Moving house can be stressful enough for us humans, let alone our furry friends. How could you make the home removals, move, and transition easier? Here are our top 10 tips for moving with pets.
- Arrange a place for your pets to stay on moving day, especially if they are frightened by loud noises. Perhaps a friend’s house, cattery, or kennels could help? If this isn’t possible, you could clear and dedicate a room for your pet to stay in whilst you pack and load all your belongings. Move all furniture and boxes out of that room ahead of moving day. Popping a radio or TV on for background noise might help drown out any loud noises such as those caused by moving furniture. Try to keep them in a room or space with the least activity and noise. Keeping your pets bedding, cage, toys, water bowls and other equipment at hand will be of great comfort to them.
- Register with a new vet in advance if you are moving to a new area. Check your pet’s microchip when available, so they are registered to your new address, and ensure all your contact details, their medication details, and any other information is correct. Should the worst happen and your pet runs off or hides for a while, you would be much more likely to be reunited if this information is up-to-date and correct.
- Plan their meals in advance. Ideally it’s best to avoid feeding your animals within two hours of travelling, as this can contribute to travel sickness. If you have a pet that gets very travel sick, it might be worth popping absorbent puppy pads in their crate or on the seat to make life easier when clearing up any accidents. Offer smaller meals throughout the day rather than big meals, as this will keep them busy and is a good distraction tactic. You could always have their favourite treats on hand as a reward.
- If you have a dog, could you take them for walks or visit the location where your new house is so they become familiar with the surroundings in advance? Regular dog walks and visits in advance will help your dog get used to all the new smells and familiarise them with their new setting. Could you perhaps introduce your dog to new neighbours?
- Before you move, check things like fences to ensure they are secure. Are there any poisonous plants in your new garden? Do you need to install a cat flap? Is the room that your pet will be in safe and secure while you unpack? Are windows shut? Could you make a sign for the door so nobody opens it accidentally? Ensure there are no dangers in the room, including no tools or equipment.
- Consider pheromone diffusers. You can get pheromone diffusers for pets that help soothe cats to make the transition less stressful. You could use a diffuser in the home you are moving from to relax your pet, as there might be loud noises from furniture being dismantled or belongings being moved around. You could use one in the room they are in as you pack up, and pop one in the room they will be in the other end in your new home. These diffusers are undetectable to humans so don’t worry, nobody will be falling asleep!
- Assign someone to be in charge of your pet or pets on moving day to keep an eye on their well-being and look after them. If that’s not possible, then just ensure you are giving them plenty of attention and reassurance throughout the day. Lots of cuddles, treats and reassuring words should help. Try not to leave them for long periods without checking in.
- Create a safe space in your new home as soon as you arrive before unpacking. This means they can get used to the smells and sounds, and should make them feel safe and relaxed. Choose an area or room that won’t be too busy. You could put their bed in this space, or use a blanket of that hasn’t been washed so it has a familiar smell. It’s easy for pets to feel disorientated, so placing some familiar belongings in their space will help.
- If you have a cat, keep them inside for a while. They often need time to adjust, and if they are stressed they could bolt. Make sure doors and windows are shut. Cats are very territorial so should ideally be kept indoors for at least a week or two. When you decide it’s the right time to let them out, it’s worth leaving some familiar items in the garden, such as wellies, pots from your old house, some toys, etc. This means your scent will be recognisable for them when they find their way home.
- Pets are your responsibility. A removals or packing team are not responsible for transporting animals – it is your responsibility. Ensure you have the space in your vehicle to move them or ask someone you trust. To comply with the highway code, all pets need to be safely restrained in vehicles, so you might need a pet carrier or secure harness. If the weather is warm or if you have a long distance to travel, do you have a collapsible water and food bowl? This is handy for breaks and ensures pets are well fed & hydrated. Leaving your pet until last is ideal. Move everything else first and taking them with you when you do your last run or leave your old home for the last time. Once you are in your new home try to set some time aside so make them feel at ease. You will most likely have a huge to do list but little pockets of time will be reassuring. Try to keep walk and meal times the same so that their normal routine isn’t disrupted.
