How to Make Moving with Pets Easy
Moving is clearly among the most stressful changes in life for us humans. Imagine what pets are thinking when 'home sweet home' is packed up and hauled off, only to reappear on strange new turf!
"The environmental changes, alterations in social structure and variation in routines can be very disconcerting for your pet," explains veterinary behavior expert E'Lise Christensen, at NYC Veterinary Specialists in Manhattan. "All these changes can make a pet feel insecure and anxious".
So during this hectic time, be careful not to overlook the needs of your furry, finned and feathered friends. Planning is key in for a smooth transition.
Before the move
Begin packing well in advance so your pet becomes accustomed to changes in their environment.
"If your routine will alter after the move, gradually alter it before the move," urges Christensen.
Therefore, change play times and walk times a bit. If your move will take you from an urban environment to a suburban or rural one (or vise versa) introduce your pet to new environs and assess their response.
If you have concerns about how your pet might react to these changes, Christensen suggests consulting with a veterinary behaviorist to develop a treatment plan for your pet.
As soon as you know your new address, purchase new identification tags for each pet. If your pet is microchipped, call the microchip manufacturer to update the database with your new contact information.
Moving Day & Travel
Be sure your dog or cat is wearing their collar with new ID tags on moving day. When the movers arrive, secure pets in a quiet room, away from the main traffic areas to prevent them from escaping. Be sure to alert each mover and family member that the room is off limits.
Time to hit the road? Whether transporting your pet by plane, train or automobile, talk to your veterinarian for advice on how your pet can make the trip most comfortably. For air travel, allow ample time to make arrangements and meet all air travel guidelines.
Settling In
While you and your family may be excited about your new habitat, your pet may feel confused or disoriented and will take some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Be patient and offer lots of love and affection to soothe their nerves.
Christensen recommends purchasing pheromone diffusers -- often helpful in calming both dogs and cats. The diffusers are available at most pet supply stores.
Cats: For the first few days, your cats will benefit from being confined to a single room while you organize the rest of your home. Unpack their bedding, toys, food and water dish and litter box and consider a window perch for them to enjoy the new view. After a few days, introduce cats to one new room at a time, always reminding them where the litter box is located.
Dogs: Ideally, introduce dogs to a new home when furniture is in place. Let them become familiar with one room before introducing to another. This can take a few days, but will ease your dogs' nerves and prevent a frightened escape. And when taking your pet outdoors, keep him or her on a leash.
Choose a new veterinarian for your pet as soon as possible! Talk to neighbors or contact the local veterinary association for help. Also, find the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and take a practice drive to find it so you don't waste precious time in a crisis.
With your love and assurance, your pet will soon adjust to your new abode. After all, for pets, home is where you are!
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Comments (14)
missi July 8, 2009 10:24 PM
I had to give up my dog 4 months after moving to another state I am hurting so bad it is so painful I pray she gets a good home she is so adorable.
Nikey August 11, 2009 5:23 PM
The last time we moved my cat hid under a futon for six whole months! We had to put the litter box next to the futon and feed her under there as well. She would not come out. We eventually tried the Feliway pheromone diffusers and within a week she appeared out from under the futon. I wish I would've known about them sooner! Great article!
maria August 11, 2009 5:27 PM
sorry to hear that, missy. I will pray for you to have comfort.
Janet August 11, 2009 5:37 PM
The pheremone diffusers work like magic with my one "scaredy-cat." She is calmer and more social when they are plugged in. I like the "Comfort Zone" brand the best.
Fran August 11, 2009 6:42 PM
I never heard of pheremone diffusers, I will get one tomorrow for ny "scardey-cat",to start well before we move in a couple weeks. Thanks for sharing
sally August 11, 2009 8:28 PM
What is this pheremone diffuser? Our rescued cat is claustraphobic (1 previous owner carried her around inside her purse cause it was "cute") and very skittish. She has made massive strides in being close to "normal" but we have to move again and I need to help her as much as I can. How does this work and where do I get one?
woodie August 11, 2009 9:18 PM
Holy cow Batman, Pheremone diffuser? Never heard of it but you can bet I'll be at petsmart when they open
Denise August 12, 2009 12:25 AM
I wish i would have known about the pheremone diffusers. I had a house built and my cat kept going back to my apartment. This went on for over a year! I think he has finally accepted my house as home. I bet those diffusers would come in handy when i go out of town. My cats get anxious when i am gone even though the neighbor checks in on them.
Nancy August 12, 2009 5:29 AM
I have 8 cats and 2 are the classic "scaredy cats". One is 5 years old and I cannot get within 3 feet of her. She gets along famously with the other cats but is terrified of humans and I have had her since she was 6 weeks old. Do you think that the pheremone diffuser would work for her?
Carolyn August 12, 2009 10:51 AM
I travel a lot and my cat travels with me. He rides on the arm rest next to me while I am driving. The last two trips he became sick and vomitted all over the place. After a while he was alright. What can I do for him to prevent car sickness? I wouldn't dare leave him home alone he is like a child to me and where I go he goes. I have never heard of a pheremone diffuser; what is it and would that help before we travel and in the motel room as well?
Sara August 12, 2009 12:29 PM
I kept my cats in the bathroom of my new place while unpacking the moving truck. They had their litter box, bed and food. Additionally, I left the kennel in there as well b/c they feel safe in it. It gave them the chance to get used to a small space. Once the truck was unloaded I opened the door for them to come out and explore when ready. I left the kennel out for about a week as their safe space. After that, they didn't need it anymore.
julia August 12, 2009 11:40 PM
i have three wonderful cats all different ages. my kiki has made herself queen cat. tigger he pays no mind to the other two with the exception of grooming the youngest, sophie. sophie has an issue with fleas, when she gets them i get flea drops and they go away as well as her anxiety over the fleas. other than meowing all the way on a trip the all three do really well with adjusting with my moves. i anticipate only two more moves; one to move out of my existing home for renovations and the move back in after the renovations are complete. then it is home sweet home for them and me.
Janet August 13, 2009 10:51 PM
I have a problem with my scardey cat. My new apt. has central air, I was so happy. Well Mikey is not, when I put on the air the intake vent is in my hall. well for 2 months he hides when I use it sometimes for hours and if he needs to use the litter box he cries and cries. I end up shutting it off. I am going out tomorrow and buying the diffuser.Carolyn I thought cats don't like change. And they love routine... I think traveling with your cat is not wise thing to do.
Cathy August 17, 2009 2:16 PM
What is pheremone diffuser. I have two cats but, I have never heard of that before. I am also getting ready to move. Thanks
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