Moving into a new house can be a stressful time for any member of the family, and pets are not excluded. Although you will likely be busy helping all of your family members adjust to a new home, there are some simple things that you can do to help your pets feel more comfortable with their transition.
Familiar Spots
Have you ever noticed that your pet has his favorite spot in your house or yard, just like you do? Take your pet with you to the house before your actual move-in date, if possible, to give him a chance to become familiar with the new house and scope out his new favorite spots. You can also take your dog on a walk through the new neighborhood or to one of the new parks as soon as possible.
Favorite Toys
Pets, like people, often have material things that mean something to them. These things could be anything from a favorite chew toy to a favorite spot on the couch. If your pet has a favorite material thing that they love in their old home, be sure to bring that to their new home. It will help to give them the comfort they may need if they are uneasy about the new area. It will also give them a grounding point that will make them feel like they truly live in the new home.
Quality Time
Taking some extra time during a move to make your pet feel better may seem like an unimportant task, because moving can be stressful and time consuming. But even taking 10 minutes to let your pet know that you are there and to show some affection will allow your pet to feel better. You can even give your pet a new toy as a special treat.
Choosing to move can be a difficult process, but moving with a pet can make that process even more challenging. Helping all of your family members – including your pet – adjust to a new home is almost as important as getting yourself adjusted to a new living environment.