Moving house can be a particularly challenging time for all members of the family – and it’s important not to neglect how your pets could be impacted. If you have multiple pets, you’ll need to consider how to cater to their needs and ensure they adjust to their new home with you.
Microchips
Leaving familiar territory for a new home can be traumatic for cats and dogs. Cats in particular are known to make their way back to their old address weeks (or even months) after the initial move. To avoid pets going missing in the confusion of a relocation, you should ensure the ID microchips are up to date for each of your animals.
Comfortable carriers
If your pets tend to spend most of their time at home, you might not have suitable carriers for them. Before moving, ensure that each of your pet carriers is appropriately sized and in good condition. Consider letting your pets explore their carriers for a few days prior to moving house, as this will help them to feel more comfortable during transit.
Pet treats
Pets always respond well to treats – and while you don’t want to overdo it, some tasty titbits could help to keep them happy while they adjust to their new surroundings. Remember to choose healthy treats, and consult with your vet if possible to find out the best treats for each breed of animal you have.
Update your pet insurance
Insurance companies such as Petsure recommend updating your insurer with the details of your new address and informing them of your moving day prior to the move. It’s also pertinent to check your policy to find out if any excursions or clauses may apply after you relocate. Moving to a new area (for example, on a main road in a property with no garden gate) could affect your premiums or even void your policy, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider.
Treat your pet to a holiday on moving day
Moving house can be incredibly stressful, with lots of people coming and going from your new property, deliveries to unpack and general life administration to get on top of. It might seem fairer on your pets to book them into a local cattery or kennel on moving day, to allow you to better prepare your house for them without stress.
Consider the additional needs of exotic pets
If you’re the proud owner of a pet that requires a special tank (such as tropical fish, tarantulas, lizards or snakes), you might need to spend some time researching the best way to transport them to your new home. If needs be, contact your veterinarian or another animal professional for advice on how to safely move exotic pets to your new property.
Discussion about this post