When you’re moving house with pets, you need to make sure they are safe and out of the way. The moving process can be scary and dangerous for animals. Having cats or dogs running around may also make things harder for movers trying to transport furniture. Finding a safe place for your beloved furry friends makes the whole process smoother and easier for everyone involved.
Cat owners, in particular, face unique challenges during a move. Cats are extra prone to running away, so ensuring they have comfort items helps to maintain a familiar environment and routine
Key takeaways
- Ensure you know all the details of your move so you can plan accordingly
- Get your pet microchipped, if you haven’t already, in case they get lost
- Make sure you have a pet carrier, to safely transport your pet
- Find a trusted pet sitter, whether it’s a family member, friend or professional kennel service
- Once you’re moved in, give your pet an opportunity to explore the new space
- Be extra careful with cats and keep them inside for a while so they can acclimate
Before moving house
Before moving houseThere are important steps to take when moving house to ensure a smooth transition for your pets. These include planning the details of your move, ensuring your pet is microchipped, getting a pet carrier and finding a pet sitter.
Figure out the details
Outlining the specifics of your move is particularly important when you’re moving with a pet. Knowing the exact times and dates that you’ll be transporting your possessions lets you know when to leave your pets with someone.
Learn about the new neighbourhood
Before the move happens, it helps to get acquainted with the area around your new address. Being aware of the local vet, parks in the area and walking routes helps you plan your new routine. You should also read up about the rules of the local council, as they may be different to your previous address. Certain areas may not allow cats to roam outdoors.
Get a vet checkup
Getting a checkup for your pet before the move is a good idea. A quick appointment with your local vet can identify potential health issues that need to be addressed before the move. The vet may also be able to provide anti-anxiety medication for your pet if they are particularly skittish.
Microchip and ID your furry friends
It’s a good idea to make sure your pet is microchipped. A microchip allows your pet to be easily identified if they get lost. This helps to ease your mind if your pet happens to go missing temporarily.
You can also add an ID tag to your pet’s collar. Here you can list their address and your phone number so that anyone who finds them is able to contact you directly.
Purchase a pet carrier
Transporting a pet can be tricky, so having a carrier is very helpful. While it may not be necessary for many dogs, it will generally be necessary if you’re a pet owner with a cat.
Find a pet sitter
Once you have established how long the move will take and when it will be, you should find someone to watch your pet for that period. You may have a family member or friend who knows your pet and is free to look after them. But if not, there are kennels and pet-friendly accommodations available. They specialise in providing a low-stress, pet-safe environment for situations like this.
During the move
On the day of the move, you must make sure your pet is safe and secure so you can get through all the moving activities. Leaving them with a trusted party, and familiar items, and checking in on them throughout the day is the best way to do this.
Leave your pet with someone
When the moving process starts, you have to make sure your pet is with your chosen caretaker. This can be a bit scary, so do what you can to alleviate your pet’s stress levels. Make sure to include their favourite toys and treats to provide them comfort while they’re separated from you. Including familiar items like their bedding and toys can also help keep your pets calm and make the transition easier.
Check-in on your pet
It’s a good idea to call whoever is looking after your pet and check in. This can help set your mind at ease. Your pet may also be put at ease by hearing your voice over the phone. Just making a short call is enough to make the process significantly less stressful.
After moving homes
After moving homesAfter you move, there will be an adjustment period for both you and your pet. Letting them adjust gradually will give everything the best chance to progress smoothly. Pets moving house often face challenges in a new environment, so it’s crucial to maintain a consistent routine to keep their stress levels low.
Update your address details
Once you have moved, it’s important to update your address details promptly. Changes can sometimes take a few days to be implemented, so the earlier you do it, the better.
This is crucial in case your pet gets lost or escapes. As long as your address is updated on your pet’s ID tags and microchip, they can easily be returned to your address and avoid potential issues.
Let your pets explore the new surroundings
Moving to a new house will be a significant adjustment for most pets. Giving them an opportunity to explore the new environment at their own pace helps them to get comfortable with their surroundings.
It is advisable to keep windows and doors shut whilst doing so, to stop a pet potentially running outside and getting lost in a new neighbourhood. To prevent them from getting overwhelmed by new smells and sounds, it can be helpful to let them explore one room at a time. Having familiar items like toys and bedding accessible can also help pets adjust to the new surroundings.
Keep your cat inside
Cats are particularly prone to escaping the house and getting lost after a move. So it’s important to keep your cat inside for a few weeks. If you have an indoor cat, this will be the default anyway.
If you have an outdoor cat, this still applies. They need to get comfortable enough in the new home to establish it as their new territory. Once they have had enough time to develop a normal routine, you can let them begin exploring with supervision until they’re confident. Additionally, monitor your cat’s litter box behaviour during this adjustment period to ensure their well-being.
Who should help me move if I have pets?
Whether you have pets or not, Perth Cheap Movers are happy to help. We have been in the business for several years, making the process of getting your things into your new home quick and hassle-free. We have a range of moving trucks available, depending on the size of your move. So contact us today for a fast and easy-moving experience in Perth.