Important information on moving with your four-legged family members
There is an incredible number of things to get organised when you’re preparing to move home and, when you have pets, things become even more complicated.
Moving with pets can be a very stressful and hectic time for all. Whether you are moving across the country or down the street, your pets are going to be stressed. Changing environment takes some getting used to so, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you make the move as comfortable as possible, for you and your four-legged family members.
Keep your routine
It’s important to try and make your pets feel as comfortable as possible during the moving process. A simple way to maintain a little bit of normality is to make sure that you stick to your regular routine. This means that meal times, walk times and sleep times should remain as close to your usual schedule as possible. This helps to lessen the shock of a new environment for your furry friends.
Playtime
During the pre-move, make sure you take time to play and give your pet attention during the move. This will help your pet feel at ease and relieve stress.
Stick together
Keep them with you. A lot of people think it’s better to leave their pets at a boarding facility while they move, but this can cause even more stress. Your pets know something is up prior to the moving day, and now you are dropping them off somewhere and driving away. This can make the situation much worse, so make sure your plans allow for your pets to stay with you.
Check up on the vet
If you’re going to a different suburb, it’s a good idea to look into a replacement vet clinic before moving with pets. Be sure to obtain your pet’s medical records, including vaccinations and medication history from your current vet.
If your pet is a senior or has health problems, your vet may also suggest a mild sedative to help them to relax a little on moving day. This means that in all the craziness of the shift, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got an action plan, ready to go.
I.D. check
Identification. It is an absolute must that your pets have ID on them during the move. If they get loose during the move, you may never see them again. It’s best to have two forms of ID – a microchip where possible and a collar and tag. If your pet is micro chipped, make sure their records are changed to your new address.
Don’t wash your pet
The scent is very important to your four-legged family members. When you’re moving, avoid the temptation to wash their bedding and toys until at least a couple of weeks after you’ve relocated. This gives them a chance to adjust to their new home, whilst also having the comfort of familiar smells. Once you’re done with moving, if you have a dog, it can be a good idea to take them on regular walks always on a leash to help them get accustomed to their new surroundings, and all the new scents that come with it.
Be insiders
Moving home can make some pets very anxious. Keeping them inside, in a closed-off area is a clever way to make sure that they don’t run away while you’re busy carrying everything into your new home. It’s a good idea to keep your pet’s familiar things in this room with them for comfort. Once things are settled, let your pet roam around the whole house to explore.
Don’t ramp it up
Avoid added stressors. If your pet hates getting groomed, a bath, a nail trim, loud noises etc., don’t do this immediately in the new house. Do all this before the stress of pre-moving begins so you are not adding stress upon stress.
Keep housewarming parties for a couple of weeks after the move and if you’re planning on moving over a holiday weekend, be aware of things like fireworks. Nothing like your pet being anxious at a new place and then having loud noises that sound like the world is ending the first night they are there.
Make sure you check out Team Bloom’s article for moving tips.
I hope this helps a little with one less thing to think about before the big move.
