Moving is already a stressful activity for most, but it can get much more complex if people have pets. Even though several dogs enjoy adventure and visiting new places, they can get anxious about the whole process of moving to a different place. Cats, on the other hand, closely to their home territory, and unfamiliar location, smells, and sounds can raise their levels of fear, anxiety, or stress (FAS). While people can lower the stress associated with a move by hiring companies like Safe Ship Moving Services, they must be proactive about trying to try and reduce the anxiousness of their furry friends as well.
Safe Ship Moving Services discusses a few tips to make home relocation comfortable for pets
On the day of the move, the behaviour of the pet parent will impact how the furry friends behave, especially if one is too stressed. To avoid upsetting the pets, it will be a good idea to keep the paths clear for movers, and arrange for one room in the house away from all the activity that can be used as a temporary pet room. The room should be cleared out, and the pets must be put there along with things they need to stay comfortable for the relevant duration, like bedding, toys, food, water and litter trays. The doors and windows of the room should be closed, so that the pets cannot get out. If possible, people may even try to keep their pets with a trusted family member or friend on the day of the move.
Much like with kids, when moving to a new home with pets, it is imperative to try and stick to the daily routine as much as possible. Simply sticking to regular walking and feeding times whenever possible can go a long way in maintaining stability and avoiding too much confusion.
Making the pets comfortable is also important after arriving at the new home. One needs to find a quiet spot at the new home, where the pets can sit, till all the goods are moved in. The pets should be surrounded by things familiar to them, so that they feel at home. Keeping meal times the same will help the pets to settle down, as they will recognise their old routine.
The team of Safe Ship Moving Services mentions that if one is moving to a new home in the same town, it can be smart to take the dog to the new locality before the move, so that he or she can get accustomed to their new walking route. After getting to the new house, one should additionally check that fences and gates are secure before letting the dogs out into the garden. When it comes to cats, it shall be smarter to keep them inside the house for a couple of weeks after the move, so that they can adjust to their new surroundings. Cats are generally more stressed with home relocation in comparison to dogs, and are likely to need a bit of time to get their bearings. Pet parents must try to introduce the cats to each room in the house one at a time, while keeping a close eye on them as cats may seek out places to hide.
