Tips on moving home with your pet

Moving house can be a hugely exciting time. However, it can also be difficult and stressful, particularly when you have pets. Dogs, cats and other animals can find relocating to a new property traumatic since they don’t know what’s happening and why. Read on for our top tips on moving home with your pet. 

How to move home with your pet

All pets respond to moving house differently. However, in general, it can impact negatively on their mental health. Not only are they likely to become anxious as everything is packed up around them but their normal routine is likely to become disrupted too, making them very stressed indeed. Keep reading to learn some of the top tips on moving home with your pet.

Make sure your new home is suitable 

Finding the perfect home for your family is an exciting moment. However, you also need to consider if the property you choose is suitable for your pet too. If you have a dog, ask yourself if the garden is big enough to cater to his exercise needs. Or if you have a cat that likes to venture outside, consider if living on a busy main road is likely to put it at risk. 

Knowing that you’re moving somewhere that’s suitable for your pet will not only put your mind at ease but make the transition easier for them too. When you do move house, make sure your pet has a collar that includes your contact details. This will help to ensure that they can easily be reunited with you should they become lost.

Find reputable local vets

When moving home with your pet, don’t forget to find reputable local vets. Do this in advance so that your dog or cat is already registered by the time you move in. This will ensure that if they do fall ill or become injured, they can get the care they need right away. If you have time, visit a few practices so you can find out more about the service on offer. As well as checking out online reviews, you could also ask any friends or family in the area if you can recommend a trustworthy practice.

Update your pet’s microchip 

One thing that many people forget to do when they move house is to update their pet’s microchip. Microchipping is already a legal requirement for dogs. The government is set to introduce a new law that makes it mandatory for cats too. Your pet’s microchip holds information such as your address and telephone number, ensuring that they can be returned to you should they go missing.

Don’t rush the packing process 

Try to refrain from packing everything up to quickly when moving house with pets. The sudden change in surroundings can cause animals to feel stressed since they don’t know what’s happening. Ideally, you should begin the packing process around a week before you move, saving their bowls, toys, litter tray and other favourite items for last. This will help your pet to become used to the change of environment gradually, ensuring they feel less stressed. This will help to feel as comfortable as possible when moving day arrives.

Place your pet in one room on moving day

On moving day, it’s best not to give your pet free rein of the house. Restricting them to one room can help to keep them out of the way of the chaos, helping to keep them as calm as possible. Put their bed, food and water bowls, and litter tray into the room with them. If it’s an option, we recommend asking a friend or family member to look after your pet for the day. This will ensure that they are removed from the hustle and bustle completely. You can then arrange to collect them once you’re moved in and can introduce them to their new surroundings in a slow and calm manner. Once in your new home, introduce them to one room at a time, slowly letting them explore new ones once they become more confident. This will help to make the transition easier for your dog or cat. 

Maintain your pet’s normal routine 

A regular routine is something that most pets thrive on. Of course, this can be impacted when you’re moving house, leaving them feeling anxious and insecure. We recommend trying to maintain their routine as much as you can during your house move. This includes feeding and walking them at the same time. Continuing this routine once you move into your new property can help your pet know what to expect each day, helping them to settle into their new surroundings better.

Choose a reputable local removals firm 

One of the top tips on moving home with your pet is to enlist the services of a reputable removals company. Keep in mind that some removals companies in Market Harborough are more pet-friendly than others. At Metro Removals, we’re one of these, with our team possessing a wealth of experience in transporting animals of all kinds, from dogs and cats to small mammals and rodents. There’s a great deal to think about when moving house with pets in tow, however, you can rest assured that we can assist you every step of the way. We can provide you with all the expert advice you need.

Contact us 

At Metro, we can pet-friendly removals in Market Harborough at highly competitive rates. Call us on 01858 790 000 to discuss your removal requirements with one of the team. You’re also welcome to email us at sales@metroremovals.co.uk or submit a question via our website. We’ll aim to get back to you as soon as we can.