Moving House With Your Pet

With the clutter of boxes, as everything is packed up - and then the new surroundings and the clutter of unpacking boxes, pets can become agitated and anxious with the upheaval. However, there are some things you can do to help keep your pet’s stress levels to a minimum and make the moving process easier for everyone.

Moving day

There’s going to be a lot happening on moving day. It’s a good idea to shut your pet securely into a room while the move happens. Ideally, you can pack this room up ahead of moving day and give your pet the chance to get used to it. Make sure that they have food, water, a bed and some familiar toys. Pop a sign on the door to ensure that it doesn’t get opened accidentally.

At the other end, try and find a quiet room to secure your pet again until things are calmer. Again, they should have food, water, a bed and ideally something with your scent on that they can use as a comforter in their new surroundings. Remember to keep checking on them, so they know they haven’t been abandoned and give them plenty of reassurance.

Microchip your pets

It’s always a good idea to microchip your pets, and it’s a legal requirement for dogs older than eight weeks in the UK. A similar law relating to microchipping cats will also come into effect in Summer 2024. Microchipping becomes even more important if you move to a new area.

If your pet decides to explore their new surroundings, they can be easily identified by their microchip if they get lost. If your pet’s already chipped, now’s the time to make sure their microchip details are up to date, including their new address. This can be done by contacting the microchipping company.

Keep a routine

Pets like routine, so try and get back to yours as quickly as you can after the move. If your pets are used to being fed or walked, try and continue to stick to their routine. This will increase their sense of security and reduce their stress levels.

If you have a cat, make sure you introduce them to the new location of their litter tray as soon as possible.

You can also use plug-ins around the home. These release pheromones that can help your pet settle into their new surroundings and ease anxiety.

Stay calm

One way you can help keep your pet calm is by staying calm yourself. Take some time to relax once you move in - it’ll reassure your pets and they’ll appreciate being able to spend time with you. Pets can be very intuitive and often sense when you’re on edge.

Enjoy your new home.