Whether you’re moving to a new state or a new neighborhood, starting a new adventure is an exciting—but stressful—experience. From packing up all of your belongings to driving to your new home, the process of moving can feel daunting, especially if you’re relocating with a furry friend.
Fortunately, preparation can turn your move into a positive experience. To reduce stress along the way, it’s a good idea to prepare your pet for the moving process. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare for your move with pets.
Help from Friends and Family Members
Moving day is typically the most stressful part of the process, especially when it comes to moving with pets. With doors constantly opening and closing throughout the day to load up the moving truck, there’s always a risk that your pet can get out.
The best way to keep your pup safe is to enlist the help of a friend or family member during the moving process. Consider asking a close friend if your pet can stay with them for the day as you’re packing everything up for your new place.
Alternatively, if you’re not moving too far, you can ask your friend to take your dog to the dog park for an hour as you unpack. Remember to always leave your furry friend with a leash, harness, and collar. With the help of friends and family, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your pet is safe during the moving process.
Patience, Patience, Patience
If you’re already feeling stressed, finding patience during your move can feel impossible. It can be easy to forget that your pets are also experiencing stress, but it’s essential to exercise patience to help your furry friends feel safe amid their new surroundings. From boxes to unfamiliar smells in your new house, countless factors can take a toll on your pet’s health.
If you’re feeling too caught up in your own stress to recognize how your pet is feeling, take a step back and relax. When it comes to relieving stress, one of the best ways to reset is to get good sleep. Sleep supplements like Well Rested, a doctor-formulated, safe, all-natural sleep support supplement, can help soothe your nerves, calm your mind, and enjoy a deep, restful sleep before moving day.
A Reliable Crate or Kennel
Your furry friend’s kennel is their safe space, and it’s essential for helping reduce stress during the moving process. From sleeping to escaping the commotion, make sure to keep your pet’s crate or kennel nearby during your trip. Your pet’s kennel not only provides a safe space to put your pet while you’re preparing for the relocation but also offers a familiar environment during the transition period.
In most cases, larger animals require a crate or kennel for long-distance moves. Meanwhile, small pets like cats, small dogs, and hamsters may be more comfortable in pet carriers. If you’re using a new crate or pet carrier, set aside some time to introduce your puppy, cat, or exotic pet before making the trip. Without proper crate training, driving with your pet can create extra stress for both of you.
A Pet Travel Bag
Whether you’re moving to a new state, city, or just a new neighborhood, you’re responsible for transporting your pet and taking care of them during the moving process. If you’re an experienced pet owner, you probably already know that traveling with pets in the car can be a stressful experience.
To help make the process as stress-free as possible, pack a pet bag with freshwater, pet food, your pup’s favorite toy, blankets, your pet’s health certificate, and any necessary prescriptions. If you’re planning for a long-distance move, pack as much as you need to keep your pets happy and healthy during the trip.
From unexpected commotion in your home to a new environment, it’s common for animals to experience stress when moving to a new home. Above all else, taking steps to prepare your pet—and yourself—for your move can help reduce stress during the process.
