Moving is a stressful time for us humans, so you can only imagine what it might be like for your four-legged friend. There will be plenty of things going on that might be confusing to them and end up causing anxiety which can be damaging in the long run. For these reasons, it’s good to have a plan and prepare your pet for the move, but it can be difficult to know what to do. Here we take a look at a few tips and tricks on what to prepare for your furry friend so their transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Prepare The Landlord
There are many situations where a landlord might not want an animal in the house if you are renting. This won’t apply if you have bought somewhere, but if you are renting, it’s important to know what the situation is. If you own an emotional support animal, then you should know your rights and before you move, let the landlord know about your situation and supply them with an ESA letter. You should also understand that landlords also have rights in these situations so understanding the entire system will be beneficial for an open discussion. Make sure you talk to them to ensure you’re both on the same page. There are many resources available online you can read if you are unsure. When looking at this article, you can see that there are plenty of questions that can be asked by a landlord before they will allow you to live with your ESA. Prepare a list of answers so the conversation with your landlord can go smoothly and without any hiccups.
Keep Them Away From The Action
Something many pet owners don’t realize is that keeping your pet away from all the hustle and bustle of moving is going to be far more beneficial than keeping them by your side at all times. Changing their world is going to be strange and may even cause some changes in behavior and it could end up causing them some serious problems further down the line. Try and organize a place for them to stay whilst everything is happening, this way they won’t see the changes, and when they return they will have somewhere new and exciting to explore.
Prepare An Overnight Bag
If you have decided to ask a friend to look after your pet for the evening whilst you can get everything sorted out in the house then it’s important to ensure they are fully prepared. Pack a bag for your animal so your friend has everything they will need to look after your pet. Include all the essentials like food, bowls, lead, scratching post if it’s a cat, and make sure you pack a few home comforts like their favorite toys.
Let Them Settle In Slowly
When it comes to an animal being in a new place, they will often spend quite a bit of time exploring their new surroundings and making sure it’s ‘safe’. Try and do everything you can to help your animal settle in. Create their own space in the house and shower them with affection for the first week that you’re in your new home, this will show them that everything is returning to normal.
When it comes to owning a dog, try and establish a new routine as quickly as you can as it helps them understand the day and not get lost in their heads. Have the same breakfast time every day and try to keep the same walking schedule.
Don’t Let Them Out Until They’re Settled
Cat’s can get lost in a new neighborhood so it’s best to keep them inside for a while, and then let them out in stages. Try and stay with them for the first few times you let them out the house, and stay on their sight so they know where they have to return too.
If you’re letting your dog out into the yard and they haven’t seen it before then spend some time playing with them so they know it’s safe. They will no doubt have a nose around and eventually will establish it as their territory.
Keeping your pet relaxed and calm is something that should be a priority when moving, and there are many ways you can do it. Follow the tips above and they should settle in with little trouble. Contact your vet and let them know you have moved and if you need to change vets due to distance then let them know, and find a local vet. Another thing that you should do immediately is changing the information on your pet’s collar so it has your updated information on. You don’t want someone finding your animal and taking it back to your old address.
