Moving house is such an exciting time, however it can be quite a daunting and confusing experience for our furry friends.
But, there are so many ways you can make this transition easier and less stressful for them.
Check out our five top tips on moving home with pets.
1) Explore the local area
If you’re not moving too far, then it’s a great idea to take your pet to the new area before you actually move. If you have a dog, then ideally you could take them for a walk on a route you know you’ll frequently be doing, to get them used to their new surroundings.
If you have a cat that likes to venture out, then it’s still worth scoping out the area, so you can find out where the busy, main roads are.
2) Keep your pets safe and calm on moving day
There’s going to be a lot going on during moving day, with people going back and forth in and out of the house. It’ll no doubt be pretty manic, so the ideal situation would be to get a friend or family member to watch your pet, to keep them away from the hustle and bustle.
If this isn’t an option, then a top tip is to arrange for one room in the house, preferably furthest away from all the moving madness, to be used as a temporary pet room. Fill the room with your pet’s toys, bedding, litter trays etc, to make them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. This will also help to keep the paths clear for removal people, as well as keeping your pet safe whilst the front door is constantly being opened and closed.
3) Stick to their routine
Just like humans, pets love a routine, which is why moving house can be quite daunting for them. Whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, its best to try and stick to their walking and feeding times as best as you can.
One way to ensure you stick to their routine would be to set alarms on your phone, just in case you lose track of time. Also, be sure to always know what box your pet’s belongings are in too, as the last thing you need is not being able to find their bowl when you have a hungry dog or cat! Try and ensure they have a similar set up at the new house too. For example, if they usually sleep downstairs, set up their sleeping space downstairs at the new house. Keeping things as similar as possible will help them feel more comfortable in their new home.
4) Speak to your old neighbours
It’s not uncommon for some pets, particularly cats, to try and return to their old house, especially if you’re not moving too far away.
A top tip would be to warn your old neighbours that this may happen, and make sure they have your correct mobile number just in case this situation arises. Tell them not to feed your pet if they do come back, as this will confuse them and will encourage them to return again. And whether you’re moving home or not, it is essential that your pet is microchipped, as this will give your pet the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they do unfortunately get lost.
5) Check for dangers
Once you’re in your new home, you need to ensure that your house and garden are safe for your pets before allowing them to explore. If you’re decorating or renovating any rooms, make sure that you keep doors closed at all times, as your curious four legged friends might wander in and harm themselves on sharp tools or dangerous toxins.
The same applies to outside. Before allowing your pet to inspect the new garden, make sure all fences are secure and safe. It’s also good to check for any poisonous plants, such as Tulips, Autumn Crocus and Rhubarb leaves.