There's no denying that pets have become an integral part of our families. In fact, did you know that 66% of American households own a pet? If you belong to this majority, then the very idea of moving homes might be filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, especially considering the well-being of your furry friends. Here, we've compiled a guide on making the relocation process smoother for your beloved pets.
Make A Plan: Moving with your Pets
The sooner you start planning, the better! We’d all prefer a stress-free move. And when you’re relocating with pets, there’s a lot to be done.
Pets are sensitive to changes in their routine and will usually sense that things are shifting. Don’t be surprised if your dog or cat shows some anxiety by acting unsettled or clingy when you start the moving process.
To help your pet feel more comfortable, it’s best if one member of your family takes responsibility for your pet’s care throughout the move. Having a reassuring companion at every stop along the way will give your dog or cat more consistency and security.
Here’s some of the Tips To Make a Move Easy on Your Animal Friends
Prepare an Overnight Kit
Prepare an easily-accessible ‘overnight kit’ that has enough dog food, kitty litter, toys and grooming tools to sustain your pet and keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking.
Contact Your Vet
If you’re moving out of the area, inform your vet so you can take records and any prescription medications with you. See if they can recommend another vet in your new neighborhood.
Keep Your Pets Away from the Action
During the move itself, the best way to reduce stress on an animal is to keep them in the quietest area possible. If you don’t want to leave them with a friend or a kennel for the day (which is recommended), at least remove them from the action. This could mean emptying a bedroom on another floor and closing the door, or putting them in their carrier or kennel in the garage or car (take proper caution to ensure they’ll be at a safe temperature and that they have water and food if they will be there for some time). Make sure you check in on them regularly, and try to feed or walk them at the time you usually would; having some sense of a routine in the midst of all the changes will help a lot.
Take Your Pet in Your Vehicle
Take the pet to the new house in your own vehicle. Cats and small dogs can be put in a carrier in the back seat, which can then be secured with a seatbelt. A bigger dog can be moved in a kennel in the back of the car; you may need to put seats down if possible. Some animals feel more comfortable if you throw a blanket over their carrier during the car ride so they can’t see the environment changing outside.
Don’t Let Your Pet Out Until You’ve Arrived
Be careful when transporting the animal to your new neighborhood because if they get out they can easily get lost. Once they’re in the car, it’s important to not open the kennel until the pet is in the new home, even if the pet is usually well-behaved or docile. Give them a few days in the new home to adjust. Tip for cat owners: more and more people are keeping their cats indoors for safety reasons, and a move is a good opportunity to get them used to being inside as they won’t be used to being allowed out in the new home. Use this transition to your advantage.
Keep Your Pet Secluded
Move the house before you move the pet. Set up as much as you can, even just in a room, before you introduce the animal to the new home. Confine them to a section of the house while they slowly adjust to their surroundings. Give your pet lots of attention and introduce familiar objects like toys or blankets as soon as possible. Make them feel as at home as you do!
So, congratulations on your big move! We hope this information helps you and your pets breeze through the transition and enjoy your new home.
HOME SWEET HOME
Whether it takes a few days or a month to turn your new space into a place that feels like home, at least you’ll have your beloved pet! While daunting, moving with pets is 100 percent worth it. They’re family, after all.
About Michael Forkas: Michael Forkas is not your typical real estate agent. After building a successful real estate development company, he pivoted his career to provide unmatched service to homeowners. Michael stands by his promise: "Your Home SOLD Guaranteed or I'll Buy it at a Price YOU Agree to!" He won't sell you a home he wouldn't buy himself, ensuring a trademarked approach that guarantees satisfaction and success.