moving with pets

Moving house is an incredibly stressful event. There’s a lot of planning and packing that must take place, and it requires a significant level of physical and emotional energy. And although the preparation causes significant stress and anxiety, our pets have no concept of what’s happening before, during, and after the move. The decision to move likely included a lot of thoughts and considerations and visits to the new location.
 
Many pets go missing when they’ve moved because to them, it all happens out of the blue. All of a sudden there are boxes everywhere, the routine has changed, the humans are walking back and forth around the home, stuff keeps disappearing into the boxes, furniture moves. And they don’t know why. Some pets handle change easily, others struggle. So, the best way to help your pets with this transition is to assume that they will struggle. Here are my top tips for a stress-free(ish) move:
 

1. Start packing as early as possible. A box or two per day will allow your pet to gradually get used to the changes within your current home.
2. Ensure that your pet is microchipped and is wearing a collar with a contact number.
3. Make sure the new property is secure so that your pet cannot escape when inside.
   1. If this is not possible (e.g. palisade fence), keep your dog on a leash or your cat in a closed room on ‘moving day’.
4. Prepare for “moving day” in advance.
   1. Set up a room in the old home where your pet can rest peacefully while furniture and boxes are being loaded in the rest of the house.
   2. Set up a room in the new home with your pet’s favourite bed, blanket, and water bowl (and litter box/scratch-post). Provide high value food and sit with your pet in this space for as long as you can, so that they can create a positive association with the new space. If you need to leave, remember to check in frequently. Make sure you enter the room carefully so that your pet cannot bolt out of the door.
   3. Make arrangements for a friend or family member to look after your pet on the day while you move. They can spend time at the new house, or the pet can go to their house if you feel this will be the least stressful option.
5. Dogs tend to be more tolerant of change than cats. Dogs are more focused on proximity to their humans, while cats are more sensitive to the environment.
6. Cats need time to deposit their scent in the new house. My rule of thumb is 3 days in one room, 1 to 3 weeks in the house (depending on the size of the house and the confidence of the cat), 3 weeks of supervision outside during the day, confining inside at night.
7. If your pet struggles with change, ask your veterinarian for a short-term anxiolytic medication to help your pet through this period.
8. Try to stay at home as much as possible for a few days after the move. If you need to leave, arrange for a friend or house-sitter to stay with your pet.
9. Don’t rush to start taking your dog for walks. A new neighbourhood can be overwhelming with all the smells and sounds of other dogs. Instead, play games in the garden, do some trick training in the home, or watch movies while brushing, stroking or snuggling with your furry friend. Give your dog at least a week to settle in before starting will a neighbourhood stroll.
10. Try to stick to a rough routine at first so your pets know what to expect on a day-to-day basis.
11. Go back to basics with house training, even if your dog is fully trained. The stress of the move can cause regressions so it’s best to be proactive by taking your pooch to the toileting area regularly.
12. Be patient.
13. If your pet does escape and go missing, visit your local rescue organisation, vet, and SPCA in person, do not rely solely on a phone call. Send a photograph to your local Whatsapp group, and on social media platforms.

 
 
Written by Jessica Prinsloo
Companion Animal Behaviourist
www.bestbehaviour.co.za
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