While you may find moving to be stressful, it’s likely far more stressful for your pet. If you’re moving with your pet and want to know how to help them adjust to your new home, here are some tips to help.
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Take Steps to Avoid Unwanted Surprises
Certain unexpected inconveniences can arise that could be potentially problematic when moving your pet with you.
Before moving, check with the local laws and determine if you need a new license, whether there are any breed bans in your location, or what the specific leash laws state. While your landlord may be okay with a pitbull in your apartment, local law enforcement may say otherwise.
You should also locate a new vet beforehand so you always know where to go for checkups and emergencies. Different areas will come with different health risks to your pet, which you may not be aware about unless you visit a vet.
Also, get your dog microchipped in case they ever get lost, and include your phone number on their collar if they wear one.
Preparing for the Move
Once you have determined what to expect with your pet relocation service when you get to where your new home is, it’s time to actually prepare your pet for the actual move.
First, you should crate train your pet if they are traveling via a crate. You should also consider a convenient pop-up crate designed with the pet’s comfort in mind. When packing, consider placing suitcases and boxes around the house prior to actually moving so the pet doesn’t get overly anxious when move day comes.
Other steps to take include training your dog to stop barking if you’re moving to an apartment or getting them used to smaller spaces, simulating the environment of the new home, asking your vet about calming medication for the trip, and anti-anxiety gear.
How to Help Your Pet Adjust to the New Home Environment
Once you have finally moved, you can then begin to help your pet transition to a new life and get comfortable.
This will entail pet-proofing the new place by using gates or fences, keeping your dog on a leash to indicate where they shouldn’t go, creating a familiar space with beds, toys, and crates in a setup similar to the old place, and introducing your pet to the neighborhood over time when walking them.
Your dogs may be particularly active following the move as well, but you can help them calm down and distract them with brain games or by hiding food in various places around the house where pets are allowed.
Taking these steps can help make sure your move goes the way you want it to from start to finish, all while making sure your pets are consistently satisfied and enjoy the transition as much as possible. Moving can be an anxiety-inducing process for both pets and their owners, but your pets won’t need to worry if you work to keep them content.