Are you moving home soon and are taking your pets with you? We’ve put together some tips to help you when moving home with your furry friends…
It’s a well known saying that a home is not complete without a pet. However, when it comes to moving home with your pets, it can make an already stressful time even more stressful.
You want to make your pet’s life as calm as possible during this time, so check out these top tips.
1) Don’t stress your pet out from the start.
Animals can get nervous when they spot suitcases or packing boxes, and they are very good at sensing stress from their owners. To reduce their stress levels, (and yours!), you’ll want to make an extra effort to organise your move in a relaxed manner. Don’t try and rush things, or do them too quickly. A calm approach will show your beloved pet that they still have their regular routine, and that there is nothing for them to worry about.
2) Sign them up to the local vet
If you’re moving to a new area, you will be in need of a new veterinary practice. It’s important that you get your pets signed up as soon as possible. Registering with a vet is just as essential as humans signing up to a new GP or dentist. Make sure to transfer all your current records from previous practices.
3) Give them identification
New surroundings can make your pet very anxious and on edge, they may even try and do a runner. Be sure that they wear a collar with a name, address and contact number in case they do manage to escape. If you haven’t done so already, it’s also worth getting your pets microchipped. When moving home, be sure to ask your vet to update the address associated with the chip.
You can also buy GPS tracked dog collars, so if your dog does do a runner, you’ll be able to find them relatively easily.
4) Make sure the right move for you is the right move for your pet
Before the chaos of moving begins, take some time to consider whether your new home is right for your pet
You should consider the following:
- Is there enough space for them to relax?
- Where are you going to put their bed/crate?
- Do we need specific utilities for your pets?
- Is there plenty of garden space?
- Is the garden risk-free, and with appropriate fencing?
Make sure you have taken the time to assess your new home and whether it is suitable for your pets.
5) Bring your pets with you when you view the home, and check out the local area.
If possible, have your pets come with you when you go to view your new home. Take them for a walk around the local area too, that way they can get used to their new surroundings, so when it comes to move day, they will have some idea of what their new area is like.
6) Create a safe space on moving day
It’s a well known fact that pets can mirror the stress levels of their owners. That’s why, on the day of your move, a stressful occasion anyway, you want to help your pet out by shielding them from the madness
Arrange a room in your new house that is dedicated for your pets on the day of your house move. Fill the room with their favourite toys, and plenty of treats. This will help them stay relaxed and will hopefully make the transition much easier for them.
If you are moving house with dogs, remember that when dogs are tired, they are generally less stressed, so take some time to spend playing with your dog, anything to tire them out!
7) Allow your pets time to settle into their new home
Pets are creatures of habit, so when they enter a new area, they will obviously be unsettled. Make sure to give them plenty of time to settle into their new environment.
If you find yourself in need of some extra storage space during your move, check out our self storage units here >>
