Moving is very stressful for humans and for pets. If you are moving into a new home and are not sure how to help your pets acclimate, there are several ways of getting your pet used to the new place. While all pets have their unique personalities and might respond a little differently, the following methods are commonly used and are likely to work for most pets.
Make packing stress-free.
Give yourself and your pets plenty of time to pack. Pets pick up on environmental changes, so it can help to keep pets in a room where things look familiar while you pack. You might even set aside a couple of boxes or other safe packing materials that your pet can play with.
If packing is too much hassle, or causing undue stress on you and your pet, you might consider hiring a moving company to help out. Companies like Midway Moving & Storage can help you to get everything in order and moved on to the new place so you can focus on your family and pets. Pets can sense your stress, so reducing that can make them feel better about the whole process.
Use calming methods before you travel.
Whether you’re driving fifteen minutes away or taking a plane to a different country, it’s a good idea to practice calming techniques with pets before you set off. Taking long drives, camping trips, or even staying over with a friend can help your pet get used to getting out of the house with you. During this time you will also want to get your pet used to spending time in their crate/carrier. The more comfortable they are with being in the confined space, the better they will be able to handle the move. Also, if they feel safe in their crate, they’ll have a safe place to go while getting used to their new home.
If your pet seems too agitated or distraught in the days before departure, you might also ask your vet about calming medications. There are prescriptions and over-the-counter options available, including natural herbal remedies. Tranquilizers are a more severe option but, if vet prescribed, can be effective in calming high-anxiety pets while traveling long distances to keep them calm and safe. Be sure to get your veterinarian’s suggestions and advice before starting any treatment.
Slowly introduce pets to a new home.
Most pets do best when slowly introduced to a new home. Start them off in a pet-proofed room where things might look familiar to them. It might even help to have toys, blankets, or pet beds in there along with food and water (and a litter box if you have a cat). Let them go room by room, exploring as they go. Some animals will take longer than others to adjust to the new surroundings, but the more it looks and smells like home, the better they will acclimate. Spend plenty of time with them as they roam, and keep things positive. If your pets know you’re happy and comfortable, they’ll know they can relax a little.
Moving is always a stressful time for our furry friends, but there is a lot we can do to help them through it. Whether your pet needs a little bit of reassurance, or a lot of love, they’ll need you to let them know it’s all going to be ok. You never know, maybe they can help you get used to the new place too!
