Moving from home is a challenge for all involved. It is true even for that pet in your life. Pets settle into their home and establish routines and comfort spots just like we humans do. So when the pet parent decides it's time to make a change in home location, he or she needs to also consider how this will affect their pet and how to make the move as smooth as possible for the pet. Cats have a harder time adjusting to new settings. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to leave your pet where it is used to being. But, for the most part animals adjust well to new places and settings. Here are some tips to making life easier for your pet when moving.
- Make sure your pet has all the necessary shots. A trip to the vet is usually stressful for pets. Take care of the vet visit before you move. Don't combine vet visit with move. Or worse, take your pet to a new vet soon after moving. If you will have to board your pet during the move, it might need additional vaccinations to be accepted in to a boarding facility.
- Take extra time for your pet during the move. We all get busy with life and forget to give our pets the attention they need. It will help your pet feel better if you take a little extra time to give him or her attention in the middle of packing.
- Make the ride comfortable. If you are traveling long distance to your new home, make sure your pet's ride will be comfortable and safe. Having a kennel or pet carrier in your vehicle or the cab of the truck will ensure your pet will ride comfortably as possible. Have a blanket in the pet carrier and a bowl for water on the trip.
- Don't make changes to their lifestyle in the new home. Make one change at a time. If your cat was used to having his food and litter box in the house in the old place, don't put his or her food and litter box in the garage, for example. Too many changes at once is not advisable for pet, unless it can't be avoided. If you notice your pet is not eating or is hiding more than normal, chances are it is not comfortable with the setting in the new home. Try to make things as much like the old place as possible.
- Be patient. Adjusting takes time. Even we humans struggle at times to get used to a new place. We are creatures of habit. Establishing a new routine in a new place can take a while and perhaps longer for our pets. Give them space and lots of love and attention.
Pets are resilient. With a comfortable spot in the new home with familiar objects and loving attention, your pet will come to love the new home!
