When it’s time to move house, your moving day checklist includes packing up your four-legged family members. Moving isn’t just stressful for people. Your pets can easily get stressed and anxious when faced with unfamiliar activities and spaces. Here are some tips that will make the experience a bit calmer for your loved companion(s).
1. Prepare your pet for the move
Moving some pets, like cats, is easier to do in a pet carrier. If your pet has never been in a carrier, introduce the idea gradually. Start by putting a blanket and cat treats inside, leaving the door open, and making the experience positive.
Once they’re comfortable with the carrier, familiarise them with car travel. Start with short rides. You’ll find that your cat’s anxiety decreases as she becomes more accustomed to sights and sounds associated with car travel.
For dogs, consider taking your dog to your new neighbourhood for walks before you move. Walk by your new house and let your dog familiarise himself with the scents of the neighbourhood.
While packing, try not to separate your dog in a crate. Instead, include him while you pack and move boxes. If your dog is isolated while the rest of the family packs and prepares to move, he’ll likely feel nervous. This could lead to stress-related behaviours such as hyperactivity, jumping or barking.
2. Pack a pet bag
Pack an easily accessible collection of pet essentials with enough food, toys and grooming tools to sustain your pet and keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking.
3. Transport them in your own car
Never transport your pet in the back of a moving van, and whenever possible, take your pet in a car instead of flying. Car travel assures that you can take immediate action to address your pet’s needs in an emergency. For more road safety tips on safely travelling with pets, check out Arrive Alive’s guide here.
If you must fly, carry-on is preferable to cargo. Also, it may be comforting to know that flying with pets has become much safer over the past few years.
4. Keep your pets away from the action
It’s advisable to leave your pet with a friend or a kennel for the move itself. Alternatively, dedicate an area (like an empty bedroom or the garage) for them where they’ll be safe and out of the way. Make sure to check on them regularly and try to feed or walk them at the same time you usually would.
5. Adjust them to the new space
Move the house, before you move your pet. Set up as much as you can before you introduce them to the new home. Confine them to a section of the new house while they slowly adjust to their surroundings. It’s a good idea to introduce them to their new environment one room at a time, giving them time to get comfortable with each new space. Introduce familiar objects, like toys and blankets, as soon as possible and give them lots of attention.
Remember, we’ll help with as much as you want. We’re a full-service moving company that will pack, move, store and clean for you. Get a quote here.