A GUIDE TO MOVING HOUSE WITH PETS
Tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during your relocation.
Most of us realise that moving house is a nightmare. There is a never-ending checklist of things that you need to do – change your billing address, hire a removal company, clear out all that junk in the shed etc.
In all the excitement (or should we say trauma?), we tend to forget about our beloved pets. If you think moving is stressful for us humans, just imagine the effect it has on our dogs and cats. All they know is that the environment that they are used to and feel safe in is literally being boxed up and carted away. This article is going to focus on moving house with animals because it’s an important topic that tends to get overlooked.
YOUR PETS’ ROUTINE
Your pets, especially cats, are creatures of habit, which is why they freak out so much when you move. They can become so stressed that they can get sick. No one wants that. Keep their stress levels in check by keeping their routine as normal as possible before you move.
This means feeding them exactly the same and not changing the time or frequency of their walks. It also means that you should be giving them the same amount of attention as you usually would.
VISIT THE VET AND THE NEW LOCAL COUNCIL
If your pet is going to run away at any point, it’s likely that it’s going to be when you move. That’s why you need to register your pet with the new local council immediately. Make sure you update the details on their microchip as well.
Going to the vet might seem unnecessary, but it’s essential. Why? Besides you’re moving to a new area – a place where they might catch something, so their vaccinations and worming really need to be up to date. Apart from this, your vet can give you your pet’s records, so you can pass it along to your new vet.
BEFORE THE MOVE
When packing, leave your pet’s toys and bedding to the last minute. Having their objects around will be a source of comfort. When you move into your new digs, forgo washing the bedding for a few weeks. It might get a bit on the nose, but having something familiar smelling will help them adjust.
If the house is not too far away, take your dog for a visit before you move. This will help them acquaint themselves with their new environment. It is also possible to do it with cats, however, it is recommended to keep them inside their crates.
MOVING DAY
You will have a lot on your mind on moving day. To save yourself the added anxiety of dealing with a stressed animal, drop them off with a friend or family member for the day, or to place them in a boarding house.
If this is not an option, confine your pet to a secure room. This will prevent them escaping or getting in the way when you or the removalists are moving in and out of the house. Make sure the room is in a quiet area that has their bed and other belongings in it too.
If you have multiple pets, it might be an idea to contract a removalist company, so you can concentrate solely on their needs. If that’s what you require, our team can assist you with your moving needs. We have over 20 years of industry experience and provide our service throughout the Perth Metropolitan area.