Tips for Moving House with Pets

Moving with Dogs

Dogs thrive on routine. Over time, you and your dog would have developed a bit of a routine around how each day operates in your household. But when something threatens their comfort zone and changes routines beyond what they can cope with, it’s common for some to become agitated and skittish.

When all of your furnishings and belongings are packed up and moved into the truck, the house no longer seems like a familiar safe-haven to your dog. The risk of your dog getting out while furniture and belongings are being moved into the removal truck is also high.

You can help to reduce stress for your dog by packing all their favourite things until last. Leave some toys, bedding, food dishes and other familiar items near your dog. To reduce the risk of your dog getting out and running away, keep him in the yard or in a safe location away from the activity until the heavy lifting is complete. Besides, your dog won’t be getting underfoot when the removalists are trying to move furniture around.

Register the Move

It’s common for many dog owners to forget to change their pet’s registration details. Call your local council in the old area and let them know you’re moving. Then call the council for the new home (if you’re moving to a different council area) and register your dog’s details.

You should also let your vet know about your updated details. If your pet is microchipped, ask if your vet can change the home address details on file. In some states you can also update your address details online.

Moving with Cats

Cats are notorious for getting into packing boxes and bags while you’re trying to pack. In fact, there are plenty of stories of frantic owners believing they’ve lost the cat during the move, only to find it curled up in one of the boxes later in the day.

However, once the activity of moving day arrives it’s common for many cats to simply disappear to a safe location. If you plan to transport your cat with you in the car, chances are you’re in for a challenge finding him right away.

Keep the cat in a safe location away from all the moving activity on moving day, such as in the bathroom with plenty of fresh water and some food. When you’re ready to move, at least you’ll know where the cat is!

Setting New Routines in Your New Home

Perhaps the most stressful part of moving for a family pet is arriving in completely unfamiliar surroundings. Your pet won’t know where convenient entry and exit points to the house are yet. They also won’t know right away where they’re supposed to go to relieve themselves.

Unpack the pet’s favourite items first and put them with your pet in a safe location until the truck is completely unloaded. When the activity quietens down, introduce your dog or cat to their new environment.

If you can, try to stick to similar routines as you had at the old house. Keep to the old feeding and walking times. It’s common for some cats to try and return to their old homes, so be sure your cat is secure in the new place until he becomes accustomed to the new surroundings.

Take your dog out to explore some of the new neighbourhood and learn the new walking routes. It’s also a good idea to let him sniff around the front porch and garden. That way if he does get out, he’ll recognise his own front yard again more easily.

If you have any other pets to move, such as fish, reptiles, birds or amphibians, discuss your moving requirements with your removalist company. They’ll make recommendations about the best way to move them to keep your moving day as stress-free as possible.

Contact Two Men And A Truck on 1300 880 412 and ask how we can make your move stressfree!