Moving home with pets can be a stressful experience for both you and your furry companions. To ensure a smooth transition and minimise their anxiety, consider the following advice:
- Update identification and microchips: Just before the move, make sure your pets are wearing collars with updated ID tags and update their microchips with the new address. In the event that they get lost during the move, this will increase the chances of a safe return.
- Keep them away from the action: On moving day, consider leaving your pets with a trusted friend or boarding them. This will protect them from the chaos and stress of the moving process.
- Stick to routines: As much as possible, maintain their regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedules. Familiar routines will help them feel more at ease during this transition.
- Reintroduce outdoor time slowly: If your pets have always had outdoor access, you need to reintroduce it slowly. Do not let dogs out into the garden until you have checked the boundaries thoroughly for hazards or potential escape routes, like damaged fences, or holes dug by wildlife. Keep cats in for at least 4 – 6 weeks until they get used to their new home, and to begin with only let them out supervised, during the day time, and on an empty stomach – hungry cats have a reason to come back!
- Show love and attention: During this transition, your pets will need extra love and attention. Spend quality time with them to reassure them that everything will be okay.
Moving with pets requires planning and consideration, but with the right approach, you can make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry friends.