moving house pets
01 Aug
Moving Advice

Pets and Packing: Creating a Stress-Free Moving Experience for Your Furry Friends

Moving House – Pets and Packing

Moving house is often a stressful experience for all involved, but our furry friends can find it particularly challenging. They thrive on routine and familiar surroundings, so the chaos of packing, the presence of removal boxes, and the journey to a new home can be overwhelming for them. Fortunately, there are several strategies to make the process smoother and less stressful for your pets. This comprehensive guide will explore various ways to ensure a stress-free moving experience for your furry companions.

Understanding Pet Stress During Moving House

Pets, particularly cats and dogs, can experience significant stress during a move. Recognising the signs of stress and understanding their causes is the first step in mitigating their anxiety.

Common Signs of Stress in Pets

    1. Changes in Behaviour: Increased aggression, hiding, or clinginess can indicate stress.
    2. Physical Symptoms: Loss of appetite, excessive grooming, or digestive issues.
    3. Vocalisation: Increased barking, whining, or meowing.
    4. Destructive Behaviour: Chewing, scratching, or other destructive actions.

Causes of Stress in Pets

    1. Environmental Changes: Moving boxes and unfamiliar sights can be unsettling.
    2. Disruption of Routine: Changes in feeding, walking, and sleeping patterns.
    3. Strangers in the Home: Presence of movers and visitors.
    4. Separation Anxiety: Fear of being left behind or taken away from familiar surroundings.

Preparing for the Move

Preparation is key to reducing stress for your pets. Here are some steps to help your pets acclimate to the idea of moving house.

Gradual Introduction to Boxes for Moving House

    1. Early Exposure: Start bringing in removal boxes and packing materials a few weeks before the move. Allow your pets to explore and sniff them.
    2. Positive Associations: Place treats or toys near or inside the boxes to create positive associations.
    3. Avoid Sudden Changes: Gradually increase the number of boxes rather than introducing them all at once.

Maintain Routine

    1. Consistency: Keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as consistent as possible.
    2. Familiar Spaces: Ensure your pet’s favourite sleeping spot remains unchanged until the last moment.

Veterinary Check-Up

    1. Health Check: Schedule a visit to the vet to ensure your pet is healthy before the move.
    2. Medication: If your pet has severe anxiety, consult your vet about possible medications or supplements.
    3. Microchip and Tags: Update your pet’s microchip information and tags with your new address.

Secure a Safe Space

    1. Designated Area: Create a quiet, secure space in your home where your pet can retreat during the packing process.
    2. Comfort Items: Place their bed, favourite toys, and a piece of your clothing in this space to provide comfort.

Packing Day Strategies

The actual packing day can be chaotic, so it’s essential to have strategies in place to keep your pet calm and safe.
Read more about MOVING HOUSE PACKING TIPS here.

Minimise Disruptions

    1. Secure Space: Keep your pet in a quiet room away from the hustle and bustle of packing.
    2. Signage: Place a sign on the door indicating that the room should not be disturbed.
    3. Familiar Items: Ensure the room contains familiar items, such as their bed and toys.

Use Calming Aids

    1. Pheromone Sprays: Products like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs can help reduce anxiety.
    2. Calming Music: Play soothing music designed for pets to help mask the noise of packing.

Involve a Friend or Family Member

    1. Pet Sitting: If possible, have a trusted friend or family member take care of your pet during the busiest parts of the move.
    2. Daycare: Consider using a pet daycare service to keep your pet entertained and away from the chaos.

Moving Day Considerations

Moving day itself presents a host of new challenges. Ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during this time is crucial.

Transportation Preparation

    1. Familiar Carrier or Crate: Use a well-ventilated carrier or crate that your pet is accustomed to.
    2. Comfort Items: Place their favourite blanket or toy inside the carrier.
    3. Travel Safety: Secure the carrier in your vehicle to prevent movement during transit.

Minimise Stress During Transit

    1. Calm Demeanour: Stay calm and composed, as pets can pick up on your anxiety.
    2. Frequent Stops: For long journeys, make regular stops to allow your pet to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.
    3. Ventilation: Ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated and not too hot or cold.

Arrival at the New Home

    1. First In, Last Out: Bring your pet to the new home last, after furniture and other items are set up, to minimise stress.
    2. Designate a Safe Room: Prepare a quiet room with their bed, toys, and familiar items where they can stay while you unpack.

