Preparing Pets for a Move


Posted on Wednesday, August 18, 2021

As you prepare to move into your new home in Vanbrooke, spare a thought for your pets. Are they ready for the move? Probably not. There are ways you can help them to successfully settle into their new home. Here are a few tips:

Walk Your Dog

You can’t talk to dogs about the move, but as long as you aren’t moving in from out of state, you can show them their new neighborhood. Drive to where your new home will be and let them sniff around. Do it as frequently as you can. If they know they’ve been there, they are likely to be more comfortable on moving day.

Visit the Vet

Visit your current vet to make sure your pets are healthy. Discuss the move. If your pet is anxious, the vet might be able to prescribe medication. Pets can and do try to get back to their old homes, so get yours microchipped. If you are going to need a new vet, have your old vet transfer your pets’ medical records. Make an appointment with the new vet so you and your pet feel comfortable and to establish care in case of an emergency.

Boxes are for Sniffing

There are going to be a lot of boxes in the house. Your dog will sniff them and their contents. Your cat may try to use them as toys or a bed (check before taping the lids). Don’t pack your pets’ toys until the last minute. They won’t understand and could try tearing the box apart to get to them.

Pack a Doggy Bag

There will be a lot of hustle and bustle the day of the move, and you don’t want your pets’ favorite things to get lost in the shuffle. Pack a doggy bag with your pet’s food, a bowl for water, favorite toys and a special blanket.

Call a Friend

Open doors invite escape, particularly when your pet is confused. Board your pets the day of the move if you can. If you can’t, find a friend willing to take them for a few hours. If all else fails, put them in an empty room with a sign on the door to let movers know not to enter.

Keep to a Routine

If your pet is not being boarded, be sure to keep to their usual routine no matter how busy your day gets. That means taking them for their morning walks, feeding them at the usual hour and taking time to play with them. They will feel less stressed.

Unpack Your Pet First

Your pets will feel less anxious if they can find familiar items in their new home. Unpack their beds, food and water dishes and toys first. If you can, put them in approximately the same spot they would occupy in your old home so pets can easily find them.

Take Time Off

If you can take time off, you should do so. Your pet is bound to be uncertain. They may even be afraid of being left in a new environment. Talk to them, play with them, keep their routine the same. Once they know you are there for them, they will adjust.

Remember They are Confused

Pets are territorial and in one fell swoop, their territory has been taken from them. Allow them to sniff their new abode. Keep dogs on leashes and cats inside until you are sure they have adjusted. Don’t be surprised if there is some bad behavior. Treat it in the same manner you would at your old home, but be understanding. Moving is as hard on your pet as it is on you.

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