It’s Moving Day – Caring for Your Pets on The Big Day

Today is the big day. You’re finally moving to your new home. You’ve spent months looking for a new house, doing all the paperwork, and packing. Now, the movers are on the way. Amidst the chaos that is the maze of boxes and furniture, your pet is looking for some normalcy. As they see things move out of the house, they will get scared. Caring for your pets on the big day takes a little preparation and a lot of love.

Check out your new digs before moving day

Did you have your furry friend in mind when you chose your new home? According to the ASPCA, dogs have different needs than cats when it comes to the size of your new home. Always take the time to check out the new neighborhood to make sure it will be safe for your pets.

Some things to consider:

• Look for other neighborhood dogs and cats. Make a mental note of any dogs that seem aggressive or unattended.
• Is there a dog park nearby or is your new yard big enough for your pup?
• Do you have plenty of space to build up for your kitty?
• Can you add an invisible kitty fence to the backyard to keep your feline friend in?

Prepare for moving day ahead of time

Preparing your pet for the move is important. Each animal will respond differently, so the sooner you start, the better. For cats, invest in a good pet carrier and introduce your kitty to it slowly. Purina suggests putting a blanket your cat loves into the carrier, followed by some treats, and leave the carrier door open. Your kitty will explore on their own and you may even find them laying down in the carrier napping before long. Start taking kitty on a ride in the carrier, so they get used to being in a moving vehicle. You could do the same for small dogs.

Speaking of dogs, why not take your pooch to the new neighborhood? What pup doesn’t like to go for a ride? Walk past your new house, letting them get used to the smells. If you can, bring pup into the new house and let them explore before you move in. During the actual packing process, let both your cat and dog explore and investigate what is going on.

On moving day, isolate your pet from the chaos

On the day of the actual move, isolate your pet from the chaos that is about to ensue BEFORE the movers arrive. Consider asking a friend to dog-sit your pooch that day. Have them take your dog to the dog park or other fun place. Let them run and be free before showing up at the new house and having another adventure. This way you don’t have to worry about your dog scaring the movers or getting out every time the front door opens. If you cannot get a dog sitter, consider isolating your pooch in a room, like a bathroom, or confined to the backyard, weather permitting.

For your cat, isolate kitty in the bathroom. This is probably the one room that has been packed already. Use a bathroom that no one will need to use during the mover’s visit. If your house only has one bathroom, prepare another place by moving all the boxes and furniture ahead of time. You want to make sure that the movers do not need to access the room. Place your cat with their carrier, litter box, food, water, and comfort items in the room. Put a note on the door telling people that your cat is in the room and not to open the door. The sign alerts everyone involved that the room is off-limits and your cat–or dog–is safe while the movers are there.

Final thoughts for after the move

It will take time for your cat and dog to acclimate to their new surroundings. If you must, keep your cat in one room for a day or two, again with their carrier, food, litter box, water, and toys. Then let them come out and explore on their own. Your dog will probably inspect everything five minutes after they walk in the front door. Stick to the same routine you had before you moved and just give your pets time to learn their way around their new home.

For more tips on moving with your pet and what you should do to prepare for that day, contact us. We are here to make your move easier.