What To Do Before The Move
Even if your pet does not suffer from anxiety, you should begin to prepare them for the move. They will pick up on changes when you start to declutter spaces, pack up furniture and deep clean.
Try to stick to their usual walk and feeding times as much as you can, and before your pet arrives to your new home, remember to:
-Plan a spot for their water, food, bedding and/or litter tray
-Make sure that the fence all around the home is secure
-Ensure there are no potential escape spots
-Check for any potential hazards
-Remove poisonous plants
What To Do During The Move
On the day of the move, some people find it easier to take them to a pet daycare or find someone who will look after them. If that is not available, make sure that they stay out of the action and always have their identification tags on them. If possible, have someone they know next to them to calm them down and show them that they are not being left behind. During the car ride, make it as comfortable for them as possible. Blankets and soft toys might help them relax and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
When packing their food, bedding, and toys try and pack it all in one place so that it is easily accessible when you arrive. The familiarity of their bedding and toys will help them settle in and adjust to the change quicker.
What To Do After The Move
After you have moved into your home, try to spend as much time with your pet as possible. Feed them and walk them at the same time as you used to before the move. By getting them straight back into the regular routine that they are used to, they may feel less change and less anxiety from the move. Make them feel comfortable and loved, show them that you have not changed and that their routine has not either.