A Simple Guide For Moving With Your Pets
Moving to a new home can be stressful experience. The packing, the heavy lifting, the cleaning etc. but most of us don’t stop to think about how a move might affect our pet. What’s stressful to a human may actually be terrifying to an animal who doesn’t understand what’s going on or why.
Below is a list of helpful tips to make your move easier on both you, and your pet.
1 – Verify that your new accommodations are pet friendly.
This should have been done before you made the decision to move, but it never hurts to double check . Verify that your apartment building, if you have one, is pet friendly. While house hunting, look for a house with a backyard if you have a dog or a nearby park.
2 – Schedule boarding for your moving day.
Having boxes scattered, furniture in disarray and the family stress also stresses your pets. With people going in and out, your pets may escape. Even the most well behaved pet may flea because of the stress. It is easy for a pad to get out unnoticed with all of the confusion. If the pet is very stressed they may resist coming to your core. Consider taking your pet to the kennel two days before and scheduled the pick up on the departure day after the trucks are loaded and right before you leave. Since most people move on weekends and that’s when most people board their pets you should schedule the boarding as soon as you know what day you are moving. Don’t wait until the last minute because you may be out of luck!
If you don’t board your pet you should arrange for a closed off room that will not have in an out foot traffic. Worn movers, family and children to stay out of room and not to open the door. Secure your pet at all times when doors, attics and windows are open for moving.
3 – Spoil your pet during this stressful time.
Let them sleep in the bed, take them for walks, take time out to play and feed them their favorite food or treats. It will improve their spirits for the actual move day. Pets are often the last thing on peoples minds during a stressful move. The pets begin to feel unloved and neglected which can bring about more stress and bad behaviors.
It is not uncommon for pets to refuse food and water while away from home or in a stressful situation. Keep a close eye on their intake. Offer them special treats and their favorite foods to encourage them to eat. Try to take time every few hours during Moving and travel to walk your pet, set out food and water and try to get them to drink. If their appetite doesn’t improve, you should contact the vet. Some said sedatives can cause your pets to become thirsty and it’s not a dress they become dehydrated. Make sure they have access to plenty of water. Keep a log when and how much sedative you give. It will prevent you from double dosing should you forget in all the chaos of moving.
4 – Try to keep your normal schedule as much as possible.
Routines are very important, especially when so much else around them is changing. Feed and or walk your pet at the same time that you would normally.
5 – Go into your new dwellings first before you bring your pet in.
If you don’t have anywhere to leave your pet or are traveling alone, keep your pad on a leash or in a carrier at first. Inspect your new home for anything that might be harmful, such as wet paint, sawdust, broken glass or bare wires.
6 – Layout familiar items, such as a favorite blanket, bed or toys.
When you have familiar items that they associate with home, it will help them realize that this is their new home.
7 – Take time out to play with your pet.
Give them time to associate their new home with a positive place.
8 – Make sure that you update their ID tags.
If your pet is micro chipped, make sure that information is changed as well. Since you are in a new place, it will be easier for your pet to get lost as they are in a new environment.
9 – Go over your new yard very carefully.
Make sure it is dog or cat proof, there are no harmful items or chemicals, the gates close, the fence is secure and your pets can escape. Your pet may be confused with the new surroundings. Have patience and understand that this is a confusing time.
10 – for outdoor cats, keep them inside for a few nights until they get acclimated.
Gradually allow them to spend more time outside.
Enjoy the New Home with Your Pet!!
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