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2000. Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved
Moving to a new
home can be just as stressful on your pet as it is on you. Following are some
tips to help you help your pet through this change of address.
- Talk to your veterinarian
at least three weeks before the move to determine if your pet will need
medication for nervousness or car sickness.
- Gather the supplies your
pet will need during the move - food, water, medications, medical records,
bedding and toys. It also helps to bring along some of your dirty laundry
because the familiar scent of these belongings is comforting to your pet.
- Keep your pet away from
the moving-day activity by confining him to a room where he feels safe,
otherwise, your pet could become frightened and bolt out the door unnoticed.
It’s difficult to pack, move furniture, and keep an eye on your pet at the
same time. Maybe you have a friendly place where your pet can stay during the
packing and moving, like a neighbor, friend or boarding kennel. As much as
possible, try not to disrupt his daily routine.
- Be sure your dog or cat
has a tag with your new phone number or the number of a friend so there
will be someone to contact if your pet gets lost during the move.
- Move small animals, like birds
and hamsters, in their cages, covered with a lightweight fabric. Remove water
and any other objects that might loosen and injure them. You must keep the
temperature constant for these small friends to survive.
- Unpack and settle in a
bit before turning your pet loose in the house. Keep the doors to your extra
rooms closed and slowly give your pet access to them as they become accustomed
to their new home.
- Orient your dog or cat to
the new surroundings. If possible, try to place their favorite resting place
(dog bed, chair or cushion) in the same position or area, as it was in your
old home. Put their food and water bowls and toys in familiar places as well.
- If you have a dog, walk
him around the house, yard and block. If you have a cat, sit quietly and pet
her, preferably while sitting in a familiar chair. Provide a place for your
cat to hide (she’ll do this anyway). Make sure she’s eating, drinking and
using her litter box.
- Be patient, loving and
reassuring with your pet, and they’ll adjust quickly to their new home.
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