Moving can be a stressful experience for children, but with kids, you can explain to them the process in an attempt to calm them down. When it comes to moving with our pets, we have to be more tactful in order to make them feel at ease with this process.
“It’s about letting your pet know that you will keep things stable and under control, which allows him to worry less,” Kim Salerno, the president and founder of TripsWithPets.com, said in an email. [New York Times]
Take the anxiety out of your next move for your pet, with the help of these tips:
- Get vet information: even if you’re not moving far enough to switch to a new vet, have your vet’s information handy (not packed away) during moving day in case anything happens during the move with your pet. If you are moving far enough away to switch vets, do so before moving day and have that information handy.
- Update their tags: before the big moving day, ensure your pets’ tags are updated with your new address. You never know what could happen with their anxiety on the big day, so be prepared with this one.
- Keep some food and medication with you: there are certain things you shouldn’t pack away for moving, so that you have easy access to them in an emergency, that goes for your pet too. Keep some of their food and any of their medications with you on moving day. It’s also a good idea to have a pet emergency kit with you on moving day too.
- Familiarize them with your new home: if you can, take your pet to your new home prior to the big day. Allow them to sniff and scope out their surroundings: the home, the yard, the community, etc. The less “new” things they have to deal with on moving day, the better.
- Have a space ready for them: make sure you have your pet’s home comforts waiting for them in their new space so that the transition is that much easier for them. Pets familiarize with smells and touch so having the things they are most comfortable with ready there waiting for them, will certainly ease any anxiety.
- Get ready for the ride: even if it’s a short trip to your new home, make sure the ride over is as trauma-free as possible. Most pets get anxious in vehicles, so have a plan for comfort and easing their emotions.
Have you ever moved with pets? What was your experience? Share it with us on social media!
