9 Mistakes To Avoid When Moving With A Pet

Find out how to keep your pets happy and stress-free when moving with a pet, with handy tips on which common mistakes to avoid.

Couple moving with a pet

Moving house can be a real challenge, both physically and emotionally. In the midst of all the moving chaos, we can forget that certain small, furry members of the family are also moving with us, and may well absorb the stress and strain of it all.

Luckily, there are lots of mistakes to avoid when moving with a pet to help things run as smoothly as possible for them and for us, and here are 9 of them:

1. Failing To Visit The Vet

Visiting the vet in your local area is a great idea before you move. You may want to catch your pet up on any vaccinations and treatments before changing to a vet in a new area. You might also want to get advice from the vet about relaxing remedies and other helpful possibilities if you suspect your pet may get extremely stressed on moving day.

2. Forgetting To Book The Pets Into Kennels

It is so important to book pets who should be kept out of the way on moving day, into a kennels or cattery. Pets who are likely to feel very stressed, who may be liable to escape, or who are otherwise best kept elsewhere during the move, should be kept safe until you’re in your new place. Friends and family could be great, free options to care for your pets if you’re on a budget or you only want them cared for, for a few hours.

3. Packing All Of Your Pets Things Prematurely

Packing away your pets things well in advance of the move will take away familiar smells, and cause them to feel stressed. Instead, ensure they have their essentials (including a comforting toy) right up until moving day, and then right away in the new place too. This familiarity and reassurance will help them with the transition.

4. Getting Stressed Around The Pets

Of course the move will be stressful, but if you can limit how stressed you get around your pets that will limit how stressed they feel. They’re great for reassurance and cuddles when we feel our worst, but they can also absorb our emotions really easily, so it is important to protect them from that where possible.

5. Punishing Your Pet For Acting Out

Your pet may well act out during the move and it is important not to punish them for it. Instead, give him all of the treats and reward good behaviour as much as possible. He’s just feeling a little unsettled, which will hopefully pass after the move.

6. Neglecting Your Pets Routine

Your pets routine is so important and keeps them feeling reassured and happy. If you disrupt those habits, your pet may feel unhappy and stressed. Even if you simply feel them at the same time daily, and stick to the same morning toilet routine, it will help your pet stay settled wherever they are.

7. Allowing Your Pets To Stay Loose On Moving Day

It is so important not to let pets loose on moving day. This includes not allowing them free roam of the house when movers are coming in to move your belongings. Even a pet who is not scared may well be opportunistic and bolt out of the door which is the last thing you want to have to deal with on moving day.

8. Not Giving Your Pet Time

It is so important to continue to give your pet special time during a house move. Of course, you’re extremely busy so you will have less free time. However, five minutes on the floor playing with your pet is five minutes well spent, especially during such a challenging time for the whole family.

9. Leaving Pets With Access To Packed Boxes & Packing Items

Cats love to jump in or on boxes, even if they are full of breakables. Dogs can’t resist chewing packing plastic, or yummy looking cardboard.

Leaving pets with access to your packed items, or packing materials is a big mistake. If you don’t have room to store them separately at home, consider using cheap self storage for temporary secure storage to use throughout the move. Cheap self storage may also be handy whilst you make room in your current home to sell it, and whilst you clean or renovate your new place before moving in.

Soon You’ll All Be Making Memories In Your New Home

By avoiding the mistakes above, your pets should get through the move really well. Hopefully, before long you’ll all be enjoying the new place together, stress-free, fur babies and all,

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