Moving to a new place often involves a huge amount of effort ... And among all that chaos, you may forget that this is a stressful period for your pets, too. Here’s some advice on how to make moving as easy as possible for your pet.
Packing
- Gently introduce your pets to the large (and scary) moving boxes well in advance.
- To avoid stress, you might keep your pet in the room that will be emptied last for as long as possible.
- Keeps their faveourite toys out until the last minute if possible, and dont pack their bed/blanket. Their bed/blanket will be a safe place for them and will be covered in familiar smells which will help keep them calm in the car ride.
The move itself
- On the “big day”, it’s best to have a friend or relative take care of your pet. This way, they can go on a small holiday without any of the stress of moving! All you friends and relatives are coming over to help you move? Book a pet sitter at Pawshake!
- This way, you can take your time to move and inspect your new place for any dangers for your cat, dog, rabbit, etc. You can make your place “pet-proof”, so to speak.
The first day in the new home
- Let your dog or cat explore your house, starting with the room where they will spend the most time (e.g. the living room).
- When you get the feeling that the time is right, you can take your dog for a short walk in the neighbourhood.
- Your cat should stay inside for a while, until he or she has gotten used to the new environment.
Remember!
- Don’t forget to have the contact info on your pet’s microchip updated!
- If needed, find a new vet in your area.
With the right care, your pet will feel at home in no time!
Images via pinterest.com and Sharon Montrose.
