Moving can be especially stressful to our furry or feathered friends. Thankfully, with a little planning and preparation we can make moving a non traumatic, or even pleasant experience. Read on about how to move with pets.
Planning A Move With Your Pet
There are some things you can do to plan for your move with your pets. You’ll want to focus on reducing stress and anxiety with all of the changes.
Familiarize Your Pet With Moving Stuff
Bring in boxes and set them around for your pet to smell and mess with. Let them get used to boxes and packing supplies being around the house. If you have a hand truck or dolly around you could use it in the house so they could get used to things being moved around. New sights and sounds can trigger anxiety in some pets so it’s best to get them used to moving equipment and supplies before the moving actually begins.
Introduce Them To The New Place
If you have the opportunity, introduce your pet to the smell of the new home. Take a visit there and let them get familiar with the new area. The transition to the new home will be much less stressful for your pet if they already know what the new home looks and smells like. The more you are able to familiarize them with the new home before the move, the easier their transition will be.
Get Them Used To Their Travel Crate or Carrier
If you’re traveling for the move, introduce your pet to any travel crate or carrier that they will travel in. Keep the carrier in the old home before the move and let your pet get acquainted with it. Put preferred items like toys inside and make it a safe and comfortable place for them.
Pet Travel Arrangements
If you’ll be traveling for the move and will be booking any hotel or flights, make sure that they can accommodate your pets. Airlines have some breed and size restrictions and some may require the pet to travel as cargo or on a separate flight. Some pet friendly hotels offer walking areas, food bowls, and even treats!
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable During A Move
Provide Pet Supplies And Goodies
When you’re traveling with your pet bring along things that comfort them like toys, treats, blankets, special food, etc. Provide things that still have the familiar smell of the old residence. Keeping them busy with chew toys or treats is another good way to keep your pet calm and comfortable during a move.
Stop Frequently
Give your pet frequent potty breaks and walks throughout the move whenever possible. You and your pet will benefit from taking a break and getting some fresh air. If you have a walking schedule try and walk close to those times to give your pet some normalcy. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association you should stop and give your pet a break every 2-3 hours.
Have A Safe Space
During a move you have a lot going on. You may have strange people in the home, furniture is being moved around, and there really is no place for a pet. Try and reserve a quiet out of the way space for the pet to relax while the actual moving is happening. They will be safer and happier out of the way and in a comfortable spot.
Planning a move with your pet can be less stressful when you take time to prepare and plan ahead. They will be happier and more content throughout the move and that will give you peace of mind so that you can focus on other important tasks.