Settling into the New Home

Helping your pet adjust to their new environment is crucial for their well-being.

Gradual Introduction

    1. Explore One Room at a Time: Start with one room and gradually allow your pet to explore more of the house.
    2. Supervision: Supervise your pet’s exploration to ensure they don’t encounter any hazards.

Maintain Routine

    1. Consistent Schedule: Stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule to provide a sense of normalcy.
    2. Familiar Items: Use their old bed, toys, and bowls to help them feel at home.

Create Positive Experiences

    1. Treats and Praise: Reward your pet with treats and praise when they exhibit calm and positive behaviour.
    2. Interactive Play: Engage in interactive play to help them associate the new home with fun and positive experiences.

Monitor Behaviour

    1. Signs of Stress: Watch for signs of stress, such as changes in appetite, behaviour, or grooming habits.
    2. Veterinary Support: If stress or anxiety persists, consult your vet for additional support or advice.

Special Considerations for Different Pets

Different types of pets have unique needs and considerations during a move. Here are some specific tips for various pets:

Cats

    1. Secure Carrier: Ensure the carrier is secure and escape-proof, as cats can become particularly anxious during moves.
    2. Litter Box: Set up their litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location in the new home.
    3. Hideaways: Provide hiding spots where your cat can retreat and feel safe.

Dogs

    1. Leash and Collar: Keep your dog on a leash and collar at all times during the move to prevent them from running away.
    2. Familiar Walks: Take your dog for walks around the new neighbourhood to help them become familiar with the new environment.
    3. Crate Training: If your dog is crate trained, use the crate as their safe space during the move.

Small Animals

    1. Secure Enclosures: Ensure cages or enclosures are secure and well-ventilated during transport.
    2. Temperature Control: Small animals can be sensitive to temperature changes, so keep them in a temperature-controlled environment.
    3. Quiet Space: Set up their enclosure in a quiet, low-traffic area of the new home.

Birds

    1. Cage Cover: Cover the cage with a light cloth during transport to help keep your bird calm.
    2. Stable Perch: Ensure the cage has stable perches and is securely fastened in the vehicle.
    3. Gradual Adjustment: Introduce your bird to their new environment gradually, keeping their routine as consistent as possible.

Fish

    1. Temporary Tank: Use a temporary tank or sturdy, sealed container for transport.
    2. Water Conditions: Ensure the water conditions (temperature, pH) remain consistent during the move.
    3. Setup Quickly: Set up their tank as soon as possible upon arrival to minimize stress.

Dealing with Unexpected Challenges

Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges can arise during a move. Here’s how to handle some common issues:

Escaped Pets

    1. Immediate Action: Act quickly to secure your pet if they escape. Use familiar commands or treats to entice them back.
    2. Contact Information: Ensure your pet has up-to-date identification tags and is microchipped with your new contact information.

Illness or Injury

    1. Emergency Vet: Have the contact information for a nearby emergency vet in case your pet becomes ill or injured during the move.
    2. First Aid Kit: Keep a pet first aid kit handy for minor injuries or issues.

Persistent Anxiety

    1. Behavioural Support: Consider seeking help from a professional animal behaviorist if your pet’s anxiety persists.
    2. Comfort Items: Continue to use comfort items and calming aids to help your pet adjust.

Long-Distance and International Moves

Long-distance and international moves require additional planning and consideration. Here are some tips for these types of moves:

Long-Distance Moves

    1. Plan Ahead: Make detailed plans for rest stops, accommodations, and meals for your pet during the journey.
    2. Pet-Friendly Hotels: Research and book pet-friendly accommodations in advance.
    3. Travel Kit: Pack a travel kit with food, water, bowls, medications, and comfort items.

International Moves

  1. Regulations and Requirements: Research the regulations and requirements for bringing pets into the destination country. This may include vaccinations, health certificates, and quarantine periods.
  2. Pet Relocation Services: Consider using a professional pet relocation service to handle the logistics of an international move.
  3. Travel Documents: Ensure all necessary travel documents and identification for your pet are up-to-date and easily accessible.

Final Thoughts

Moving house with pets can be a challenging experience, but with careful planning and consideration, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your furry friends. By understanding their needs, maintaining routines, and creating a safe and comfortable environment, you can help your pets adjust to their new home and continue to thrive. Remember, patience and empathy are key – moving is a big change for pets, but with your support and care, they can successfully transition to their new surroundings.