Pets Need Proper Care During a Moving Transition

December 07, 2017

You have properly heard of cats that walked over 2000 miles and dogs that came home after a number of years, but it's important to know these are rare exceptions. When you are moving, there are a few tips you should consider because pets can become nervous and confused during a move. The reason for this is that they aren't properly transitioned to their homes and can become lost if they haven't marked territory sufficiently to find their way around. Even indoor pets need some acclimation to get used to a new home.

When you are moving, it is best that the pet is in a pet kennel carrier, if possible. This can help the pet feel assured that it is not being left behind. During a move, a pet can become insecure when it sees you packing boxes, loading them into trucks and see a home becoming empty, because normally the pet is the final thing to be loaded. It is important that the pet is reassured and a part of the moving process. You may need to get sedation or motion sickness pills from the veterinarian before moving day, so keep this in mind.

A sedated animal can be more relaxed and much less nervous or anxious. For the pet, this can help make the transition easier, especially on long moves. Of course, if you are moving a few blocks away, the main concern will be that you are able to keep the animal from going back to the old house after you have moved. This will require a little more strategy in the beginning stages, but it can be easier if you have a fenced yard, garage or basement.

When the animal goes outside, you should keep it on a leash or chain to get it adjusted, but also to make sure the territory is well marked. Even if you have an indoor cat, it is important that its scent markings are present through litter boxes and other items. Once you are unpacked, this will help the pet adjust easier, but in the duration, they can feel out of place and want to go back to an old home, especially if they get away.

Make sure that collars have tags with your name and cell phone number and some vets can implant the microchips that help locate them, should they become lost. The best practice is to always be with the pet and keep it confined, especially during the beginning weeks of a new home moving transition. Moving can be a very stressful time for the entire family, including the family pets. Their nervousness and anxiety can cause them to runaway, feel rejected or abandoned, especially on the last part of packing the old home and the first part of unloading at a new home.

If you are aware that the animal needs to mark its territory over a period of time, to find its way back home in case it gets lost, you will realize that animals mark close to home and work their way out. You have to allow time for this process to happen if they are an outdoor pet, but they should be carefully confined during this adjustment period.