From packing up your old home to navigating the new space, every step along the way spells out uncertainty for your pet and their routine.
You're excited as you're starting a new chapter in your life with a new home. More than likely you've sold your home or signed that notice to vacate letter on the lease agreement for your old apartment.
Moving into that new home is exciting - for humans. For pets, however, a move can be stressful. Someday we'll have the technology to communicate openly with our furry friends but, for now, it's not possible to properly express to Fido that change is good and that they'll have a warm corner in their new home. Read on for some helpful tips to ease the stress on your pets during your next big move.
Pack Up Pet Stuff Last
Keep your pet's belongings and toys at the bottom of your packing priority list. Leaving familiar items for your pet while the rest of the house gets whisked away gives them some security in a stressful situation. When it's finally time to shut the door of your old home one last time, carry that box of pet stuff with you on your way out! Your pet will appreciate having its favorite things available while it wonders exactly what is going on. If can you can tell your pet is feeling down about the move, maybe check out getting a few new toys for them to relieve some anxieities.
Make Sure the Packing Process Includes Lots of Rewards
Have you ever been getting ready for vacation, only to see that your pup is cowering in the corner while you load up your suitcase? Your pet isn't jealous that you're going on a trip, they're scared that you might not come back. This fear multiplies tenfold when you start clearing everything out of the house! Make sure to take lots of packing breaks to show your pet some extra love-- snuggles, kisses, and treats will make them feel comforted.
Carve Out A Comfy Corner of Your New Home
That box of pet stuff that you packed up last? Make sure it's the first thing that you bring inside when you get to your new home. Set up a space for your pet to rest as soon as you begin the move-in process. A small room works best, ideally with a pet door or a gate. A stressed pet in an unfamiliar home is more likely to run away, and less likely to be able to find their way back home-- so it's best to keep them safe in this space. Make sure to take breaks to share some love and attention with your friend and consider splurging on a new toy, a reward but also a distraction.
Show Them Around the Neighborhood
If you have a pet who loves their walks, take them out to sniff their new neighbors several times a day. A longer brisk, walk is great to wear them out and help them rest but some slow, meandering walks are valuable, too! Let them stop and stiff things-- it's their way of saying hello to their new neighborhood.
If you have a backyard that you plan on sharing with your pets, double check that there's nowhere for them to sneak out and make sure they're not outside unattended until they're fully comfortable in their new home. The statistics on lost pets are through the roof, keep your pet close and secured in your home to avoid losing them.
With just a little patience and a lot of extra love, you can make the move as easy as possible for your pet. Check in on their comfort every step of your move. Your pet will feel at home in their new home in no time!
