Your pet is a part of your family, and when you’re moving, they should be taken into consideration also. Moving homes is a big deal. It can be stressful, and not just for you. Your pet can feel the stress of the change just as much as you can. On the Move of Murfreesboro is offering some things that you can do to help your pet adjust and ease into your new home easier.
Before the Move
Before you move with your pets, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Not just the logistics of the whole thing, but also making sure you’ve chosen the best new place for you and your pet. Dogs especially need special considerations because they spend so much time outside.
Housing Considerations
If you’re moving into an apartment or a condo, will there be ample space for your pets to run around nearby? Are there fields, dog parks, or trails that you can take them? Going a step further, will your landlord or community even accept the specific breed of your dog or pet in general? You should ask these questions well in advance to moving.
Conditioning your Pet
For your pet’s part, this is the time when you should be preparing them for the move. Getting your pet ready for transport might be the biggest hurdle. Dogs and cats especially are generally more wary of kennels and pet carriers, although this is the best way to get them from point A to point B. It’s all about getting your pets comfortable and conditioned to getting in the carrier. Start this process well in advance and only proceed to the next step when your pet feels comfortable.
- Display the pet carrier where your pet can see it, sniff it, and inspect it. This is how your pet will get used to the mere presence of the carrier.
- Lay a familiar blanket, toy, or towel in the carrier accompanied with your pet’s food bowl.
- Try closing the door of the carrier during mealtime to get them used to being fully enclosed.
- With the pet in the carrier and the door closed, carry them around the house to get them used to the movement and motion while in the carrier.
- Take your pet with you on quick errands in the car and continue to condition your pet, daily if possible, until the move is complete.
This might seem like a lot, but it goes a long way in making your pet feel comfortable and not stressed out. When your pet becomes stressed out, they can experience mood swings, hair loss, and behavioral changes in an attempt to take back control of a situation.
During Packing
Unlike transporting, this is a process you do not want your pet to get used to. There is a lot of commotion, a lot of open boxes, and usually extra bodies in your house. Things can be overlooked, doors can be left open, and pets can run away without anybody noticing.
This would be a good time to have your pet in its carrier or kennel. It will stay safe, in-place, and you won’t have to be constantly mindful of them.
After You’ve Moved In
There’s not much you can do once you have moved in other than try to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible. Let your pet get acclimated to the house a little bit at a time. Choose a room to put their carrier or kennel, food and water, and any other toys or accessories they like. Your pet will acclimate on its own terms. There’s nothing you can force. Some pets are very skittish and reluctant to embrace new space, and others couldn’t be more excited. Let your pet lead its own progress.
At On the Move Moving and Storage in Murfreesboro, we’re no stranger to the challenges of moving with a pet. We’re here for you and your pet and want to see everybody get to their new home happy and healthy. Get in touch and see how we can help you through the process.
