They say “until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”. Most people own a pet that they adore dearly and would never dare subject to stress, so when moving house how can we minimize this anxiety for our furry friends?
Many say their cats go missing, their dogs aren’t settling or they start to dig a burrow to find a way back to their old home; but don’t fear, these tips will help to ease your tension.
1: Prepare your pet for the relocation gradually.
It’s difficult leaving behind your old routine and being placed in a building you are not familiar with. It’s not easy to have no role in the decision-making when being asked to move. So plan ahead. The early bird catches the worm, the earlier you plan, the more time there is to adjust.
Start by getting your pet familiar with new locations, perhaps take them to the beach or a new forest they have never been to before. This will help them feel more comfortable in new areas, therefore when moving into their new home it will not be so overwhelming.
Moving to a new neighbourhood? Explore the area you will soon be living in. Begin to communicate with other nearby residents, like other dog walkers as this will not only give your furry pet a friend, but this is a chance for you to find some new friends.
Moreover, make an effort to follow your pet’s routine; feed them at the same time each day and exercise them at the same time each day. Stability must be ensured to avoid confusion.
2: When you arrive, provide a welcoming area for your pet
How great would it be to just rest as soon as you’ve moved in? Picture this, constant noise, disruption and stress, then a moment of silence, a moment when you’re finally at ease in your own comforting bed. Providing a welcoming and cosy area for your pets will help them to associate their new surroundings as their home.
The last thing you pack should be the first thing you unpack. Therefore pack your pets’ toys and bedding last. Once you’ve move in, unpack your pets’ things first to help them to relax.
3: Keep the cats inside
Cats are said to be a lot more nervous about moving than dogs due to the fact dogs are better when it comes to adapting to change. Because cats are intelligent and could figure out how to get back home, it is advisable to keep them inside for at least two weeks after moving in. This should give them the chance to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
4: Communicate with your vets
If you are moving miles and miles away it’s best to change vets. Inform your current vets of your impending move so they can forward all of your pet’s information to your new vets.
5: Keep speaking to your old neighbours
Due to the confusion your pets may have, it’s likely they will want to try to find their way back to their old home.
Staying in touch with your old neighbours will mean that if this does happen, they can keep an eye out for them and let you know if they turn up at your old home. It’s always worth getting your pets microchipped before the move just in case.
6: Inform your removal company
It’s usually better to get professional assistance when moving, especially if you have exotic animals as pets. However, some of the tips above may not always apply. If you let your removal company know, they could provide you with the assistance you need. They may be able to bring specialised equipment and can help to pack the goods.
Best wishes on settling into your new place!
To receive more information about conveyancing, email laura.catania@attwells.com.
