Five Tips For Moving With Pets

Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be very exciting for the family! Sometimes, though, it’s very stressful on the furry members of the family. Here are some things to remember, tips for moving with pets:

• When possible, it’s a good idea to leave the dog with a friend they know during the actual move. This will keep them out of your way and away from possible accidents.
• The other option is to crate your dog while moving the furniture. Make sure the crate is large enough for them to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. The best way to keep your pet safe is to keep them out of the way.
• Packing over a longer period of time, rather than a day or two, can be less stressful on your dog. Dogs, especially don’t like change. If the change is gradual, they won’t be affected as drastically.
• Make sure that you pack their items, bed, food and water dish, toys, etc. in a separate, easy-to-find box.
• One easy trick is to make sure that they have belongings that smell like you, their people! Having a familiar scent in a strange place can make the transition easier. All you would need to do is put their toys in your laundry hamper for a few days, and they will smell just like you!!

Introducing your dog to your new home

Moving into your new home is often a stressful for a pet, however there are a lot of things that we can do to make this transition easier on them, which in the end makes it easier on us!

• Your dog may not know where to “go” in a new home. When you bring them to your new place, take them immediately to the designated place so they can “do their business”. Be sure to reward them with praise.
• For puppies, be sure to let them out as often as possible the first few days.
• Keep in mind that a puppy can “hold it” for about 1 hour for every month they are old. Be sure to give them time for this during the move as well as after the move.

Settling Your Cat into the New House

• First, cat-proof the new house. Make sure that all windows have secure screens, remove any poisonous houseplants and confirm that no pest-control poison traps have been left anywhere in the house.
• As soon as you get to your new place, take your cat to a room that will remain relatively quiet. Before opening the carrier, set up your cat’s food and water dishes, litter box and bed. Place some cat treats around the room to encourage your cat to explore.
• Keep your cat in this one “home-base” room for his first several days, to keep him from getting overwhelmed. Keeping your cat in one room will also make it easy for him to find his litter box, food and water.
• Spend time with your cat in his home-base room, at first doing low-key activities like reading or watching TV. When he begins to explore, offer your cat attention, treats and playtime.
• When the unpacking is over, gradually give your cat access to the rest of the house. Cats are naturally curious, and as soon as they feel secure, they will want to investigate their new digs.
• Provide a second litter box where you’ll want to keep one permanently, keeping the box available in the home-base room for a few weeks. Once your cat has settled in, you can remove the first box. You can keep the home-base litter box but gradually transfer it to a preferable location.

For other great tips on house training your pet, and tips for moving with pets, please visit The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or The Humane Society of Frederick.

Some great links for help when moving with pets include:

• Pets Welcome – a great website for finding pet friendly hotels, for those long distance moves
• Air Animal (pet movers) – for the really, really long distance moves
• Atlas World Group — great advice for moving
• Pet Friendly Travel Guide — good resource with links to great information
• Keep your pets safe when driving, a helpful article brought to my attention by a student. Thanks Natalie!!

The Highland Group
eXp Realty
Frederick, Md 21701
301-401-5119