Moving to a new home is certainly a joyous occasion. A fancy apartment, a lively neighbourhood, or an entirely new city are all rather exciting. However, this may also be a rather stressful time in your life. It takes a lot of careful planning and even more adapting and being flexible throughout the process.
One particularly stressful part of moving is moving with pets. They can find this whole process pretty confusing. Pets like to stick to their usual surroundings and a sudden change will often cause them to feel anxious. During this unpleasant process, you need to keep their needs in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Dedicate a Specific Space in the New Home
The first step in making the transition smooth is setting up a separate space for your pets in the new home. If your pets aren’t used to changes of scenery, they might find it strange once you take them to the new space.
Since this entire process involves a lot of movement throughout the houses, tucking your pets safely away will reduce their anxiety. Make sure to place their belongings here – bedding, toys, water, and other necessities.
If possible, you can have a member of your family or a familiar friend stay with them to further reduce the stress. Don’t forget to check on them to ensure everything is in order.
Prepare Your Pet
Preparing the space is important, but preparing your pets is essential. Especially if this is their first time moving, you should gradually introduce them to what is to come.
For instance, you could familiarise them with moving supplies. Make sure to show them boxes, crates, and other moving supplies. Let them sniff around and keep these supplies in the house for a few days. This will help them get used to their presence.
Having moving supplies become a part of their routine will reduce both their fear and curiosity when the moving day arrives.
Adjust Them to the New Environment
Another way to prepare your pets for the move is to adjust them to the new home. Make sure to gradually introduce them to their new surroundings. Take them to explore one room at a time and keep them on a leash if you find it more useful. Let them explore the building, block and the perimeter of the property daily if possible!
If you’re relocating to a completely new area, make sure to check out gorgeous houses for sale in Kedron Brisbane. Here, you might find the perfect property with a huge backyard that both you and your pets will adore. Make sure to take them to the yard whenever you get the opportunity to get them to like their new home sooner.
On the other hand, if you have a cat, don’t let it go roaming as soon as you get to the new home. They tend to stress out more during a move than dogs, so make sure to take extra time with them.
Maintain Some Routine
There is a lot of comfort to be found in a simple routine. Waking up, eating, going for a walk or napping at the same time each day reduces anxiety in general. This logic works in the animal world too.
While relocating is confusing, staying consistent in feeding or walking times can do wonders for your pet. As soon as you have settled, make sure to keep working on your routine. Allowing your pets to adjust to their new space takes time, but this simple step will make it all much faster and easier.
Monitor Your Pet
Pets can show signs of anxiety or discomfort in various ways. Once the move is finished, you should keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour. Never ever leave them alone during or after the move for several hours! They might feel abandoned. Work your way up to leaving them in their new space and opt for delivery or take out as opposed to an evening out sans pooch!
Pay attention to changes in eating habits or sleep patterns. Even strange activity levels can be a sign of a potential issue. If your pet hides all the time or if they start behaving aggressively, your pet is most probably stressed out.
In that case, consult a veterinarian. Professional guidance and constant monitoring will ensure that your pet feels safe and sound and comfortable in your new home.
Conclusion
Relocating is far from being simple. Luckily, there are ways to make it easier for yourself through thorough preparation. Considering your pet’s needs on time will save you and them a lot of headache later on.
photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/black-labrador-retriever-puppy-on-brown-cardboard-box-ueehOftKiEU?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink
