It is important to do all you can to minimise the potential stress of a house move for your whole family including your animals.
Dogs and cats particularly those with anxious dispositions, can find moves quite traumatic but there are things you can do before, during and after a move to lower their stress levels.
Before A Move
Do not wash your pet’s bedding immediately before you move house as your animals will find familiar smells comforting when they arrive at your new home. Also make sure their favourite toys are on-hand as soon as they arrive at the property.
During The Move
If your dog or cat is used to spending time with a friend or relative, ask them to look after them during the move. If this isn’t possible, lock them in one room of your old home until it is time to make the journey. Make sure that you check that all windows are securely closed so that cats, in particular, cannot escape at the last moment.
Put a sign on the door so that everyone knows that your pets are in the room and to help make sure that they are not allowed to get out and run away. This is especially important when outside doors are likely to be open while items are being moved.
After The Move
Set up your pet’s bed in a quiet corner and allow them to explore when they feel ready. If your dog likes playing, try having a game in different places around the property to help them to feel comfortable in their new home.
Make sure that your pet’s microchip address details have been changed along with tags on their collar. This will make tracing them much easier if they do go missing after a move. To make this less likely, keep cats inside for at least two weeks, although some experts recommend a minimum of three.
When you first move in, it is often a good idea to confine your cat to just one or two rooms at first. This is because they may find it overwhelming to have the run of a complete home straight away.
Dogs usually adapt quicker but should still be kept on a leash or a training line for a few days. They may become unsettled by their strange surroundings and new smells on their walk or they might become overly-excited. Lots of reassurance will be needed, while at the same time taking sensible measures to stop them from escaping.
The same is true when you let them into the garden at your new property, if you have one. You will need to watch them closely for a while after you first move in as they are sure to find small gaps in fences or hedges that you may not have spotted before.
Your pet may have uncharacteristic ‘accidents’ straight after a house move but do not get cross. Your pet will need lots of patience and affection while they settle in and any problems will usually pass with time.
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First Image = www.ezemovehouse.com
Second Image = www.roshremovals.co.uk