Five Tips for Moving Into a New Home With Pets Easier on Them and You

Moving into a new home is an exciting time – the beginning of a new adventure for new homeowners and their families, including pets – only for pets it can often be more stressful than exciting - at least initially.  The change in daily routines and new surroundings can be hard on animals. While it's not difficult to help pets make the transition to a new home it does require some preparation before, during and after the move. 

Here are key steps to ensure a pet-friendly move:

1. Maintain Their Routines: As much as you can, feed, walk and play with your pets every day at the same time as you did in your prior home or as close to it as you can get. Continuing established routines can go a long way in helping your pet to adjust.
2. Give Them Their Own Place: Set up a place in your new home for your pet. With an eye toward giving your pet a sense of security, Include their favorite bed and other familiar items.
3. Let Them Get to Know Their New Home: Don’t rush this. Allow your pet to explore the new home at their own pace. Your cat might hide in a one room and it might take a while to venture out. Your dog might need to be supervised when accessing different parts of your new home and backyard.
4. New Identification: Get a new tag for your pet’s collar that your new address and phone number. Update your pet’s information with the microchip company if your pet is chipped. Pet escapes are not uncommon during or shortly after a move.
5. Say Goodbye to Your Vet and Find a New Vet: If you’re not moving close to your former home, visit your current vet for copies of records, or even better, ask them to email them to you, and for medications. Ask your vet if he knows of any veterinarians he or she can recommend in your new area.

These simple steps will help your pet to adjust more quickly and enjoy what you both enjoy the most – spending time together.