Moving to a new home can be stressful for the whole family, and that includes family members with four legs. While we’re adjusting to the new commute and neighbors, they’ll be adjusting to new smells and sights they’ve probably never experienced before. Obviously, you can’t sit your pet down and explain the moving process, but you can take some steps to prepare them for the move.
Take a Walk
Before you actually move in, take your pooch on a walk around the new stomping grounds. Take notice of how other pets in the neighborhood act when you walk by. Are they barking and aggressive or more playful? Check for any new plants that might be upsetting or confusing to your dog and let them acquaint themselves with new smells. If you have an outdoor cat, see if you can spot any other cats on the prowl to see if they’re friendly or feisty.
Stay Calm
Pets can pick up our emotions and tend to copy how we’re feeling. So if you’re calm, they’ll be calm. If you’re especially concerned about your pet freaking out during the move, you might put them in a closed room with some water and toys. Another way to keep the peace is to stick to your normal schedule as much as possible. Move days are always hectic, but try to feed and walk pets around the same time you normally would.
Monitor the Situation
Once you’re all moved in, keep an eye on how your pet is adjusting. Pay close attention if you changed time zones or climates, as both can be hard for pets to acclimate to. Getting back to your normal schedule as soon as possible will make adapting easier, so do your best to return to your regular agenda.