When creating your moving and packing checklist, don’t forget about your furry family members! Moving can be stressful for your pet. Not only is their home in disarray, but they’ll soon need to become familiar with a whole new territory. Here, Easy Moving & Freight, a moving service in Union, KY, shares how pet owners can make the process easier before, during and after a move.

How to Make Relocation Easier for Pets

Before

Even before moving day, your pet will know something is amiss. Cats in particular aren’t big fans of change and can become stressed as you pack up your home. Minimize their discomfort by bringing in moving boxes early so they can become accustomed to their presence. Try to keep one familiar room untouched for as long as possible, so they can have a sense of normalcy.

You will likely need to get your feline friend used to a carrier and car travel. Allow them to become familiar with their carrier by leaving the door open with some treats and a comfortable blanket inside. Once they’re comfortable with their crate, begin taking them for short car trips. Start with five to ten minute rides, then slowly work your way up to 20 minutes or longer.

As family-oriented animals, dogs may become stressed or nervous if they are omitted from packing activities. Allow them to sniff around and investigate. If you are moving to somewhere nearby, try taking them on short walks in your next neighborhood so they become accustomed to the new area.

During

Keep your cat safe and stress-free on moving day by keeping them in their cat carrier in the car. If this isn’t possible, confine them to a small room, such as the bathroom, with their carrier, food, water, and litter box. Avoid surprise escapes by taping a sign to the bathroom door with instructions to keep it closed.

As for dogs, designate one family member as pet sitter or ask a friend to keep them for the day. If neither of these are possible, keep them in a quiet room with the door shut. The last thing you want is to track down a runaway dog on moving day.

After

Once you’re all settled in, it can be tempting to let your pet roam freely to explore. However, you should take it slowly because this new territory can overwhelm your furry friend. Keep your pet in one room for the first few days. This room should be set up with their belongings and well-stocked with their favorite treats.

Once they seem comfortable in this confined space, gradually introduce them to the rest of the house. Make sure cats knows where to find their litter, and that dogs know which doors lead to the backyard for potty breaks.

Moving with pets takes some planning, but Easy Moving & Freight can take care of everything else to make your relocation stress-free. This affordable moving company provides long-distance and local services for residents and businesses. Learn more about their moving services online or by calling (859) 393-1413 today.