So, you have your interstate removalists booked, your new place purchased, your packing boxes ready to be filled – your ducks are well and truly in a row, right? Well yes, kind of, but there are a couple of little extra considerations you need to make for a smooth transition, and those little considerations are your furry family members.
Pets don’t handle change the same way humans do, so it is important to make special considerations to ensure this new chapter runs smoothly for them. To help you achieve this smooth transition, here are six do’s and don’ts of moving to a new house with animal family members:
1.Do Maintain a Routine
Animals thrive on reliable routines. So keep their feeding, playtime, and bathroom schedule consistent during the move. Doing so will help them feel comfortable and settled throughout the changes taking place in their old and new homes. This familiarity will help ease their transition.
2.Don’t Remove All Their Stuff
Don’t pack up all your pets’ stuff. Instead, keep a ‘pet pack’ handy with all their favorite items, like blankets, treats, and toys. This keeps them comfortable and calm amid all the moving chaos. Just like your essentials, they need theirs too.
3.Do Get a Pet Sitter for Moving Day
Dogs and cats can get stressed when they are anxious or scared, which is why it is so important to get them into the hands of a minder when it comes to moving day. A cattery or kennel, or even friends or family members your pet knows, can provide a safe and calm environment whilst you get on with the move. Additionally, with doors being opened and closed, and different people coming in and out of the house, it makes sense to have your pets somewhere safe to ensure they don’t end up escaping and wandering around on the road.
4.Don’t Punish Your Pets for Accidents
It is so important not to punish a pet for accidents during a move. The reason they have accidents during this time is because they are anxious, scared, or worried. More support and positive reinforcement need to be provided, especially for cats who are proven not to respond to punishment in regard to correctional behavior. In fact, punishing a cat can damage their bond with you, so it’s definitely one to avoid.
5.Do Put Familiar Smells into the New House
A dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be up to 100,000 times better than that of a human, with cats having a sense of smell around 14,000 times stronger than a human’s. Putting familiar items into your new home, like blankets and beds, means the new place won’t be totally unfamiliar to them. With familiar smells around them, your pet will feel comfort and security as they settle into their new home.
6.Don’t Hold Back on Affection
Your pet requires lots of reassurance and love during such a big change. This includes extra treats, extra walks, lots of cuddles, and plenty of warm praise for them. This will help them bond more to you, even if they don’t yet feel as bonded to their surroundings. For dogs, this may look like lots more time with them. With cats, you have to let them find a dark, safe corner. When they come out to explore and ask for affection, give them plenty.
By following the simple guidelines above, you can ensure a smooth and happy transition for both you and your beloved pets. Here’s to a paws-itively successful move!