Whether you’re welcoming a new furbaby into your home or transporting your pets on the next adventure to a new home, it’s a stressful time for both you and your little one. And just like you, they need some time to adjust to the new space.
It’s a whole new world of scents and sights, and while it is super exciting, it can also be a little overwhelming at first, especially after a long-distance move.
So here are the top 7 tips that you can do to help your pet adjust to a new home as quickly and calmly as possible!
With so many changes going on around them, you want to make sure that you keep as much the same as you can. This means keeping up their normal routine which includes:
If you need to change up the routine to suit your new life, make sure to do it slowly but surely, and one thing at a time, just to give your pet enough time to adjust without causing too much stress.
One of the best stress-relievers for your pet is lots and lots of love. We know you’re probably very busy post-move, but don’t forget to take time out of your day to give your pet some quality time. This could be:
You can also use this extra love as praise and rewards to reinforce positive behaviour to make sure they form good habits and behaviours in your new home.
While it’s not always possible, if you can, try not to leave them home alone for the first 2-4 days. Most pets do experience some level of separation anxiety, especially when in an unfamiliar space.
Let them come relax with you, even if it entails allowing your cat to come to sit right on your keyboard. After the first few days, slowly increase the amount of time you leave them alone.
If you do have to leave, try to do it for only short periods of time, get someone familiar to come look over your pet and give them something when you leave to distract them like food or a treat. You can even take your dog for a walk beforehand to tire them out.
You want to make sure your pet’s new space is safe and comfortable. So before you let them go off exploring, ensure that you’ve checked all the essentials and made the necessary adjustments. This includes:
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Make sure to keep your pet’s old belongings and bring them to the new home, unwashed. This includes items like their bed, blankets, crate, toys, food and water bowls.
The familiar scents in a sea of new smells will work wonders to set your pets at ease.
You can even try to set their space up the same as it was before. For example, whether it was in the lounge or bedroom, in a corner or by the door, etc. Again, if you want to upgrade their gear, only do it sometime after you’ve moved, giving them time to get used to one item at a time.
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Exploring the neighbourhood is not only a great way to let your dog get out their anxious energy, but it helps both you and them get used to the new scents and sights around them.
Make sure to keep them on a lead for the first few times to keep them from bolting and ensure their microchip is up to date.
You can introduce your pet to your neighbours. This is not only a great way for your pet to make some new friends, but it’s also helpful in case your pet gets out — your neighbours will be able to identify them and let you know immediately.
Lastly, introduce them to their new vet and groomers as soon as possible. The sooner they become comfortable with their new support system, the better it will be in case of an emergency.
The most important thing is to be patient with your little one and give them more than enough time to adjust. They are going to make mistakes and possibly act out from their anxiety. So remember to respond with more love and support.
Pets are also not only incredible at picking up on your moods, but they also tend to imitate your moods. So the calmer you are, the calmer they’ll be. You can both get through it, as long as you get through it together!
Just follow these simple tips and everything will be back to normal in time with your pet loving their new home! This will be the perfect ending to a successful move!
To give yourself more time to care for your pet instead of worrying about your move, why not hire a professional moving service? Wise Move removes the stress from this new chapter of your journey by getting your goods where they need to be without breaking the bank!
From furniture removals to pet transport, check out Wise Move for the effortless moving company you’ve been looking for!
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