Tips For Moving In With Dogs And Cats

Is there a four-legged member in your family? Are you moving home? Then one of the things you have to do when you move to a new home is to pack them up. It does not matter how far or close you are going. You may be moving across the country or the town. It has to be a part of the checklist.

Indeed, moving homes with pets can be a rather stressful experience. However, you can be sure it is no less stressful for your pet. Here are some tips that can help you in making a hassle-free move.  

Preparing your pets before the move

The first thing you need to do is get them ready for the move. Remember, the whole process of moving would differ for cats and dogs. For cats, it would be helpful if get them used to the pet carrier. It does not matter how close or far you plan to move – you are moving, and it’s fixed.

You can be sure your little one will be safe in the carrier even as you complete the move. If they have never been there in the carrier, you can get them used to the same. You can do it gradually.

You can start by putting some cat treats and blankets within the carrier. For dogs, you would have to take them to the new neighborhood for a few walks to get them acclimatized to the same before they move in.

Walk by the new house and let your dog familiarize themselves with the new surroundings and scents. If you can, take them inside the new house. You can get something from the new house to get your pet acquainted with the unique smell.

Read Also: 7 Tips To Help Your Dog Or Puppy Deal With Separation Anxiety

What to do on a moving day?

If the weather is good, the pet carrier would be an ideal option for your kitty to stay in your car. They would be ready to be taken to their new homes. However, if it is too hot or cold, you should keep them in the bathroom. You must provide the pet with a litter box, cat carrier, water, and food.

It is significant to keep the bathroom door closed. You can put a sign that says you have a cat inside who might escape if the door is open. For your dog, assign someone from your family to be the sitter. However, that person has to be a responsible individual.

How to plan for a long-distance move with your fur babies?

If you are moving over a long distance, you must crate-train your cat or dog before the move happens. On the day you move, your pets should wear updated rabies tags and your phone number and address.

If you are driving them to the new home, you should plan to stop along the way. Try to find hotels that allow pets. When traveling by air, ask the airline about the requirements they have. You should also have copies of the veterinarian records of your pet in your carry-on luggage.

How to welcome your cat to your new home?

Before you let your cat enter the new home, you should inspect it from their point of view. It needs to be from the outside and the inside. Remove cords dangling from the blinds and drapes to ensure your kitty is safe. Once they arrive, make sure you close all windows and doors closed. Close all crawl spaces and holes that may be out of your reach.

Once you are in the new home, you should not be surprised if your cat disappears for a few days. They may live inside their cat carrier, under their bed, or in a closet. It happens because cats suffer from a feline anxiety attack when they move into a new home.

Read Also: How To Help Your Dog Survive The Holidays?

How do dogs adjust to new homes?

Your dog would likely want a VIP (important person) tour of the new house. Once the movers are gone and you have the home to yourself and your dog, you need to let them check out the entire house as they want. It includes outside the home and within it.

In the initial stages, you should walk them on a leash to make them feel safe with you by their side. The sooner they get used to the new smells and ambiance, the quicker they feel at home.

A dog usually needs room and space to work their bodies, and this is why they may take more time to adjust, especially when you are moving to a smaller home from a larger one. However, just like the cats, they would like to return to their usual routine as soon as possible.

Veterinary advice on moving home with your pets   

If you have moved a long distance with your pet, now could be the right time to ask your neighbors for suggestions regarding a vet who can treat your pets and ensure they are doing well from both mental and physical points of view. Once you nail down a name, visit and acquaint your pet and yourself with them. This way, you would have somebody to fall back upon if an emergency arises.

Just like you, your little one has a personality of their own. Since you know your pet better than almost everyone else, you could predict how smooth the transition would be. If your pet is rather skittish, it is better to talk to the vet well in advance and ease all the concerns you may have in this regard.