In the past couple of months it seems like the real estate market has experienced a leap in sales of homes. Housing is moving very quickly. In fact, just in this last week I had two clients sell their homes in a matter of days. Literally days.....
With a quick sale comes a closing right around the corner and then the move. In the ciaos of finding a new home, packing, and moving we must not forget our pets. Moving is a major change and causes a lot of stress and sometimes confusion and uncertainties.
As you are digging through the closets, packing boxes and wrapping your dishes, your pet's see and sense all these changes. They know something is changing, they know things will be different but unfortunately they are not quite certain of what exactly is going on.
1. Before your move - You must be committed to your current routine with your pet. If you feed at 5PM, continue to feed at 5PM, if you take your dog for a walk two times a day, stay committed to those two walks a day and if your kitty litter box is in a certain spot, keep that box in that area. This will help create a level of consistency with your pet. Your dog or cat has probably already started building up some anxiety and nervousness seeing everything changing but this will help them feel you are still dedicated to them and that they are not being left behind.
2. New location - Before you move in, say you are relocating locally bring your dog or cat over to your new property and let them roam around. Let them smell, poke, peek and see everyroom. Bring them out in the yard and let them find their "area" and make a mark or two. Why? Well once you do move in they will be a little more familiar with your new home and will be able to find their scent. This will create a level of confidences in your pet and hopefully help with acceptance of this being their new home.
3. Traveling to your new home - If you are not relocating local and do need to fly or drive a long distances please consult with your Vet first on your options. Make sure your pet is in proper health to be traveling for a long extended period of time. In some cases, a Vet will prescribe medication to help with anxiety.
4. Flying - Do your research and find out how each airline treats your pet. When there is a layover will the airline bring your pet out from under for a piddle break and a quick stretch or do they just leave him in the crate. Do they provide water breaks? Call and ask every and any question you can think of. Some airlines will allow you to bring your pet in the cabin with you depending on size and breed. Yes, your pet will have to go through security screening too, once again call the airline directly and ask about their policy.
5. Arrival to your new home - Once again, routine routine routine. Immediately start back into the routine you had in your previous home. If you feed at 5PM, continue to feed at 5PM, if you take your dog for a walk two times a day, stay committed to those two walks a day and if your kitty litter box is in a certain spot, keep that box in a similar area. This will show your pet that just because the house may look a little different, everyday life will remain the same.
6. Once settled in- As you are getting to know your neighbors, introduce your pets to your neighbors pets. Dogs that came from a social environment of a play dates, doggy daycare and playing with the neighbor's dog will need to get back into that routine. If you utilized a dog walking service previously, hire one in your new location and keep that routine going. If you have a cat, let him start finding his way. If he is an outdoor cat he will be excited to start exploring. Indoor cats will be the easiest to transition as most of your existing furniture came with you and they will continue with their ways as usual.
Most importantly, be POSITIVE and very PATIENT with your pet. They will experience moving blues but if you remind them how special they are and that they are doing great, they will feel that safeness and trust from you and will begin to adjust to their new home much quicker.
http://northandover.patch.com/blog_posts/moving-with-family-pets
With a quick sale comes a closing right around the corner and then the move. In the ciaos of finding a new home, packing, and moving we must not forget our pets. Moving is a major change and causes a lot of stress and sometimes confusion and uncertainties.
As you are digging through the closets, packing boxes and wrapping your dishes, your pet's see and sense all these changes. They know something is changing, they know things will be different but unfortunately they are not quite certain of what exactly is going on.
1. Before your move - You must be committed to your current routine with your pet. If you feed at 5PM, continue to feed at 5PM, if you take your dog for a walk two times a day, stay committed to those two walks a day and if your kitty litter box is in a certain spot, keep that box in that area. This will help create a level of consistency with your pet. Your dog or cat has probably already started building up some anxiety and nervousness seeing everything changing but this will help them feel you are still dedicated to them and that they are not being left behind.
2. New location - Before you move in, say you are relocating locally bring your dog or cat over to your new property and let them roam around. Let them smell, poke, peek and see everyroom. Bring them out in the yard and let them find their "area" and make a mark or two. Why? Well once you do move in they will be a little more familiar with your new home and will be able to find their scent. This will create a level of confidences in your pet and hopefully help with acceptance of this being their new home.
3. Traveling to your new home - If you are not relocating local and do need to fly or drive a long distances please consult with your Vet first on your options. Make sure your pet is in proper health to be traveling for a long extended period of time. In some cases, a Vet will prescribe medication to help with anxiety.
4. Flying - Do your research and find out how each airline treats your pet. When there is a layover will the airline bring your pet out from under for a piddle break and a quick stretch or do they just leave him in the crate. Do they provide water breaks? Call and ask every and any question you can think of. Some airlines will allow you to bring your pet in the cabin with you depending on size and breed. Yes, your pet will have to go through security screening too, once again call the airline directly and ask about their policy.
5. Arrival to your new home - Once again, routine routine routine. Immediately start back into the routine you had in your previous home. If you feed at 5PM, continue to feed at 5PM, if you take your dog for a walk two times a day, stay committed to those two walks a day and if your kitty litter box is in a certain spot, keep that box in a similar area. This will show your pet that just because the house may look a little different, everyday life will remain the same.
6. Once settled in- As you are getting to know your neighbors, introduce your pets to your neighbors pets. Dogs that came from a social environment of a play dates, doggy daycare and playing with the neighbor's dog will need to get back into that routine. If you utilized a dog walking service previously, hire one in your new location and keep that routine going. If you have a cat, let him start finding his way. If he is an outdoor cat he will be excited to start exploring. Indoor cats will be the easiest to transition as most of your existing furniture came with you and they will continue with their ways as usual.
Most importantly, be POSITIVE and very PATIENT with your pet. They will experience moving blues but if you remind them how special they are and that they are doing great, they will feel that safeness and trust from you and will begin to adjust to their new home much quicker.
http://northandover.patch.com/blog_posts/moving-with-family-pets
