Moving may be stressful for you but it’s absolutely TRAUMATIC for your pet!
Pets are emotionally attached to not only their humans, but also their homes. Separating them from their physical home causes immense stress for them.
With proper planning and support, you can have a stress-free relocation with your pet.
Here are 7 tips to reduce your and your pet’s stress while moving:
1. Maintain their routine
Pets become anxious when their routine is disturbed. So, don’t forget to maintain their routine amidst the hassle of moving. Engage with your pet at normal times, including feeding, walking, playing, and sleeping.
2. Familiarise them with their travel bag
Buy a travel bag for your pet well in advance. This bag should be suitable for your chosen means of transport.
For example, if your pet is travelling with you in your car or in the aeroplane cabin, a soft travel bag with zippers and tiny windows would be the best choice. If your pet is travelling in the cargo area of an aeroplane, buy a crate with appropriate dimensions.
Whatever means of transport you choose for your pet, always buy the travel bag at least two weeks prior to your move so that you can familiarise your pet with this bag. Using their favourite treats and toys, lure them into the bag and let them smell and touch the bag. After a few days of initial introduction, try to close the bag with your pet inside so that the enclosed space doesn’t feel alien to them on the day of the move.
Bonus recommendation: Usually, airlines offer a pet transportation crate for rent. But, we highly suggest that you buy a new crate for your pet because just like a human baby, pets need their own space- a space that hasn’t been used by ‘who-knows-who-and-how-many’ others.
3. Put them in one room while moving
Whether you move yourself or hire packers and movers, hearing and seeing the commotion agitates your pet.
So, place them in one room of the house with their food, water and favourite toys, and shut the door of the room while your belongings are being packed, moved and unpacked.
4. Pack at the end and unpack in the beginning
Pets associate their belongings with their home. In order to reduce the anxiety of being taken from their old home to a new place, keep your pet close to their belongings for as long as possible.
So, the last box you pack and the first box you unpack should be the one with your pet’s belongings.
5. Never leave their belongings behind
Pets rely on familiarity for comfort. Take all their belongings with you, including their dishes and toys.
6. Take them in your vehicle
Whenever possible, take your pet along with you in your vehicle. Being able to recognize the familiar smell of their family puts your pet’s mind at ease.
Bonus recommendation: When you’re travelling in your car, let your pet look out the window so that they don’t feel entrapped.
7. Check up before and after the move
Always get your pet checked by their regular veterinarian before you move.
Find a trustworthy veterinarian near your new home beforehand, and get your pet checked up again after your move.
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Moving is hard. And it may become even harder with your pet.
With the right help, relocation can be stress-free for you and your pet.
Planning to relocate with your pet? Transferet’s team includes trusted and passionate pet relocation specialists who genuinely care for your pets. Contact us now at +91 91081 81123 for a free quote!
Safe travels with your pet!
