We believe pets are family too…
Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone, our furry friends included. If you have a cat, dog, or another family pet, you want to make sure that the moving experience is just as safe as it is for you and your family. The truth is, moving day is just the beginning; your new home is more than just a change of scenery for them, it is the start of a whole new routine.
We love our pets. Here are some steps to help mitigate the anxiety that yours might face during a move, and how to help them adjust to their new home.
Before the Move
Keep your pet’s needs in mind as you look for a new house to live in. As you are looking, there are some important considerations to take before moving.
These include:
- The presence of, or lack of fencing.
- Proximity to busy roads
- Rules about certain breeds enforced by HOA’s
A good moving plan for your pet starts well before the moving truck arrives to load up your belongings. Give your pet time to get acquainted and comfortable with a carrier or kennel. Acclimate your pets such as a dog or cat to ride in the car if they aren’t used to taking car trips with you.
Pet Essentials Bag
Just as you might pack your own essentials bag for items that you want easy access to within the first days of moving, pack an essentials bag for your pets too.
This way, you won’t have to search around for their food and water bowls, toys, treats, their favorite blanket, etc. You’ll be glad that they are all in one place, especially after a long day of moving and unpacking.
Moving Day
Depending on how far your move is, you may need to schedule stops for your pets to stretch, eat, and go to the bathroom if you are driving. Have food, water, and bowls for both on hand, as well as a pet seatbelt or a kennel to use while in the car.
If needed, have a family member or friend watch your pets while the movers are unloading the truck, which can help ease anxiety and potential disasters for your pets.
Take the stress out of moving day and call our professional movers at Florida’s Best Moving to do all the heavy lifting—813-485-6580!
Settling In After Moving
While you are happy to be done and ready to start settling in, it can be a little harder for your pet to acclimate to their new space, especially if you have moved to a new climate!
Follow these tips to get your pets settled in at your new home:
Set Up Your Pet’s Space Right Away
After the movers have left, set up a space with your pet’s bed, blankets, toys, and a bowl of fresh water.
If you can, put their belongings – beds, scratching posts, food bowls, litter boxes – in similar places as their old home. Right away, your dog or cat will have an area that is familiar and smells like home.
This doesn’t have to be the place where these items are kept indefinitely, but a temporary corner can help ease your pet’s anxiety and help keep them comfortable.
You should also try to maintain as much of their old routine as possible, such as feeding, play, or walk times.
Give A Lot of Attention
Moving is hectic and stressful, so don’t forget that your dog or cat might need some extra TLC to adjust. While cats are more independent, dogs crave affection and encouraging words, so make sure to take a couple of minutes to love on your pets and reassure them that everything is ok.
Try an Anti-Anxiety Aid
If your dog is particularly anxious, moving may make it worse. For serious bouts of anxiety, talk to your vet before your move and make arrangements for prescription anxiety medication.
Of course, there are many other options that you can try such as calming aids, zen collars, and even music if you’d rather not give your pet medication. You know your dog, so you know whether or not they might benefit from anti-anxiety help.
Be Patient with Your Pet
The best thing that you can do for your furry friends while they adjust to their new home is to be patient.
It may take a few weeks for your pets to acclimate to their new home, so don’t expect them to be relaxed and anxiety-free after just a day or two. There are a lot of new smells and places to explore, so be patient and kind as they settle in too.
Stress-Free Moving With Pets
While moving with pets presents its own stresses and challenges, the moving pros at Florida’s Best Moving are equipped to help make the process of packing, moving, and unpacking as stress-free and easy as possible.
Whether you are moving across town, or out of state, Florida’s Best Moving is your partner for a safe and secure move. Contact us today for a free, no-hassle quote at 813-485-6580. We can’t wait to help you & your pets make the move to your new home in Tampa Bay or beyond!