Unless we are moving to another country, we don’t always consider the impact that our move will have on our pets. However, animals are extremely sensitive to stress, and this is something that we should be aware of when moving.

Our pets depend on us for food, love, shelter, and safety. These should not be compromised on when we are moving. In fact, our pets should remain a priority throughout the entire process.

In this article, we share some tips on how to move with your pets and how to keep them safe and comfortable before, during, and after the big day.

How to Move House with Your Pets

Preparation

Moving with your pets requires careful planning and preparation. During this stage of the move, you can assess what needs to be done to ensure your pets are well taken care of before, during, and after move day.

During the preparation phase, you can consider the following:

• Can you use a natural calming remedy to help your pet deal with the stress of move day? If so, where can you buy some now so that you can be prepared?
• Does your pet have a comfort object such as a stuffed toy, a ball, or a blanket that you can keep close by on move day to offer additional support? If so, be sure not to pack it in
• Is your pet up to date with all vaccinations? Does your pet need to be dewormed? When last has your pet received anti-flea or anti-tick medication?
• Is there someone who can help you on the day of your move for the sole purpose of looking after and entertaining your pet while you assist the moving company? If so, call them and make sure that they are available on that day and ask them to diarize it
• Have you let your veterinarian know that you will be moving?
• Have you found a new veterinarian in your new area?
• Will it be helpful to have a crate to move your pet in?
• Is your pet microchipped? If not, consider getting them chipped. Anything can happen during a move, and if your pet happens to slip out the gate when nobody is watching, a microchip can help them return safely to you

Packing for Your Pets

It’s important that you pack a bag of essentials for your pets. In our previous articles, we highlight the importance of packing an overnight bag of essentials for yourself but doing so for your pets is equally important. By doing this, you can avoid panic from not knowing where you packed your pet’s beds, food, blankets, and other essential items.

When packing a bag of essentials for your pet, think of packing the following:

• Food and water bowls
• Enough food for two or three days (depending on the distance of your move)
• Harness/collar and leash
• ID tags
• Treats
• Toys and other comfort items
• Poop bags/poop scoop
• Medication that your pet is on or might need
• Litter box, scoop, and litter

Moving Your Pet

The big day has finally arrived and it’s time to move your pet to your new home. Thankfully you have done everything you could to prepare for this moment and all that’s left is transporting your pet to the next destination.

Things that you should consider:

• What is the temperature? Whether it’s hot or cold, make sure your pet will not be exposed to extreme temperatures without things such as air conditioners or blankets to keep them comfortable
• If necessary, use a crate to transport your pet. This ensures that they are contained in one space and is especially important for animals who are prone to distress while travelling
• If necessary, administer the calming medication you bought for your pet during the preparation phase
• Make sure your pet has access to water throughout the journey
• Remember to keep your pet’s bag of essentials close by at all times

How to Settle Your Pet into the New House

For dogs, routine is what will keep them from building up nervous energy. This means that to help them settle in swiftly, you will need to continue taking them for their regular walks. By doing so, they can become familiar with the smells and sounds of their new neighborhood. When you arrive at your new home, be sure to let your dog sniff around the house and garden.

When it comes to cats, it’s always a good idea to keep them in one room with their litterbox, toys, water, bed, and food so that they can acclimatize before exploring the rest of the house. Once they are comfortable, let them investigate the rest of the house. Once they are familiar with the new home, you can start letting them into the garden. Cats are roamers and they need to spend some time indoors to accept their new surroundings, otherwise they might go wandering too far.

CM Removals – Furniture Removals Company South Africa

At CM Removals, we know that pets are an important part of the family and, although we don't offer pet relocation services, we do whatever we can to assist you with managing the extra stress that comes with moving your pet to your new home.

Contact us to find out more about our extensive furniture removal services in Cape Town and South Africa.