Adjusting your pet to your new home

When you move, it can be a huge adjustment even for the family pet. Here are several tips to help your pet adjust through the changes!
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1. Be as Consistent as Possible
For many pets, keeping a consistent schedule for feeding, bedtime, and walks reassures it that it has a spot and the relationship with you has not changed. While moving often puts schedules out of sync, it’s important to alleviate your pet’s stress by keeping its time and possessions as unaffected by the move as possible.

2. Don’t Make Major Changes
It’s tempting to “clean house” before you move, but keep in mind your pet is comfortable with things like that old chewy toy, favorite bowl, and bed. The new house is already a place to adjust to, so don’t throw out any objects that it is already comfortable with.
 
3. Minimize Stress
If your pet will be less stressed in his crate, sleeping with another pet, or being in the same room as you are, try to accommodate. Take note of his patterns and adjust accordingly.
 
4. Be Lavish with Your Affection
Your pet may be feeling transplanted, so it’s important to make it feel valued and loved. Make an effort to give it lots of affection, hugs, brushing, and walks. If possible for the first week or two, try to have a family member present in the house.
 
5. Ask an Expert

Before your move, talk to your veterinarian about ways to ease the stress of the physical move and settling into a new home. The vet may have some good strategies and tips to minimize the stress of the move for your pet!
 
6. Try to Remain Calm
Pets can pick up on your tension, just like children can. If you remain calm and collected about the move, it could help manage the pet’s stress as well.
 
7. Do an Initiation Tour
If possible, do a tour of your new home with your pet before the move. Give it a chance to poke around. Set up a feeding location. If Kitty Litter is part of your pet’s move, set that location up too. Let your pet get a “feel” for his new digs.
 
8. Take a Walk
Take your pet on a walk to meet the new neighborhood and get introduced to his new two-legged and four-legged friends.