A Stress-Free Guide to Moving With Your Pet
Article submitted by our friends at ourdogfriends.org
There’s no doubt that we love our pets. In fact, CNBC reports that a vast majority of pet owners would gladly give up their perfect palace if it didn’t please their pooch — or fish, cat, or reptile. When shopping for a home with an animal to consider, your choices are a bit narrower. And when it comes to moving during the pandemic, your responsibility is greater. Here are some ways to get through the process without adding extra strain to you or your non-human roomie.
The House-Hunting Process
Your first step before you even contact your agent is to determine if your pet is going to live inside or out. If you have a dog, a yard is a must. Depending on the breed, you may be just fine with a small outdoor area. But, if you have a highly active breed, such as a Labrador retriever or Siberian Husky, you may need a more expansive space.
You’ll also want to take a look at your preferred neighborhoods before you make an offer on a property. Pets Best Pet Health Insurance recommends finding an area with plenty of dog parks and walking routes.
When you have other pets that don’t need lots of outdoor time, you’ll want to pay close attention to the layout of the home. If you have fish or iguanas, for example, you’ll need a place where they can be visible.
Once you do find the home of your dreams, you need to get your pet used to being in the car, particularly if you’re going to be moving across the country. First, visit their veterinarian to make sure they are healthy enough for long-distance travel. When moving day comes, make sure to have plenty of supplies and, ideally, another adult or responsible teenager to help you along the way.
Welcome Home
Now that you’ve found your perfect house, it’s time to get yourself and your pet acquainted with your new surroundings.
First things first, figure out how you’re going to keep your home clean. Even if you’re used to cleaning up after a slobbery, shedding roommate, moving is a stressful time, and your attention needs to be on your animal, at least for the first few weeks. Plan to invest in a quality robot vacuum, one that does the job well and can avoid obstacles in the home. If you have a cat, a self-cleaning litter box will do you both a world of good.
Helping your pet settle in should be your top priority. Keep in mind that, although you and your family may have been super stoked about the move for a while, pets don’t understand. They literally have no way of knowing that their life is changing until you get there.
VCA Hospitals recommends changing up your schedule to match how things will be in your new home. Introduce your pet by walking them around the property. Make sure to have plenty of treats hidden around – and in your pocket – during your first visit together. Keep in mind that not all dogs settle in quickly, and your pet may be nervous in the first few weeks. It may be wise to restrict them to one area of the house and keep them away from hyperactive young children
until they accept their new space as home.
Resources for Making the Move During COVID-19
Tips for Moving Into a House During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Tips to Keep Pets Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic
Home Prices and Market Trends in Peachtree City
Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean in the Time of COVID-19
How to Visit the Vet Safely in the COVID-19 Era
There are so many things to consider when moving with your pet, especially when it comes to the pandemic. The best thing you can do is practice cleanliness, keep an open line of communication with your veterinarian, and be there when your animal needs you. Remember, they are looking to you to know how to act, so keep your cool and love them like never before through the entire ordeal.
Image from