Reviewed by Dr Abbie Lam DVM
Moving house with cats and dogs can be a stressful time – but there are steps you can take to ease the process. Make your life easier with these tips.
Moving house with cats and dogs
Moving is stressful enough already, and having a cat or dog can make the experience much more complicated. Here are some tips and recommendations for alleviating the stress of moving with cats and dogs in tow.
1. Keep them out of the action
If your pet has a favourite room in your current home, this should be the one you pack up last. This can help to lower their anxiety levels as they will still have that room to relax in whilst the rest of the house is packed up.
On moving day, it’s better to leave your pet with a trusted friend or family member or care facility like doggie day care. This way, you’ll know your pet is safe while all the chaos of moving is going on. Your pet will feel much calmer if they come straight to an unpacked and tidy new home. Speak to your vet about options to help your pet relax.
2. See it as an opportunity for a holiday
Moving house with cats and dogs is no small feat, so why not pack their bags for a small holiday to ease the process? Some pet boardings provide both short and long stay care for all kinds of pets. They also can help with transport, pet health and grooming. Your pet can enjoy a break while you get on with the process of packing and moving.
If your furniture is already placed when they enter your new home, this will provide them with instant familiarity. Check over your new garden to make sure it’s a safe and secure area for your pet. You don't want to worry about them trying to run away while they grow accustomed to their new home.
Having high-quality pet care in place while you attend to the move could help reduce stress for both you and your pet. With all the moving, make sure you have safe, secure transport appropriate for your pet.
3. Train your pet in advance
It’s a good idea to crate train your pet in advance. This way, wherever you move in the future, your pet will always have a safe and familiar space they can retreat to, making the process less overwhelming. A crate can also make your life easier as it’s a convenient way of relocating pets.
Just as the crate training can help your pet feel more comfortable, establishing a routine is also important. Make sure you give your pet an identical, predictable daily routine for the first couple of weeks in your new home. Your pet will feel more confident if they know what to expect each day, such as what times they’ll eat and go to the toilet.
4. Make it an exercise in discovery
Try turning moving house with cats and dogs into a game! You can try hiding your pet’s food or treats in different locations around the house. This fun exercise will encourage them to explore their new surroundings in an exciting way. They will also learn to associate the new space with fun and food!
You do not need to limit the exploration to the house alone. Introduce your pet to the fenced yard as well. They can then familiarise themselves with the sights, sounds and smells of the area in a controlled environment from the beginning.
While this is relatively easy for dogs, cats can pose more difficulty. You can try placing your cat in a cage under a shaded spot to let them acclimate to their surroundings under supervision. Alternatively, use a cat harness to walk them around the yard.
5. Keep it consistent
Keep your routine consistent as soon as you arrive when moving with cats and dogs as this will help your pet know what to expect. The environment may be different, but if the movements of the family are the same, your pet will find it easier to settle.
It is important to ensure your pet’s diet, bed and toys are the same as they were in your old house. This will give your pet the familiar tastes, smells and sensations they’ll need to reduce stress and gain a sense of belonging.
Consider calming sprays for both cats and dogs during and after the move. An ‘anxiety wrap’ may also be helpful for a particularly nervous pet. This garment has the same effect as a hug, making your pet feel calm and secure.
6. Play with your pet
A couple of weeks before you move, introduce your pet to a new toy.If possible, take them on a visit to your new home. Spend some time there playing with your pet and the toy. On the moving day, give them the new toy with a treat inside when you get to your new home to create positive associations. HYPERLINK "https://aussiedog.com.au/product/tucker-ball-large/" If you need to return to work, these can be helpful as your dog can play with them unsupervised.
Welcome home!
Moving house with cats and dogs can be a stressful time – but there are steps you can take to ease the process. Make your life easier by ensuring your pet is comfortable with the move. The advice of these pet experts can help make the transition to your new home a happy one!
