Moving to a new home can be a complicated task, not only for people, but also for their pets, who see how everything around them suddenly changes, causing them anxiety and stress that can affect their behaviour as well as their state of health.
For this reason it is very important that we take into consideration some elements that will make the moving process much easier for your beloved pet.
What should we do before moving with a pet?
First of all, it is essential to maintain your pet’s routine, i.e. give them their food and walk them at the same time and in the same place, so that they will feel that their life goes on in the same way.
It is also very important that you take your pet to the vet before moving to check their health, give them their vaccinations, and at the same time ask for a vaccination certificate if they don’t have one.
If your pet has any health problems or is older, ask the vet if it would be advisable to give it some kind of sedative to calm it down during the moving process.
On the other hand, so that your pet does not suffer the typical stress of a move, it is advisable to take it to a relative’s or friend’s house while you pack up your belongings and transport them to the new place.
However, if you don’t have a place to leave your pet, keep it in a closed room, this will protect it and prevent it from getting hurt when moving objects from one place to another.
One thing you should avoid is washing your pet’s things, such as clothes or bed sheets, as they usually feel much safer when they detect their own smell. Remember that when they arrive at their new home, all the smells will be different than usual.
Another excellent recommendation is to take your pet to the new home before the move, so that it can familiarise itself with the place; of course, as long as the new destination is nearby and the conditions of the lease or sale contract allow it.
When moving with your pet, don’t forget the following:
- Medical and vaccination certificates.
- Their usual food and toys.
- Food and water bowls and food bowls.
- Bedding, sheets or towels used for sleeping.
- Your leashes or leads.
- Napkins, rags or towels for cleaning.
- Your medicines if you have them.
- A cage cover if you have rodents or birds.
- A shovel and plastic bags to pick up dirt.
Final recommendations
If you are moving a long way, be sure to feed and hydrate your pet before you leave. Also, if possible, try to take a break every so often, so that your pet can get out of the vehicle, walk around and relieve itself.
When transporting your pet, make sure it is safe inside the vehicle and try to avoid moving it around, as this could distract the driver and cause an accident.
Be aware of the temperature of the vehicle when you have to get out and you cannot get your pet out, remember that they are not allowed in all places.
When you arrive at your destination, make sure that the facilities of the new home are completely safe and that your pet does not have the possibility of escaping, since being in an unknown area it is very likely that he/she will get lost.
Once inside the house, unpack your pet’s everyday items such as toys, bedding, towels and sheets, as well as its food and water bowls, so that it can smell its own scent and calm down. Also try to find a space for her to stay while you unpack.
Finally, when you are settled in your new home, try to maintain your pet’s daily routine by feeding her at the same time and taking her out for walks so that she becomes familiar with the new place.