Moving is a stressful time and it’s no different for our pets. They are generally territorial and often create strong environmental bonds. If you can’t place your pet in a cattery, kennels or with friends during the move – try these tips.
Travelling
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Ensure your pet is in a safe, secure carrier with no room for escape. Try spraying some synthetic pheromone on bedding such as Feliway for cats to help keep them calm.
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Ensure the vehicle is cool and not noisy – turn the radio down and the air conditioning up.
Indoors
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On arrival keep your dog or cat confined to a single room with some familiar furniture. Put food and water down plus bedding from their previous set up. Pets like rabbits, hamsters and birds should be kept in their original cage or hutch for familiarity.
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Keep strangers away as all animals are unpredictable when afraid.
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Cats and dogs should have gradual access to the rest of house, but ensure all windows, doors and escape routes are closed.
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Keep feeding and walking routines at similar times to build up their confidence.
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If you are doing any DIY’s such as painting make sure you have fume-free varieties and don’t paint a room that your pet is shut in.
Outdoors
Cats:
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Cats should be kept indoors for at least two weeks. Ensure you have lots of cat litter – you’ll need one litter tray per cat.
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When you let your cat out for the first time make sure they haven’t just eaten and they are wearing a tagged quick release collar if the microchip isn’t up-to-date yet. Don’t panic if Tiddles jumps straight over the fence. Give them time, call for them and shake those treats. An empty stomach often wins over the urge to explore.
Dogs:
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Dogs should be kept on the lead until you’re sure the area is safe. Check the garden over thoroughly and put a warning on the gate. Even the most placid dog may nip if it feels threatened in a new environment.
Outside Pets:
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Keep an eye on where the sun falls and where cold drafts are in the new garden and make your pet comfortable as necessary. Some extra straw to hide in would be appreciated too.
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Before you let your pets out into their run, check your grass over for unsuitable weeds.
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Give the run a thorough check too in case it was damaged in transit.
The golden rules when moving home are to keep your pets securely confined for a time and reduce stress with familiar objects and routines.
Good luck and happy moving.
