Moving is a stressful task for both people and pets. With all the unexpected activity in their home and being introduced to a new environment, your pets can become anxious. Trying to organize your move and make it go smoothly is difficult all on its own and can be more difficult when pets are involved. Serving as your premier moving company in Pittsburgh, Gardner Moving has put together a few tips to help make the moving experience calmer for not only yourself but also for your pets.
Before choosing a new home, you want to make sure that your pet will love the home as well. Take the time to walk around the neighborhood to check that it is safe for your pet, keeping an eye out for pets that seem aggressive or are left unattended.
You also need to make sure the house you choose has enough space for your pet to roam freely and happily. For cats, you need to ensure that you have enough room to build upwards. You can create a lot of vertical space for your cat with shelving, like Kittyblocks, or with a cat tree or cat condos that allow them to climb, scratch, and play to the heart’s content.
Your pets won’t likely be a big fan of such as major change like moving, so to make them comfortable with the process, start by bringing in the moving boxes early. You also want to leave a familiar room unpacked, to be packed last, so your pet can remain in a quiet, comfortable space.
During the time of the actual move, it best to keep your pet in a quiet area, unless you leave them in a kennel or with a friend for the day. To keep them away from the action, empty a bedroom on another floor and close the door or put them in their carrier in the garage or car. Be sure they will be at a safe and comfortable temperature and be sure they have enough water and food if they will be there for a longer period.
Check on them regularly during the move and feed or walk them during their regular times. Helping them stay in their routine can help keep them calm.
When you first drive to the new house, take your pet in your vehicle. Smaller dogs or cats can be transported using a carrier, secured by a seatbelt. Bigger dogs can be transported using a kennel in the back of the car. Some pets may feel more comfortable with a blanket placed over their carrier to block their view of the changing environment outside. Be careful not to let your pet out of their kennel or carrier until you have arrived and are inside the home to help avoid them escaping and getting lost.
Before bringing your pet into the home, it is critical to have at least one room set up. This is where you can introduce your pet to the new house. You should also confine them to a section of the home and let them get familiar with their surroundings while introducing them to familiar objects and giving them lots of attention to make them feel at home.
After the move, be sure to update your pet’s information on their tags or their microchip with your new address and phone number. You will also want to take the time to pet-proof your new home to keep your pet safe and happy. Be sure to secure all the windows and check the screens, block off any small areas your pet could get stuck, tuck away and secure electrical cords, confirm with the seller that no pet control traps or poison have been left out, and remove any house or outdoor plants that could be poisonous to your pet.
To prevent overwhelming your pet after their journey to the new home, you can start by allowing them to adjust to one room. Create a comfortable space where they have their bed and toys, along with their food and water bowls, where they can acclimate to the new space. For cats, you can gradually move their litter box from their first comfortable space to a more permanent location. This can be done by moving the litter box about one foot a day until you reach the permanent location.
Keep the doors shut and gradually allow them to explore the home by introducing them to one room at a time.
