Moving with your pet: simple strategies for a happy transition

Moving season is well underway. What can you do to make sure the big day is a stress-free one for Fido and Kitty? Here are our tips.

Moving with a cat

When moving day arrives, keep your cat in a closed room with their litter, cushion, and water. Fill the space with their favourite things and treats to make it much more reassuring for them. Giving them a few new toys can also help them reduce their stress levels – during and after the move – because they’ll associate their new environment with items that bring them joy.

Once you’ve arrived at your new address, keep your cat in a closed room again but make sure it contains familiar-scented items. Once the chaos of the move is over and most of the furniture has been placed, you can let your cat out of the room if they seem calm enough (ex.: they’re holding their tail high in the air). If they’re cowering in a corner, they’re not ready to investigate the remainder of their new home yet. Don’t worry, they eventually will at their own pace. Some cats will take a few days, even weeks, before feeling completely at ease. Others will jump at the opportunity to explore the unknown.

Leave your cat to their own devices as they roam around their new environment. If you follow them too closely, they might get the impression you’re trying to protect them from danger. Try to adopt the routine you had in your former home while still keeping an eye on them. Your cat will realize that even if their surroundings are new, the routine stays the same.

You could also spread a few treats around. Your cat will soon discover that their new home comes with treats in every room! That will get their attention!

In the weeks following the move, try not to move furniture around. This will help your cat embrace their new environment and establish their own precious routine. Don’t forget to make sure the cat tree is easily accessible and visible. Knowing where it is will bring comfort to your pet and help them alleviate any anxiety.

Tip

A few days before your move, put some towels and blankets on the ground in your cat’s favourite spots. They’ll lie down on them, imbuing them with their scent. On the eve of your move, take the towels and rub them on the bottom of the walls in your new home. When your pet arrives at their new destination, their own scent will give them the impression they’ve been there before.

Find out more advices on how to have a smooth moving day with your cat.

Moving with a dog

On moving day, if you’re overwhelmed and realize you won’t be able to take care of your dog, consider a kennel or ask a loved one who knows your pet well to dog-sit for a few hours. Your canine companion will be well taken care of and in a controlled environment!

When travelling from your former address to your new home, make sure your dog has enough space on the back seat. If you need to make several trips, spare your dog the extra rides and get someone to stay with them. When they do have to travel, give them a toy or a Kong filled with treats to keep them busy. Try not to feed them in the 2 hours before you take them to their new home.

At your new destination, take your dog for a short walk and make sure they do their business in the designated area. That will help them calm down and mark their territory. Furthermore, ensure all the furniture has been placed to avoid any unnecessary stress for Fido.

Set up their bed, cage, a few toys, and water bowl to help give them their bearings.

The next step is to simply give them enough time to feel at ease. Fido can stay near you for the first few nights – try not to leave them alone in a room or the basement overnight. If possible, remain with your dog for a few days after the move. Since moves generally occur in the summer, they’re a good opportunity to take a few days off.

Walk the same route at the same time in the weeks following your move. Take a few minutes every day to play with them and give them their meals and treats at set times. By instilling a routine, your dog will quickly feel comfortable in their new home.

Tip

Some dogs might get stressed or overexcited when they see you pack boxes or disassemble furniture. To help them keep calm, provide them with a toy or an activity that will keep them occupied. A Kong filled with dog pâté or an Aikiou bowl filled with their treats are good examples.

Find out more advices on how to have a smooth moving day with your dog.

Important

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh water during this period of high stress. If they don’t eat or drink for 2 days, quickly consult your vet. Don’t wait until your four-legged friend becomes dehydrated! Happy moving day!

For a successful moving: