How To Minimise The Impact Of Moving On Your Pets?

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How to minimise the impact of moving on your pets

Moving house can be a highly stressful task for you.

But don’t forget that it can also be a very difficult time for your pets.

Dogs and cats often like their familiar spaces and routines and can become stressed and anxious when changes occur to those.

Therefore, moving house can be a traumatic time for pets – from packing up your current place to moving into new surrounds.

Here is some advice to follow, which can help minimise the impact of moving on your pets.

Before you move

You want to create as little disruption to your pets as possible as you begin the process of packing up your house.

Packing up room by room can be a good way to do this, leaving the family areas and backyard which are most frequented by your pet until last.

If it is possible, take your pet for a visit to your new property before your moving day and take some treats or their favourite toy with you to keep them happy.

This can help dogs and cats become more familiar and comfortable in the new environment before the big move.

In preparation for your move, also be sure to update your pet’s microchip information with your new address details.

If you have a dog then another thing to make sure of is that your new fences are dog-proof and that there are no plants in your new backyard that are toxic for dogs.

On moving day

For moving day, consider asking a friend or family member to look after your pet for the day.

With so many people coming and going from your house, it is best not to have your pet at home with you on this day as it can cause a lot of stress and anxiousness for them and they could be injured if they get in the way.

If it is not possible to hand your furry friend off to a friend or family member, keep them confined in a secure room with some of their favourite possessions, as far away from the hustle and bustle as possible.

After you move

Be patient with your pet as they settle in to their new surroundings.

Housetrained dogs may have an accident inside or dogs that have moved past their digging stage might suddenly dig a hole in your new lawn.

These types of things can be common responses to the stress of moving.

It can be a good idea to only let your pet outside on a leash until they have adapted to their new property and to not leave your pet home alone for a few days until they have settled in.

Getting back into a regular routine as soon as possible will help minimise the impact of moving on your pet.

For dogs, make sure you get back on regular meal and walk times straight away and take some breaks from unpacking to give your furry friend plenty of attention.