Moving home with pets

Moving can be a stressful enough time for you and your family, but spare a thought for your pets. To be sure that Rover and Fluffy transfer to their new home with minimal upheaval, it's a good idea to plan ahead and orchestrate some creature comforts. If you're moving home with pets soon, this checklist may come is very useful.

Planning ahead for your move with pets

If you own a cat or dog (or both) you'll know that each tends to demonstrate different behaviour when moving. Dogs are usually better socialised, as they are often taken to other people's places and on walks. Cats, on the other hand, are more focused on their immediate surroundings and aren't as accepting of change, so any disruption to their environment can foster stress-induced behavioural changes, such as clinginess or temporary reclusiveness.

Still, dogs that aren't used to travelling in a car or moving truck can also become stressed. By planning ahead though you can help to lessen their worries. Here are several tips to help in planning your move with pets:

• Familiarise your cat with their moving carrier beforehand, leaving it out where they can examine it daily. Place their favourite blanket or toy in it and praise your pet when they wander inside
• Get your dog or pup used to riding in your car a few weeks before the move. Start with short trips such as to the park or shops. Positive or comfortable association will help reduce anxiety
• On moving day, confine your dog to one room or the backyard or even ask a neighbour to watch it until all of your belongings are packed away. Only after everything is out of the house should you place your animal in the car or truck
• Place your cats or other small animals (such as rabbits, ferrets and birds) in individual hard-sided carriers with proper ventilation. Cover the carrier with a sheet or light blanket for the first few hours of the trip to ease them into things
• Dogs should be restrained using instruments such as safety harnesses, which attach to seatbelts and allow your dog to sit or stand comfortably
  
• Pack a separate bag for your animal for the trip, including their favourite food and a bottle of water. You will also need a pet first aid kit and towels, in case of accidents. Disposable litter boxes are also a good idea for stressed cats
• Put temporary ID tags, with your new contact details, on your pet's colla

These tips should alleviate your pet's trauma and in turn reduce your stress during the move. After all, you have enough to worry about so want to be sure that everyone (including the family canine or feline) is as happy as possible.

If you can't take your pet with you during the move, there are a variety of animal relocation companies, which can provide appropriate relocation and boarding methods. These can be particularly useful if you're moving much further afield. Moving with your pet need not be the nightmare you might think - remember that planning ahead is the key.