Tips for Pet Parents Planning a Move
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
Moving with a dog or cat is a lot like moving with a young child. Though they can’t verbalize what they’re feeling, they experience the same series of emotions you do throughout the moving process. That anxiety, stress, and excitement can be overwhelming for humans, young and old, as well as our fur babies. Just like with children, there are ways for pet parents to help their four-legged family members feel calm, secure, and loved even in the midst of planning, prepping, and packing for a move. It will take some extra effort, but it will be well worth it in the long run. Taking extra care of your pet during this stressful time will not only keep your dog happy and healthy, it will help him or her adjust more quickly to a new home. To begin with, be sure to consider Fido’s or Kitty’s favorite things as you are looking for your new home. Making a checklist of must-haves for your dog may seem a little over-the-top, but a pet is a member of the family whose needs and wants should be considered too. You wouldn’t move into a home without enough room for your child to play or without access to outdoor space. Similarly, the last thing you want is to move into a space that makes it difficult to care for your pet. Once you find your (and your pet’s) dream home, the grueling process of preparing for the move must begin. More than likely, your normal routine will be significantly altered, and your pup will definitely notice. Your pet may exhibit some behavioral changes like not eating, excessive whining, or accidents in the house. These are all signs of stress and anxiety. You can help ease your furry friend’s nerves by keeping his or her schedule as close to normal as possible. Feed, walk, and put your pet to bed at the same times as you normally would. Pack their bed, toys, and other belongings last. Finally, don’t forget to play. It’s easy to get caught up in the never ending list of things to do before a move, but taking time each day to toss the ball and give belly rubs is an important part of making your dog feel comfortable with its changing environment. On move day, things get even more hectic. Like a child, a pet is not a very good moving buddy. In addition to the stress, there are all kinds of hazards that could threaten your pet’s health and safety, from teetering towers of boxes to doors left open to make moving things in and out easier. Consider boarding your pet or leaving him with a friend or family member for the day to make it easier on you both. If you can’t remove your pet from the chaos of moving entirely, make sure they have a safe place to stay, like a room with a door or a fenced-in yard. Additionally, you should wait until you’ve unpacked the majority of your belongings before you bring your pet to your new home. If that isn’t possible, unpack your dog’s items first and help him or her navigate their new space with a tour of where they can now find their bed, toys, and water bowl. You should also resist the urge to purchase new items for the new home. The familiar sight, sounds, and smells of the old items are reassuring and will help your pup adapt to the new home more quickly. When it comes to moving with a pet, the key is to treat them as you would any other member of the family. A little extra planning, preparation, and attention will go a long way to ensuring your move, while certainly stressful, is an overall positive experience for your four-legged family members.