We all know moving home is a major life change for everyone and that is a valid statement for humans as well as their pet companions. With almost half of households in UK owning a pet (most popular being dogs and cats – 44% of pet owners) this post looks at ways to ensure they make the transition into your new home as smoothly as possible.
So here are a few tips to help you and your pets survive a house move with minimal stress levels.
Find a temporary home for your pet
Probably the least stressful way of managing a move – for both humans and pets – is by leaving them overnight with family, friends or someone offering pet boarding services. That way, you will be able to focus on the move and your cat or dog will be sheltered from the disruption and moving boxes. Bring them home when everything is settled and you have a bit more time and energy to pay attention to your pet. Ideal, isn’t it?!
Transport safety
Sometimes a temporary home is simply not an option so all we can do as pet owners is try to manage and minimise stress levels as well as ensure our pets safety during the move. Asking your vet for advice is a good first step when planning to move a pet into a new home.
Cats and dogs can be transported in the car in a crate or a kennel. Sometimes pets are more comfortable with a blanket covering the crate, so keep one handy to prevent unnecessary stress. Only let them out on a lead or when safe inside your new home. Even in the first couple of weeks, some animals may have an instinct to wonder trying to find their old neighbourhood or simply get lost in the new surroundings, so allow them to explore their new environment gradually and safely until they are fully settled.
Keep essentials handy
Just as you have an essentials kit for yourself, you could consider having a similar box for your pet: food, bowls, any medicine they might need, cat litter, toys, a lead, their bed should be the last ones to go in the moving van and the first one out in the new home. That way, one of the first things you can do when in your new home is find a quiet corner where pets can be left safely, surrounded by familiar items while the unloading and moving in is happening.
Hang on to familiar routines when possible
Try and make time for your dog and take them out at the usual hours as much as possible so there is as little disruption in their routine as possible. Most likely, pets need more attention during a stressful move, to reassure them in the new environment.
Vets and microchips
Remember to update your pet’s microchip with the new address, let the vet know you have moved and transfer you pet’s information to a new local vet if necessary.
Clyde Property is a leading independent, multiple award-winning estate and letting agent with more than 30 years’ experience in selling and letting property in Scotland. Just call your local Clyde Property branch today for friendly, impartial advice on finding your next dream home.
