Helping Your Pets Adjust to a New Home

Here are some ways to help your pet make the transition to a new home:

The first step in helping your pet prepare for moving day is getting her used to a pet carrier. No matter how near – or far – you’re moving, she will be safer in a pet carrier. If she’s never been in a carrier, introduce the idea slowly. Start by putting a blanket and pet treats inside, leaving the door open, and making the experience a positive one. Please see my blog on Crate Training Your Dog,dated February 29, 2016.

Once she’s comfortable with the carrier, the next step is familiarizing your pet with car travel. Start with short, 10-minute rides, then longer 20-minute rides. You’ll find that your pet’s anxiety decreases as she becomes more accustomed to sights and sounds associated with car travel. Be sure to leave the carrier out in the house during this time so your pet gets used to it and even sleeps inside it whenever she chooses. While you’re packing boxes, be sure to let your curious little buddy sniff around and have her own fun. Just don’t box her up by accident!

For dogs, consider taking your dog to your new neighborhood for walks before you move in. Walk by your new house and let your dog familiarize himself with the scents of the neighborhood. Go inside the new house and also let him explore the yard, if possible. Or try to bring something from the new house to your dog so he can familiarize himself with its unique smell.

While you’re packing, try not to isolate your dog in a dog crate. Instead, include him while you pack and move boxes, allowing him to investigate the activity. If your dog is crated or isolated in a room by himself while the rest of the family packs and prepares to move, he’ll likely feel nervous which could lead to stress-related behaviors such as hyperactivity, jumping or barking.

Before you let your pet into your new house, make sure to inspect it from her point of view – inside and out. Remove any dangling cords from drapes or blinds to help keep your pet safe. Once your pet arrives, make sure to keep doors and windows closed and close any holes or crawl spaces where your pet might hide and would be out of your reach.

Just like people, every pet is unique and has a personality all their own. Because you know your pet better than anyone, you can probably predict how smoothly the transition will go. If you know that your pet is extremely skittish, talk to your veterinarian well beforehand about your concerns. He or she can recommend medication to help relax your pet during this stressful time, if it’s absolutely necessary.

Be consistent. Keep your routine schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, cuddling and bedtime. If a dog is used to using a doggy door, set one up in your new place. If your cat is accustomed to outdoor time, arrange for that — even if you have to use a leash initially for safety purposes and to keep him from running away.

Bring favorites. You may be tempted to get your pet new toys and things, but this is not a good time to introduce new items. Instead, bring your pet’s favorite bed, crate, toys, food and water dishes, treats and other familiar items. Put them in similar places as they were in your previous home. Favorites will help your pet feel in control and at home more quickly.

Minimize anxiety. Think of ways to ease your pet’s transition. Some animals will feel best being near you no matter what you’re doing. Others will do better in a crate away from the moving madness. Or perhaps it’s better for your little buddy to stay at a friend or family member’s home during the actual move; joining you once you’ve unpacked. The more secure they feel, the better they’ll weather the change.

Keep them safe. During the packing stage, the actual move and the transition in the new home, plan for your pet’s safety. Some animals will be upset and scared once the boxes and suitcases take over. They may hide or run away. Set aside a safe place where they can’t get lost or hurt. Make sure your pet has identification and your contact information, and that you have copies of veterinarian records. Learn about any aggressive animals in the neighborhood, or any structural risks in the home or yard.

**SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT CATS:        

Once you’re in your new home, your cat may “disappear” for a few days. She may choose her cat carrier, a closet or underneath a bed. Cats that move into new homes may appear to have a type of feline anxiety attack. Without familiar sights and sounds, cats may search for hiding places, the darker, the better. Normally eager eaters may need coaxing to finish a meal. Others may seem a little moody and forgetful when it comes to the litter box. They may try to escape out the front door, trying to find their way back to familiar surroundings. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure your pets – dogs as well as cats – are microchipped. (Don’t forget to update your new address with the microchip provider.)

She’ll pick up on your mood, so be sure to follow your normal routine and reassure her that everything is back to normal. Encourage her to eat as she used to, and try to avoid having visitors. Anything you can do to get things back to normal will be helpful.

You may want to choose a special room that will be her private refuge, complete with her food and water bowls, bed, scratching post, and litter box – all the comforts of her previous home. You could also include something with your scent, such as a worn T-shirt or slippers. Once she’s comfortable there, she can begin to explore the rest of the house, perhaps one room at a time, when she decides she’s ready. (Make sure to keep a second litter box in the location where you plan to keep one permanently.) Soon she’ll realize that the new home she shares with you is nothing to be afraid of, and she’ll be back to her old lovable self.

Be patient. Allow your pets to take their time sniffing around their new digs. Let them explore — and if they decide to hide for a while, that’s OK as long as they know where the doggy door or litter box is. Allow them to come out when they are ready. Their behavior may change for a while, including eating and “potty” habits, barking, pacing or protection behaviors. They need time to get used to their new home, just as you do.

Love ’em up. Give your pet the attention he is used to. A bit of extra loving will go a long way as they come to feel at home in their new surroundings. Remember that difficult behaviors are a result of their discomfort with the change and a sense of not feeling in control. Difficult behaviors don’t mean the pet is bad and can’t change. If difficult behaviors persist, get help from a professional trainer or veterinarian, and remember all the unconditional love they give you.

Keep these tips in mind. If you’ve moved a long distance, now is the perfect time to ask your new neighbors to recommend a new veterinarian for your pets. Schedule a “get to know you” visit for your pets as soon as possible so you have a vet in the event of a veterinary emergency.

If possible, allow yourself a few extra days to spend at home with your pet after the move and before returning to work. During this period of adjustment, you can begin to stay away from home for short periods of time to get your pets used to being alone in their new space.

Do not leave your dog unattended outside during this adjustment period. Dogs have been known to jump fences in an attempt to return to their old, familiar territory. Please seriously consider microchipping your pet if you haven’t already done so.  Also, keep a safety/break away collar on him with a slide-on id tag with important information should he try to run to his old home.

It is important for you to keep calm and try to remain in a normal temperament during this time so that your pets do not sense any stress or tension in you. As difficult as this may be, it will keep your pet from becoming stressed or anxious and help him to adjust to his new surroundings.