Don’t forget that your pet will need to take potty breaks and have time to stretch out, too. You may be eager to get to your new home, but don’t take the trip so quickly that it’s miserable for your pet. Cooping her up in the car for several hours without reprieve can be unhealthy.
Stop every couple of hours to let your pet out of the car. Let her get some exercise and a drink of water. Also, pay attention to your pet’s needs. Don’t put off a quick stop if your pet is telling you it is break time.
Keep Your Pet’s Favorite Toys and Items Handy
If your pet has a toy, stuffed animal, blanket, or anything else that she loves, take it with you in the car. A long-distance move can be hard on a pet, but having something familiar close by can ease the nervousness. Make sure your pet is as cozy and comfortable as possible in the car throughout the ride.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
Every passenger needs access to snacks during a long trip. Pets are no exception. Along with having water handy, keep a stash of doggie snacks, kitty snacks, or the applicable treat for your pet on hand. Don’t overfeed your pet on the drive, or you may run into some problems. But a couple of snacks here and there will help to calm your pet.
Walk Through the New Place
As soon as you can, when you arrive at your new home, take a tour with your pet. Let your pet walk around the house and the yard so she can become familiar with it. Allowing your pet to explore the new home as soon as possible will help to ease her worries and help her feel more confident.
Set up Your Pet’s Own Space
Once your pet has made her way around the home and property, you should set up her bed and play area. Place a bowl of food and water in an easily accessible place, close to your pet’s bed. Set out her toys and make this space inviting to your pet.
Stick Around the House for a Bit
Once you arrive in your new home, you may feel like setting things up and then exploring the city. For your pet’s sake, however, it’s helpful to plan on having some downtime in the house for a couple of days. This will help to give your pet the sense that you’re here to stay and that you’re not just going off somewhere else again. If you can, plan on moving at a time when you don’t have to go to work the next day or two after you arrive in your new house.
Be aware of your pet’s needs before, during, and after your move. This will help ease her anxieties and make it a better experience for everyone.
