Moving day can provoke a whole host of emotions – a little sadness, a little stress, and all of the excitement and anticipation that comes with embarking on a new adventure in life. Your pet will sense and feel all of your conflicting emotions, so it’s your job to keep her on the even keel – the best you can.
During the hustle and bustle of moving day, it can be easy to overlook your pet’s extra needs for safety and emotional security. Considering these needs beforehand (when you are not buried in boxes and cleaning supplies), and creating a plan to address them, is the best way to make moving day as safe and stress-free as possible for your pet.
Here are five tips for keeping your pet secure, calm, and reassured on the big day:
Breathe
Moving has the potential to be a bit stressful. Most pets (particularly dogs) are energy magnets. They sense if you are upset, anxious, or agitated. If you’re sending out these vibes, your pet will pick up on them and he too will become more anxious. But if you are calm, steady, and reassuring, you will take some of the burden of worry off of his shoulders.
Keep Your Pet Happy, Safe & Secure
From your pet’s perspective, moving day will be filled with strange noises, unfamiliar voices, and some commotion. It’s enough to make even the most easygoing of pets a little anxious. Plus, with movers coming in and out of your home, it’s easy for your pet to slip out if he’s not somewhere safe and secure.
The best place for your pet on moving day is at friend or family member’s house. This way he’ll avoid all the moving day “excitement.” Another great alternative is letting your pet spend the day at a doggie daycare or a boarding facility.
If those are not viable options, give your pet his own space in your house by keeping him safe and secure in an empty, quiet room, with a sign on the door that says “Do Not Enter.” If putting him in a room isn’t possible, secure him in a crate.
Keep Your Pet Occupied
If your pet stays home on moving day, there’s nothing like some mental stimulation to help keep your pet engaged. Set your pet up with a toy, TV, radio, or near a window — something that will keep him occupied and distracted during the move. This will help him “shut out” the noise and hullabaloo around him as he focuses on getting the peanut butter out of the kong or is mesmerized by the birds fluttering about on Nat Geo.
Maintain Your Usual Routine
Routines are very comforting for pets. Feed your pet at the same time as usual, and head out on walks at the same time as usual, taking the same routes you usually take. Again, it’s about letting her know that you will keep things stable and under control, which allows her to worry less.
Stay Vigilant
Keep an eye out for your pet at all times. There’s no guarantee that some well-intentioned person won’t open the crate to comfort or console her, or that a mover won’t ignore – or not see – your door sign. You will also want to check on her regularly, to ensure that she is safe and well, and to comfort her occasionally.
The easier moving day is on your pet, the more smoothly he will transition into life at your new place. He’ll eventually settle in, life will return to normal, and you’ll have a stronger bond for having weathered the adventure together.
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