Moving is a big change not only for us humans but also for our beloved pets. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or parakeet – animals are creatures of habit and often react sensitively to changes in their environment. However, with the right preparation and a lot of empathy, you can make the transition to the new home as stress-free as possible for your animal companions.
Preparing Animals for the Move: Stay Calm and Create Routine
The key to a relaxed move for your pet lies in early and gradual preparation. Animals sense our tension, so it’s important that you remain as calm as possible.
- Accustoming to Transport Boxes: Weeks before the move, start accustoming your cat or smaller animals to the transport box. Leave the box open, put food or treats inside, and make it cozy with a cuddly blanket. This way, the box becomes a safe retreat and not a symbol of coercion.
- Familiar Scents: Spray Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) into the transport box or onto blankets to create a calming atmosphere. These pheromones can help reduce stress.
- Maintain Routine: Try to maintain the usual feeding times, walks, and playtimes for as long as possible. Routine provides security in a changing environment.
- Veterinarian Consultation: If your pet is particularly anxious, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend calming medications or provide individual tips.
- Reducing Stimuli: Try to keep the area where your pet is on moving day as quiet as possible. Packing and the hustle and bustle can be very frightening.
Safe Transport Options and Acclimatization in the New Apartment
Moving day itself is the peak of stress. Here’s the rule: Safety first!
On Moving Day:
- Separate, Quiet Room: Ideally, your pet should be kept in a room on moving day that is already empty or will be packed last. Prepare its favorite blanket, water, and food. It’s best if the animal can stay in this room until most of the move is complete.
- Secure Transport:
- Dogs: Secure dogs in the car in a transport box or with a special safety harness. Take regular breaks for water and exercise.
- Cats and Small Animals: Transport cats and small animals exclusively in a suitable, well-ventilated transport box. You may cover the box with a thin cloth during the journey to reduce stimuli.
- Fish/Reptiles: Inquire at a pet store about the safe transport of these animals. Special containers or transport bags are often necessary to keep water temperature and environment stable.
In the New Apartment – The Acclimatization Phase: The arrival in the new home is the beginning of acclimatization. Patience and structure are crucial here.
- A Safe Retreat: Immediately set up a quiet room for your pet, which will initially be its base. Provide food, water, a bed, a litter box (for cats), or bedding (for small animals) there. Let the animal explore this room first and keep the door closed until it feels secure.
- Distribute Scents: Once the animal is in the room, you can rub a cloth, previously rubbed on the animal, through the other rooms to spread its scent there. This helps the animal connect with the new environment more quickly.
- Supervised Exploration: Only gradually allow your pet to explore the rest of the apartment, once most of the moving chaos is over and the essential furniture is in place. Accompany it and remain calm.
- Restore Routine: Reintroduce the usual feeding and playtimes as quickly as possible. This gives the animal security and helps to normalize daily life.
- Outdoor Cats: If you have an outdoor cat, keep it indoors for at least two to four weeks so that it accepts the new apartment as its home. Then start with short, supervised outings.
- Patience and Observation: Every animal reacts differently to a move. Some adapt quickly, others need more time. Observe your pet’s behavior and give it the necessary time and attention. Positive reinforcement through praise and treats is always helpful.
Moving with pets requires additional planning and care, but the effort is worth it. If your furry family members feel safe and secure, nothing stands in the way of a happy start in their new home.