How to Keep Your Pets Happy During a Move

There are few things scarier than moving--for people and for pets. Animals thrive on routine, but during a move routines are seriously disrupted. You can minimize the stress your dog or cat will feel by doing some planning before moving with pets. Smaller animals, such as hamsters and gerbils, usually don’t show as much stress as dogs and cats and will be the easiest animals to move. Birds are very sensitive to sounds, movements, sights and smells and will need to be treated more delicately.If your cat or dog is stressed during the move, she may respond with the “fight or flight” response. This response occurs during times of stress when large amounts of adrenaline surge through the body, giving a person or animal the extra energy to stay and “fight” or run (“flight”) as fast as they can. If your pet is stressed, he could run out the door, threaten the movers or destroy your furniture. In order to prevent any of this from happening, it is best to have a plan that will keep your pet away from the chaos of the move.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Keep Your Pets Happy During a Move

1. Take your pet to your new home, if possible, and let him explore.

2. Find a new veterinarian if you will be moving far away.

3. Pack several gallons of water from your old home. A few days of familiar tasting water may help ease your pet’s adjustment to his new home.

4. Order new identification tags as soon as you know your new address and place them on your pet prior to beginning the move.

5. Pack a box for pet supplies: food, litter, food and water bowls, leashes and toys. Take this box in your car with you and you will have no trouble finding it when you need it.

6. If you think your dog would be too disruptive during the move, board him at a kennel for the day.

7. Place your pet in an empty room at your old home that the movers will not need to enter. Put food, water and bedding in the room and place a “do not enter” sign on the door. Do the same in your new home. If you have a cat or smaller dog, a bathroom may work well.

8. Hire a pet-sitter to keep your pet company in your old and new homes.

9. Remember that it will take your pet some time to adjust to your new home, but in a relatively short time, your new house or apartment will feel like home for both of you.