Relocating can be a stressful time not only for you, but your pets as well. Here are some tips to help your pet stay safe and healthy during your relocation.
Prepare Your Pets
If your pet isn’t accustomed to their crate, this should be the first thing you do because this is how they will be transported to your new home and will have to stay in there for the length of the travel. Start by putting their food in there and have them eat inside their crate. Once they’re comfortable with getting in and out of their crate, put them inside their crate for a short car drive. This will get your pet comfortable with the feeling of the car and will show them they will be coming with you. Lastly, make positive associations with their crate by rewarding them with treats or playtime afterward.
Packing
Include your pets in the packing process by letting them play and smell the boxes to satisfy their curiosity. Keep these boxes in a familiar room where your pet will usually spend a lot of time.
Contact Your Vet
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and if they’re on any medication that you have enough to last you through the relocation process. This is also a great chance to ask your vet for recommendations for a new vet in your area. Don’t forget to get a copy of your pet’s records to take with you to your new vet.
Moving Day
On moving day keep your pets secluded in a quiet room with the door shut or at a friend’s house. This helps ensure that your pet stays safe and avoids the situation of them trying to escape during the move.
Pet Proof Your New Home
When your pet gets scared, they may act out or want to hide. Ensuring you fix or block any nooks where they could get stuck or hide without you knowing is important to do when you first arrive in your new home. Put away any loose electrical cords they could chew out of reach and ensure the window screens are secure if your pet likes to spend time looking out the window.
Settling In
New and unfamiliar places can be overwhelming, so start by allowing your pet to adjust to one room. This is where you should put their favorite toys and treats, water, food, and litter box if you have a cat. When they seem comfortable gradually introduce them to other rooms.
Avoid Changing Their Routine
Try to keep their feeding, walking, and playtime consistent so they have something that stays familiar to them.
Remember all pets react differently to change, so move things with them as they start to seem more comfortable.
-The BDAR Team