Moving may be an exciting and stressful experience for both you and your companion. Therefore, it is essential to begin preparing your pet for the move as soon as it is feasible. Even short distance relocations can throw off your pet’s routine and sense of security, and bigger relocations can be quite stressful for your furry family member. In order to make your move as easy on your pet as possible, here are some tips to help get them ready for the big day.
Prepare Ahead of Time
It’s best to start preparing your pet as soon as possible if you plan to move soon with them. Plan and address a few crucial issues beforehand to ensure a seamless relocation. For instance, make sure the data on your pet’s license, tags, or microchip is current. Make a vet appointment to make sure your pet is healthy and that you have all the prescription medications they need on hand. However, if your pet dislikes the veterinarian’s office, try to avoid scheduling appointments too close to the move, as this may increase the pet’s anxiety.
Stick to Routines
A regular schedule is what animals crave as they are creatures of habit. This is why they could find the commotion of moving, especially the weeks before and after, to be quite stressful. Maintain as much of your normal routine as possible as you begin packing for your move. This is especially important for dogs, who if ignored could start to exhibit anxiety or destructive behaviors. As much as possible, continue to take your daily excursions, engage in recreation and eat at the same time each day.
Introduce the Crate Early On
If your pet needs to spend time in a cage or kennel as part of your move, this can be a particularly upsetting experience for them, especially if they are not yet accustomed to a crate. A few weeks prior to the move, one of the best ways to prepare your companion for the move is to introduce the crate and allow it to become associated with positive experiences. Consider encouraging them to explore the crate and rewarding them with food when they do. This will prevent your companion from experiencing excessive anxiety on the big day.
Bring Comfort Items
Pets are drawn to the smells and noises of home. To keep your pet calm while you relocate, bring along some sensory items and leave them with them. When moving, for instance, make sure your pet has access to their favorite blanket or bed. A pet’s favored toy or even a piece of your clothing can also provide comfort. Additionally, keep your pet’s food, treats, and water with you before, during, and after the transfer.
Provide a Safe Space
When the big day comes, you might want to think about setting aside a specific space for your pet. The best place for pets to be placed during a move is in a quiet room or fenced-in area because they frequently become anxious and some may even run away if given the chance. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to care for your companion during the moving process to spare them the stress and confusion. Providing a secure space will help reduce your pet’s anxiety and keep them out of harm’s way during a move.
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