Moving House With Pets: Anything is Paw-sible
Our pets are our greatest companions, but moving home can put them under a lot of stress. We’ve put together 5 top tips to ensure your pet can stay mellow while you move.
Our four-legged friends are our greatest companions, our ultimate comfort, and basically just another member of the family. But, that doesn't mean they don't come with their challenges - and moving house with pets is up there with the most stressful.
Moving to a new house can be stressful and chaotic for even the best of us, but often it is our pets that feel the most distress when they're faced with new surroundings. However, with a bit of forethought and planning, there’s no reason why moving house with pets can’t be a breeze - or at least, a little easier for both you and your furry friend.
Our goal at Just Move In is to make your move as effortless as possible, and we’re hoping that this guide can make moving house with pets simple and stress-free. Let's get into our top tips.
Tip #1: Choose a carrier carefully and introduce it early
Whether you're moving with dogs, cats or exotic animals, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment when transporting them to your new address. For example, purchase a comfortable, secure cat carrier for your feline friends, or a cage that is easily transported if you are moving birds. Whatever the carrier, it needs to be designed to house a pet of a specific size.
It's important to note that your pet may have a moment of panic when they first get put into a carrier. As a new environment that is relatively limited when it comes to space, this is hardly surprising. To keep your pets calm, maybe use their favourite toys that will have familiar smells, or introduce them to the carrier a few weeks before you'll need to use it.
You can start showing your pet their carrier several weeks ahead of the move by placing the open crate nearby. You can also serve them food in the carrier and even shut the door during mealtimes. Anything you can do that helps your pet foster a positive association with the carrier will save you loads of stress.
In case of panic, you’re going to want to make sure the cage or carrier can withhold force. Carriers made from metal and wood are far more reliable than something plastic and flimsy. Also make sure that there’s nothing in the carrier that could harm or injure your pet if they do get a little riled up.
Tip #2: Travelling to your new house: Road over jet
Your house move may mean that you’re relocating to an entirely new city or even to a different country - and for pets moving house, this can pose a challenge. Of course, we understand that making sure your loved ones arrive safely to your new house is important to you, so wherever possible, we would recommend choosing a long road trip over a commercial flight.
Of course, the distance you need to travel for moving house will likely determine the transportation you choose. However, car travel is a far more comfortable and less distressing experience for your pet than a flight would be. Hearing your voice and having your smell nearby is sure to be calming for your animal. Keep your companion as close to you, or a familiar family member, as possible - even if you're travelling in a removal van.
Prepare for any long journey you need to take during the moving process by asking a vet about travel sickness tablets or other medications. And, this goes without saying, but never leave your animal in a hot car.
Tip #3: Visit your local vet
Speaking from experience, the quickest way to feel totally overwhelmed during a home move is to have your pet completely stressed out. Find out from your vet if there is anything you can give your pet to mellow them. There are a variety of tablets and gels on the market that you can give to your pet before the big move to relax them and make them less likely to panic. You will just need to make sure you find one that is suitable for your animal.
Tip #4: Keep them secured in one room
You have plenty of things to worry about during your home move. From packing boxes to switching utilities, we get that it’s a lot to handle. So, something you should definitely add to your home move checklist is keeping your pet away from the madness. As their home disappears into boxes and strangers come in and out their territory, it’s understandable that pets can get anxious.
When moving house, securing your animal in one room can work wonders. Some may see this as harsh, but keeping them away from the removal team while they are trying to do their job is the best option if everyone is to remain calm on the moving date.
Choose a quiet room for your animal to stay in, equipped with a litter tray and water bowls if necessary - and don't worry. Your pet's life will not be compromised by keeping them away from the removal company while they unload all your belongings. Doing this might actually help get your animal used to their new home.
For a dog, a boarding kennel is another option, but as another new location outside of their usual routine, this might be more hassle than it's worth.
Tip #5: Ensure their safety
Moving house is stressful, but you will likely feel far more at ease knowing your animals are safe. When you arrive at your new home, attach an identification tag to your pet's collar that is linked to your new address. You may also need to install a fitted dog guard or other furniture safety precautions in your new property. Remember to also register with your new vet if required.
Your pet deserves the best. And so do you. Save yourself time, hassle, and money by letting us help you with the time-consuming admin involved in your home move. That way, you can focus on making your pet feel comfortable and at ease while the rest is taken care of for you.