When moving house, it can be very stressful. Good removal companies should help to alleviate some of the stress, helping you to relax on moving day. However, can you imagine how your pets must feel? They have no idea what is happening. They will feel confused, as they are unable to understand why all these changes are happening.
There are several things you need to consider when moving house with pets and these are; what you need to do before you move, what you need to do on moving day and how to settle your per into your new house.
Before your move:
Create a dedicated space for your pets:
It is important that your pets feel safe. It is a good idea to create a dedicated space, before moving day, so that your pet can get used to the area. This will help to alleviate any extra stress on removal day. I have two cats, Sparkle and Twinkle, I remember when we rescued them, we created a personal space just for them. Two years on they still find comfort in this area, and it is one of their favorite places to be. On moving day, use this space for your pets. Place their food, water, toys and bed in the room, this will help them relax and avoid any extra stress. Make sure that all windows and doors and closed so that they cannot escape.
Consider alternative arrangements:
If you find you have no dedicated space for your pet or that they will just find moving day too stressful, you could arrange alternative accommodation. Do you have any friends or family that could look after your pet, who your pet is familiar with so that they don’t feel stressed? If not, you could consider a local kennel or cattery. Make sure you visit and research the different kennels and catteries in your area. You must feel comfortable with them and be able to trust that they will look after your pets well.
Visit your new neighborhood:
If you have a dog, it is a great idea to familiarise them to the area in which you are moving to. If it is local, and not to far away, you could start exploring the area together. Go on walks together and meet some of the other local dog walkers and make some new friends!!!
On moving day:
Use pheromone diffusers:
Hopefully by now you will have a safe dedicated area for your pet. However, it can still be extremely stressful on moving day for your pets, there is more you can do to help them relax. There are some great pheromone diffusers on the pet market today, I have used these for Sparkle and Twinkle. Pheromone diffusers contain natural scents that help calm the nerves of anxious and stressed pets. Many vets will be able to recommend the best ones to suit your pet, just give them a call and they will be more than happy to help.
Leave your pets till last:
It is important to ensure that your pet is one of the last items to leave your house. This will allow any loud noises to stop, and the house to feel calm and relaxed. Moving your pets, especially cats, when they are calm makes the whole process much easier. Some dogs will benefit from going on a walk to help settle them and release any extra energy that they might have before they go to their new home.
Settling into your new home:
Make it homely!
Just like you did before the move, it is important your pet has a safe place in their new home. Try to set up a room ready for their arrival with their food, water, familiar toys and soft bedding. Plug in the pheromone diffuser to help calm and relax them on their arrival. Remember to be patient, it can take time for your pet to settle in their new environment and when they feel ready, they will start to explore once the house is calm, and everyone has left.
After removal day:
Once all the hustle and bustle has gone, and you have managed to organise some (probably not all) of your belongings there are a few important details to remember for your pets:
1- Check for any dangers in or outside the property. It is important to make sure that there is nothing that could harm your pets. This might be sharp objects or unsafe surfaces.
2- If you have a dog, rabbit or guinea pig, explore the garden together, spend some quality time together, helping them to familiarise themselves in their new surroundings and help them to relax. HOWEVER, keep cats in doors. See notes below on this.
3- Spend some quality time with your pets, make sure they have enough food and water, play with them and ensure they are happy and feel safe.
Keeping cats indoors:
Cats are very territorial and should be kept indoors for a couple weeks to help them get used to their new environment. Please do not think they will be okay and let them out after a day or two, it is very likely they could get lost and may not return home. When they eventually venture out, it is important to leave something that looks or smells familiar, their favorite toy or a blanket. An old wife’s tale says that if you put butter on their feet this helps to lead them back home – this is not true, they just like the taste!!!
If you are looking for any more information on keeping your pets safe and stress free on your removal day, please do not hesitate to contact sigmaremovals@gmail.com. If you are looking for any information on your up-and-coming house move and would like a FREE no obligation quote, please contact us on:
Phone - 07792215204
Email - sigmaremovals@gmail.com
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