Moving to a New Home with Pets: 8 Top Tips
Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but everyone knows that it can also be very stressful. When you are relocating pets as well as your entire home and family, it can become even more complicated. Ideally, you want to make a move as smooth and relaxed as possible, helping your pets to settle into the new home as quickly as possible. Of course, when your pets are happy and relaxed, it is one less worry for you in what is a stressful times in a person’s life. Here are 8 tips to aid you in planning a stress-free and happy house move for your pets.
- Check their health
Before you put your pets through the move, it is worth checking their overall health. If you have any concerns, take them to a vet for a quick check-up. This is particularly important for animals with existing health conditions such as those who are pregnant or elderly.
- Plan your route
You should plan the journey to the new home so that the pets do not need to spend too much time in a vehicle. Animals should not be left by themselves in a vehicle, and they should have comfortable and safe travel containers or harnesses.
- Minimize exposure to stressful environments
Packing and unpacking all of your belongings, moving, and cleaning is chaotic and unsettling whether you are a human or an animal, so if you can keep your pet away from these activities, it will help to reduce their stress. You might want to ask a friend or family member to look after them while this is happening, or at least create a safe and quiet space in your new apartments for rent in lowell ma, which is just for them.
- Consider products for pet anxiety
There are many products out there that are designed to reduce anxiety and stress in animals. For example, CeeBeeDoo offers a wide range of organic and tasty dog treats that contain CBD oil for anxiety. Other options include pheromone sprays or diffusers and toys, which keep them distracted.
- Be sure to update your contact information
You must update your contact details with your insurance company and microchipping company. You should also update your details with your vet or register with a new vet if you are moving out of the area. If your pets wear ID tags, these should be updated too.
- Stick to their routine
To minimize the disruption, you should try to maintain a usual routine for your pets. This includes sticking to similar mealtimes, walks, playtime, getting up in the morning, and bedtime.
- A note about moving cats…
Cats become attached to their home environment, so moving home can be particularly stressful for them. You should keep your cat inside for at least 2-3 weeks after the move and only let them out for short periods until they have become acclimatized to their new location. For more information on moving home with a cat, click here.
- A note about dogs…
Dogs can cope better than cats in a different location when they have their family (i.e., their pack) with them, but to minimize stress, it is a good idea to have all of their toys, food and water bowls and bedding in a box which is clearly labeled. Giving them items they are familiar with at the new home will help them to adjust.