Helping Pets Transition During a Move

Moving can be an incredibly complicated, overwhelming task. There are so many things that you have to think about while you are moving. When you find your dream home with our experts at Premier Utah Real Estate, you will need to consider how to make your move as easy as possible. When you have pets, following the right steps can help you to make the move much easier on your fur babies. Here are a few ways that aid in helping pets transition during a move.

Practice Desensitization

Moving day can be stressful enough for both you and your pets. When they are suddenly introduced to new stimuli, this will simply cause them to be even more stressed out. Try to embrace desensitization and get them used to moving supplies before moving day. Collect moving boxes and leave them in your home several weeks prior to the moving day. You may also want to try getting them used to other things, such as the sound of packing tape. This step can help to remove the amount of stress that your pets experience during the move.

Keep a Routine

Your pets will be facing many changes in the upcoming weeks. They will need to get used to a completely new place in a completely new area. It can make it easier on your pets when you try to stick to their routine as much as possible. Take them on walks around the same time as you otherwise would. You should also implement regular feeding and play times. Keeping a routine will ensure that your pet has a better sense of what to expect and, therefore, will experience less anxiety.

Take Walks in New Neighborhood

If you aren’t moving a particularly long distance, you may want to consider introducing your pet to the new neighborhood before your move. If the new home is close enough, you may want to consider driving to the area and taking your pets for walks around this new neighborhood. This will help them to get familiar with the area. This also reduces the number of “firsts” that your pet will have to get used to when you move to a new building. Familiarity with the neighborhood can be comforting for them, especially while they have to get familiar with your new home.

Up To Date Tags

Moving day can be hectic and it is common for doors to be left open during the move. This can make it easy for your pets to escape. Prior to moving day, you will want to ensure that all of the information on their tags is current. You should also try to have them microchipped prior to moving day, so that you can be reached if your pet is found. This is an important step in protecting your pet.

Keep Them Occupied

Keeping your pet occupied during the move can help to distract them from their stress and anxiety. Consider using puzzle toys or interactive toys to occupy their brain while the move is happening.

Provide a Safe Space

A pet needs a safe space both during the stress of the move and in the new home. Consider setting up a familiar place aside for them as soon as you arrive in the new building. Maybe this safe space is their crate lined with their favorite blanket. It might be their bed with a couple of their favorite toys. Decide what is familiar and comforting for your pet and ensure that they have easy access to it.

Consider a Dog Sitter

It may be useful to hire a dog sitter for the day of the move. This can help to minimize the stress that your pet experiences on the day of the move. It can also prevent you from having to worry about them while you are in the process of moving. This is another great way to keep your pet safe and minimize the chances that they will run away due to the stress of the move.

Work out Excess Energy

Consider an extra long walk in the morning before the move or an extra round of fetch. When you tire out your pet, they will have less energy left over for stress and anxiety.

Pack a Pet Essentials Bag

It is likely that you won’t want to immediately begin unpacking once you have completed the move. However, there are many things that your pet will still need immediate access to. Pack a bag of all their essentials, such as their food or medications. This will help to ensure that you have easy access to all of the things they need.

Give them Lots of Attention

Your pet is likely to feel stressed and worn out after the move. Try to give them lots of attention and play time to help comfort them during the move. You may also want to spend as much time at home as possible within the first few days in the new home. This will provide your pet with comfort while they are trying to adjust to their new normal.

Moving can feel overwhelming, but it is a necessary part of moving on to your new life in your new home. These steps can often help your pet to transition to a new home. Our experienced team at Premier Utah Real Estate can help you to find the home of your dreams. To learn more about finding a new home with us, contact us at Premier Utah Real Estate today!