Moving with dogs and cats adds a whole new layer of stress. Hereâs how to do it right:
If youâre like the majority of Americans, you have at least one pet, and the odds are pretty good theyâre the furry four-legged kind. Dogs and cats might not be aware that you are moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, or what those boxes mean, but they can pick up on your stress, and they definitely notice the changes happening in the household. itâs safe to say that the change in environment can be tough. For today, weâll focus just on the most common household pets: dogs and cats. Ask any pet owner whoâs tried sleeping in past breakfast time, or tried to relax during walk time, and theyâll tell you that dogs and cats are creatures of routine. Add to that the fact that dogs, and perhaps cats, are extremely sensitive to change. They know that boxes donât belong in the middle of the living room. They can intuitively feel your stress. You canât do a whole lot about the boxes in the living room, unless of course, you have us pack for you. You can mitigate the stress by hiring a good moving company and having them do as much of the work as possible, but you canât eliminate it. Your life is changing. No matter how prepared you are, itâs stressful, and your dogs and cats will pick up on your feelings.
Keep their routines
Try to feed your pets and walk your dogs at the same times as usual. Itâs also important that you keep their feeding dishes in the same spot and make sure theyâre always unobstructed. Donât forget to check their water bowls more regularly than usual since stress can cause dehydration. Walk your dogs on a regular schedule. It will help keep you sane as well. Take some time every day to play with your cats. As much as possible, act like you arenât moving, right up until moving day.
Take them to the vet
Take your pets to their vet to update their shots and have a checkup to ensure theyâre ready for a potentially long road trip. Ask about medications (or alternatives) if your pet suffers from anxiety. If you donât know if your pet has car anxiety, take a practice trip or two.
Hire a dog walker or board them
If you have a dog walker that your dog(s) knows, now is not the time to cancel them. A dog walker can help your dog feel as though its routine is unencumbered. Itâs very important that your pets are safely out of the way on moving day. If theyâre used to crates, thatâs one option. They might prefer to spend time with a dog walker and other dogs. Please crate cats to keep them from running out of the house.