How to move house with pets

Moving house can be a stressful experience for both you and your pets. The process of packing up your belongings and transporting them to a new home can be confusing and disorienting for your furry friends, who may become anxious or even agitated by the changes in their environment. However, with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to make the move as smooth and stress-free as possible for everyone involved

Here are 8 tips from the team at Doncaster Vet on how to move house with pets:

Plan ahead

One of the most important things you can do when moving with pets is to plan ahead. Start preparing for the move at least a few weeks in advance, so your pets have time to adjust to the changes that are coming. This may involve gradually introducing them to the packing process by leaving boxes around the house or taking them on car rides to get used to being in a vehicle.

Talk to your vet

Before you move, make sure to talk to your vet about the move and any potential concerns or issues that may arise. Ensure you know how to tell if your pet has anxiety and discuss management strategies with your vet. They might recommend products like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs to make the move less stressful. 

If you’re moving far from your local vet, familiarise yourself with the vets near your new home, especially emergency or after-hours vets. If you will be changing vets, ask for your records to be sent to your new vet clinic, so they have updated information.

Update their identification

Make sure that your pets' identification tags are up to date with your new address and contact information. If your pets are microchipped, make sure that their information is also updated in the system. This will help to ensure that your pets can be easily reunited with you in the event that they become lost during or after the move.

Pack their belongings last

When packing up your home, make sure to leave your pets' belongings until last. This includes their food, water bowls, beds, toys and other familiar items that will help to comfort them during the move. Keep these items with you during the move, rather than packing them in the moving truck, so they are easily accessible.

Keep them safe during the move

On moving day, it is important to keep your pets safe and secure. This may involve keeping them in a quiet room away from the chaos of the move or even boarding them with a trusted friend or pet sitter until the move is complete. If you do decide to bring your pets with you during the move, make sure that they are secure in a carrier or crate and that they have access to water and food.

Familiarise them with their new home

Once you have arrived at your new home, take some time to familiarise your pets with their new surroundings. This may involve setting up their beds and other familiar items in a quiet room where they can rest and feel safe and gradually introducing them to other areas of the house. You may also want to take your pets on a tour of the new neighbourhood to become familiar with the sights, sounds and smells of their new environment.

Stick to a routine

Pets thrive on routine, so it is important to establish a new routine as quickly as possible after the move. This may involve sticking to regular feeding and exercise schedules, as well as maintaining familiar activities and playtime routines. By providing your pets with a sense of consistency and stability, you can help to reduce their anxiety and stress during the move. 

Be patient

Moving can be a stressful experience for pets, and it may take some time for them to adjust to their new environment. Be patient with your pets as they acclimate to their new home, and give them plenty of love and attention during this transitional period. With time, your pets will settle into their new surroundings and begin to feel at home in their new space.

While moving house with pets can be a challenging experience, with the right planning and preparation, it is possible to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’re new to Doncaster or are planning to move to the area soon, you’ll need a trusted Melbourne vet to look after your furry friends’ medical needs, including their annual check ups. Check out Doncaster Vet’s services and contact us today.