Moving Your Pets

Moving Your Pets Stress Free

Thinking about moving your pets? Well, it's not going to be as easy as you might think. Relocation for pets is a major life change - much more so than for humans. In fact, most vets agree that pets can suffer more stress when relocating than their owners. So it's important you make the move as easy and stress-free for them as possible. While every pet is different, here are the major factors to take into account.

Plan A Sleepover For Your Pets

One way to spare your pets stress is to arrange for them to stay with a friend for a few days. After the move is complete, you can bring your pets to their new home and allow them to adjust to one major change rather than a whole series of upsetting and repeated changes to their environment.

Pack Your Pet's Possessions Last

Packing your pet's toys may not seem like a big deal to you, but it can be for your pet. So do the right thing and leave the packing of their toys - even the ones they don't use - until last. 

Last Packed, First Unpacked

As stressed above, when moving leave the packing of your pet's toys until last and unpack them first - before you move your pet to the new home. Remember that your new home is strange and unfamiliar to your pets. So when they see familiar items like their toys and litter box and so fourth, the entire experience will be a lot less unsettling. 

Give Your Pets Lots Of Attention

Moving your pets can be a lot less stressful for them if you pay them lots of love and attention during the process. Especially when you're showing your pets new and important areas like the dog/cat door and kittie litter. Pat them and praise them when they use these essentials.  

Leave The Cats Indoors For A While

Most vets agree that you should lock your cat inside your new home for at least the first two weeks. That way, they'll get used to their new surrounding and will be less tempted to run away back to your old home. After about two weeks, let your cat explore the outdoor environment in steps. Don't let them take everything in at once. Let your cat explore the backyard for an hour or two for a few days, then increase it as your cat becomes more confident in your new home.  

Basically, by following this advice, you'll be making the entire experience of moving as stress-free for your pets as possible - which, of course, will make your life easier and a lot less stressful. Good luck!