You have an endless to do list: Pack, sign legal papers, go to the closing, find new schools for the kids, transfer banks and…the list goes on when it comes to moving – whether you’re heading across town or across the country.
Add the fact that everything is moving at breakneck speed and your moving experience can become utterly stressful.
If you’re stressed, how do you think your pets feel?
Animals, just like people, can feel your emotions. If you’re stressed, your pets are likely to be picking up on that feeling and becoming stressed themselves.
Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. But, you can make the transition easier and less stressful for your pets, if you keep the following in mind:
Give your pet quiet amongst the chaos.
Many pets – dogs and cats – become excitable or sometimes stressed when there’s a lot going on and things become unfamiliar. Keep your pet away from the chaos. Designate a room in your home in which you can put your pet’s favorite toys, bed, food, and water, and keep him in the room when things become chaotic. Some people also opt to board their pets for a few days or to have a loved one take them home until the day of the move.
Introduce your pet to your new neighbourhood and home ahead of time.
Obviously if you are moving across or out of the country, you probably won’t be going back and forth before you move. However, if you are moving within a reasonable distance, carve out time to introduce your pet to your new neighbourhood and home ahead of time. If you have a dog, for example, take him for a walk around the neighbourhood. Let him sniff, meet new neighbours, and become familiar with his new home.
Stick to your pet’s normal routine, if possible.
Moving generally causes havoc. Lunch time might be pushed back. Dog walks might be shorter. Sleep may be less for everyone in the family. It’s hard to stick with a routine but try to keep your dog’s routine as close to normal to help minimize his anxiety.
Prepare your pet for the trip.
If you’re moving out of town and your dog or cat isn’t used to traveling in the car, start getting him acclimated to rides as far ahead of time as possible. Take your pet in the car for short rides then start making the rides longer. With time your pets should become used to and less anxious about riding in the car.
Start slow.
Don’t give your pet free run of the entire house when you first move. That often results in anxiety. Give your pet one room in which you put his bed, toys, and other things he loves. As he becomes used to his new surroundings, let him explore other rooms in the house.
Let us know how we can help. You could always book an extra dog walk to 2 so you dog is out of the house having fun while you are packing boxes!
