Moving is a stressful time for everyone, and that includes family pets. In 2021, Americans spent an estimated $124 billion on pet products, services and care. While that may be a sign of the love that we shower on our pets, it often happens that we tend to overlook the trauma that moving places on them.With a little planning, you can reduce the stress on your cat or dog and make the transition as painless as possible.
Packing
Pets are sensitive to atmosphere and emotions. When the packing starts, they will sense the change in the home atmosphere and feel unsettled. Bringing in the moving boxes early and allowing the pets to get familiar with them helps to reduce the uncertainty they feel. On the day of moving, keep your pet in a quiet room with the door shut to insulate them from noise and movement. Keep checking on your pet to reassure them. Alternatively, ask a friend whom your pet is familiar with to care for them for the day. The more normal the pet’s routine, the better it is.
Planning
Many pets spend very little time in cars or crates. In the weeks before the move, acclimatize your pet to a crate, first by placing treats in it and then by placing their food in it. Once your pet is happy in it,start closing the door and slowly increase the time spent in the crate. Place the crate in different rooms so the crate becomes the place of comfort, not the room your pet is in. Start taking the pet out for a drive in the car.
Pet Proofing
Before allowing your pet to enter the new home, make sure that it is pet-proof. Do not take past behavior for granted. A dog that never chewed cables in the past may start to do so in a new place because of the strangeness of the surroundings.
Settling In
A new home can be unsettling for the pet. At first, allow the pet to adjust to one room by placing food, water treats, toys, the bed and so on in there. Once your pet is comfortable, introduce another room and keep repeating the process until the new house becomes a home.
These are just general guidelines for pet owners. No one knows your pet as well as you do so modify these general rules to suit your dog or cat’s personality. Whatever else you may or may not decide to do, keep in mind that your pet loves you as much, if not more, than you love him or her. Just being near the pet (where you can be seen, smelled, or heard) during the moving process will give them a real feeling of comfort. Long periods away from familiar faces only adds to the trauma. If you are moving in winter, make sure that your pet is always warm and comfortable.
If you are using a professional moving company, whether long-distance or local moving, ask the company for any advice or tips they can offer. One Move Movers, a leading Bay Area moving and storage company, has done all kinds of moves for all kinds of clients. Their experience could provide you with some useful input on keeping your pet safe and happy during the move.
