Moving house may be a fraught experience for us, but spare a thought for your pets. Take some steps to alleviate pet anxiety and your new home will quickly become their new happy place.
Give your pets a break
You will have enough to do during the home move without having to worry about pet stress, so you might want to consider giving them a little holiday.
Somewhere familiar like the home of a friend or family member could be the ideal place for them to stay, but it’s best to avoid taking your pet somewhere they don’t know as this could add to their anxiety.
Calm pets make calmer owners
Natural pet calming sprays and diffusers will help your pet with their anxiety and stress. The unique blend of essential oils in Pet Remedy products works on the natural relaxation pathways of animal brains and nervous systems. Check it out for yourself:
Helping pets move out
The first sign of a suitcase or a packing box might be enough for your pet to fret that something is afoot. Consider taking these steps as moving day approaches:
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- Maintain your pet’s normal routine as much as possible in the days before you move.
- Pop your pet into a quiet room away from the main activity on moving day. The bustle of boxes being moved and furniture being upended by unfamiliar people will freak them out. Ensure they have some of their favourite things with them (toys, food bowls and beds).
- If your dog or cat has a crate that they consider to be a safe place and are happy to chill out in, then let them.
- Nominate someone to be your pet’s companion on moving day. If you have children, this can be their role. This brings the double benefit of keeping the kids and your pets occupied and out of the way.
Helping your pet experience a stress-free journey
Some pets enjoy travelling, but many more hate it. The longer the journey, the more likely your furry, feathered or scaly friend will experience stress along the way.
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- If your pet is used to being on the road then that’s one battle won. If not, you might want to consider introducing them to the inside of the vehicle a few times before the big day itself.
- Make sure your pet is secure inside the car. Even if your dog rarely causes any bother on the road, their stress levels are likely already raised when you’re moving house, so a crate is a good idea. Cats should never be on the loose inside a car and small mammals, birds and reptiles will, of course, need to be in their familiar enclosures.
- There’s nothing worse than being bumped about, so put plenty of soft items inside pet crates and cages to protect them on the journey.
- Take regular breaks if the journey is a long one. This means you can safely give your pet some food and drink. If you have a dog, regular toilet stops are essential. Anxiety alone can make a pooch need to “go” more frequently.
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Helping your pet move in
Your new dream home could initially be a nightmare for your pet. It takes time for any pet to settle into a new environment, especially cats and dogs. The first few hours and days can be particularly distressing.
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- Choose a quiet space away from the unpacking activity. Close the door until everything has been unloaded and all unfamiliar movers and helpers have departed.
- Once all has settled down, close all the windows and doors and allow your cat or dog to explore its new surroundings. The same applies to small mammals and reptiles, so set them up in their new room as soon as possible to familiarise themselves with the unfamiliar sights and smells.
- Beds and food bowls can go in your new pet’s intended sleeping place as soon as possible. Keep cats indoors for a few days, and if you’re walking your dog in the new neighbourhood, keep them on the lead for the first few days.
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…and relax
Pets soon settle into new environments, as will you. Don’t be alarmed by any unusual behaviour and offer plenty of reassurance. The most important thing for any new home with pets is that you’re all together and it will soon become home sweet home.
Our New home kit is the perfect way to welcome your pet into their new surroundings in a calm and stress-free manner. It also makes a great gift if you know a pet lover who is moving house.
For lots more advice and products that can help you with the health and wellbeing of your pet, check out our store and advice guides.
