Moving should never mean having to rehome your pets. Your pets are part of your family, and putting them up for adoption can be traumatizing for them. In some cases, leaving a pet at a shelter can be deadly for the pet. Moving with pets can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The key is researching and planning the move beforehand.
Keep your Pets in Mind when you Shop for a New Home
If you’re looking for a new home for sale in a condominium community with the help of a realtor, check the HOA’s rules to make sure you’re allowed to have a pet. Some prohibit all pets. Others prohibit certain pets, like specific dog breeds or outdoor pets like chickens. Other considerations to make for your pets when you’re shopping for a new home are:
● Whether the yard is large enough and suitable for your pet. If there’s a fence, is it sturdy or will you have to repair or replace it? and
● The home’s accessibility for your pets. Think about whether the home’s stairs or other features will be difficult for your pets.
Making the Move Safe for Pets
If you move into a fixer-upper, make all your repairs before moving your pets in. A construction zone can be dangerous for anybody, human or animal, because of the materials lying around, the unrestricted power cords, and the nails and screws on the ground. Chemical cleaners, paint strippers, paints, and varnishes can also be toxic to pets. Don’t forget the outdoor chemicals, like lawn fertilizers, that you might be working with to spruce up the lawn before the big move. The safest way to move your pets into your new home is to wait until you’ve completed all the work that needs to be done, then thoroughly clearing all work-related clutter and putting toxic substances away to bring them into the house. Clean with safe products before introducing pets to the new home.
Moving to New Real Estate is a Big Transition for Every Member of your Family
Moving can be confusing and upsetting to your pets. As their guardian, you can make moving and transitioning to a new home less stressful for them by taking a few steps:
● Keep your pet’s routine intact. If your pet is used to being fed or walked at a specific time, continue to feed or walk your pet when he or she expects it;
● Make your pet feel secure. You know what makes your pet feel secure; it could be a crate, a specific blanket or toy, or simply being near you. Do what you have to do to keep your pet feeling secure through the move and transition to your new home; and
● Make the new home familiar for your pet. Bring your pet’s favorite toys and other items to the new house and make accommodations, like a doggy door or a cat condo, that your pet had in your old home.
What to Bring
- Make sure you have your pet's veterinary records from your current veterinarian
- Refill any medications before the move to be sure not to run out during the confusion of moving
- Search for the closest 24-hour emergency clinic near your new home and keep the phone number handy- just in case
- Be sure your pet has identification, whether that is a microchip, collar with embroidered phone number or tag that won't fall off
- Cats are particularly prone to illness during times of stress. Be sure they are drinking plenty by providing filtered water or bringing some water from the old home for the first few days.
Give your pet time to get acclimated to your new home. Your pet might be nervous or anxious in the new home. Give him or her space and let your pet adjust to the home on his or her own schedule.
Flower essences, homeopathic products, CBD oil, and essential oils can help ease the transition for stressed pets.
Blog content contributor: Jordan Herring, Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate
Photo by Daniel Frank from Pexels
