5 Ways to Help Your Pets Adjust to the Big Move

Adjusting to a new home, and the whole moving experience, from packing your old home up to after your things are all settled at the new place, can cause your pet stress. Cats are especially sensitive to their environment, preferring familiarity, but dogs often struggle with moving to a new home as well. There are a few ways you can prepare your pet for the big move, and help them adjust to your new home.

1. Be Patient with Your Animal as They Adjust

Moving to a new home may bring about behavioral changes that weren’t previously problematic. They may become focused on establishing their territory, feel insecure, or become jumpy and extra-sensitive. They may hide or try to run away, seeking a more familiar area. Don’t force them out of hiding, as long as they know where the litter box or doggy door are they’ll be alright. They need time to get used to their new home, and as you lovingly help them adjust, their behavior will return to normal.

2. Minimize Anxiety for Your Pet

Think of how you could ease the transition for your pet. Some animals might be most comfortable being near to you, regardless of what you are doing. Others might be better off in a crate, away from the hectic moving process. If you have a friend or family member the pet is familiar with or that usually watches your pet while you’re away, it might be a good idea to have your pet stay with them until you’re moved into your new place. The more comfortable and secure your cat or dog feels, the better they’ll do with the move.

3. Bring Their Favorite or Familiar Items

Some people are inclined to get their animal new things for the new house, but this is not the time to do that. Having food and water dishes that they’re used to, favorite toys, same litter box, bed, etc, will help your pet feel more comfortable and bring some familiarity to the otherwise foreign environment. Even having their things placed in similar areas of the new house as they were at the old house, or giving them their own area for all of their things will make them feel more secure.

4. Maintain Consistency in Your Pet’s Routine

Maintaining consistency with your pet’s feeding schedule, regular walk times, and bedtime will also help your pet adjust to the move. Pet’s become used to their routine, and maintaining this will comfort them and help them feel more secure in your new home. If you have a dog, you could start taking them on walks, at the usual time, in your soon-to-be neighborhood in the weeks leading up to the move, so that they can get familiarized with the area.

5. Give Your Pet the Usual Love and Then a Little More

You’re your pet’s person, their everything. Giving them the level of attention and affection they’re used to, and then some, will go a long way in helping them feel more secure and easing the transition. And remember that any difficult behavior is an expression of their discomfort, it doesn’t mean that they’re a bad pet and can’t change. If the adverse behavior seems to be persistent, get help from your vet or a professional trainer, and keep in mind all the unconditional love your little friend gives you.