Tips to Successfully Move With Pets

Moving to a New Home with Pets

Can you see your Great Dane in an 800 square foot apartment in a downtown, urban cityscape? You may not have as many choices as you would like, but somethings will help ensure a good home for the pets.

Take a walk around the neighborhood and make note of parks and other owners out walking their dogs. Do the dogs seem aggressive? Are the owners friendly? Are their loose animals running around?

Obviously, cats require less square footage, but they do like to have vertical space for climbing and hiding. Your dog will have individual needs. An older dog or puppy may need more trips outside, so stairs or a house with no yard could prove to be a hindrance.

Packing Up Your Home With Pets

Cats hate change. You can help you cat, or a nervous dog, by bringing in boxes several weeks early. Keep your furry family in a familiar room as you pack, and on moving day, keep them in a quiet room with food and water. This will ensure they can’t run away.

Moving Day with Pets

Many pets haven’t spent significant time in crates or cars. In the months prior to the move, begin to acclimate them to their crates. You can put food inside and let them get used to it. Try carrying your pets in the crate or taking them for a short drive. In addition, you can encourage them to develop a positive association with the crates or car trips by giving them a treat at the end.

Pet-Proofing Your New Home

It also makes sense to pet-proof your new home. Secure electrical cords, block nooks where your pet could get stuck, ensure that windows have secure screens, and remove any pest control poison traps that may have been left around.

Helping Your Pets Settle In

When you finally arrive at your new home, it might be very tempting to let Fido and Fluffy loose to let them explore. This is not always a wise action, especially for cats. Set up a space for them in one room as a home base, which should have their favorite foods, treats, toys, and water.

When they seem comfortable, let them out gradually into other rooms in the house, but keep some doors shut. You can relocate the litter box gradually to a more permanent location by moving it out a little bit each day.

With love and patience, Fido and Fluffy will be comfortable in their new home in no time.