Moving with Pets

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for your pets. Cats can be especially anxious about clutter and new scenery, while skittish dogs can be susceptible to emotional stress while moving. The adjustment period before, during and after moving can take some extra preparation.

Before Your Move
Bringing a few boxes and suitcases out ahead of time and leaving them in plain view for your pet to acknowledge so they don’t associate those objects with you leaving is a great start.

If you're downsizing or moving from the county to the city, get ahead of the curve and begin training your dog commands that make them stop barking, test some brain activities like Kong balls, activity eating mats, etc to learn what does and doesn't work for your pup. Getting them on a bathroom schedule could benefit you both as well.

Before moving, update your pets license and microchip in case they do somehow get lost while you're moving. Better safe than sorry!
Be sure to update your new address on your pet’s microchip or other identification in case he manages to go astray in the new place, if you're moving to a new township. 

Make It Known Pets Are In The Home
Create a new routine a few weeks before your moving date, by putting your pets in a room apart from the rest of the house with all their belongings and activities. (i.e - chew toys, cat tree, bones etc). On moving day, make it clear to everyone helping you move that the door to your pet’s room must stay closed to keep them safe from getting lost or running away. The quieter environment with all their own familiar belongings can help keep your pets calm until you are ready to bring them to your new location. Leaving a note on the door to remind everyone to keep it closed is also very helpful.

Crate Train Your Pets
Leaving a pet carrier or crate in the room you plan to keep your pets in can help familiarize them with the carrier/crate, so it won't be as traumatic being in it on moving day. Hide fun toys or treats in the crate (perhaps catnip for cats or new bones or treats for dogs), and feed favourite meals to associate with a positive experience. Adding clothing that you’ve worn but not washed adds your comforting scent and can help reduce stress. 

Avoid transporting your pet in tight or what could be considered dangerous areas, such as the cabin of a van or bed of a truck. Make sure your pet is comfortable throughout the ride. Some pets may also do better with a blanket covering their carrier throughout the ride to keep a consistent and secure environment. 

If you're moving far, be sure to take scheduled stops for your pet to go to the bathroom and take breaks in safe locations as you continue along your journey. Outside of leashed breaks, consider leaving your pet in their crate until you reach your destination. Test trips in the crate can help determine how your pet will do during the trip to your new home.

Crating will be very beneficial - more specifically for dogs - in your new home. For the first several weeks, you may want to crate your dog whenever you leave the new home for short amounts of time, so he feels more secure and won’t indulge in separation behaviors, at least until they are more comfortable and adjusted to their new environment.

If your dog is usually anxious, speak with your veterinarian about medications to help calm them down. Other drug-free therapeutic options include investing in a thunder shirt or pheromones.

Introducing Your New Home
Maintaining your pets’ regular schedule. Feed, go for walks, have play or training sessions, or other normal activities at the same time. Keep in mind, the adjustment period for your pets depends a lot on their history (were they a rescue, or did they come directly from a breeder?), and their breed. Try to plan to take some extra time off work, or, if you’re moving for a new job, consider negotiating a delayed start. This not only benefits you, because moving is stressful on people as well, but also provides more together time as your pet settles in.

Cats should take no longer than a week or a week and a half to get used to a new home. Encouragement using their favourite toys, treats and extras always helps quicken the process. Some cats, especially those with trauma, may take longer depending on their personality.Dogs generally take about three weeks to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature, though maintaining routine helps the process along more smoothly.

With a new space comes new decorating possibilities - always keep in mind that many house plants are toxic to our pets. Watch out for lilies, aloe vera, ivy, Jade, Palm varieties and Dieffenbachia. 

Remember to always be patient with your four-legged best friend, this is a big change, but their uncertainty and fear isn't forever. You'll be celebrating your move together before you know it!

Finding a home that's right for your family can be a daunting task, but after meeting with a REALTOR®, and explaining your pet-friendly family needs, the idea can make the experience much easier.