CAPITAL HUMANE SOCIETY
2320
When You Move
Copyright
Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of the
Moving
to a new home can be just as stressful on your pet as it is on you. Following
are some tips to help you help your pet through this change of address.
·
Talk to your veterinarian at least three
weeks before the move to determine if your pet will need medication for
nervousness or car sickness.
·
Gather the supplies your pet will need
during the move - food, water, medications, medical records, bedding and toys.
It also helps to bring along some of your dirty laundry because the familiar
scent of these belongings is comforting to your pet.
·
Keep your pet away from the moving-day
activity by confining him to a room where he feels safe, otherwise, your pet
could become frightened and bolt out the door unnoticed. It’s difficult to
pack, move furniture, and keep an eye on your pet at the same time. Maybe you
have a friendly place where your pet can stay during the packing and moving,
like a neighbor, friend or boarding kennel. As much as possible, try not to
disrupt his daily routine.
·
Be sure your dog or cat has a tag with
your new phone number or the number of a friend so there will be someone to
contact if your pet gets lost during the move.
·
Move small animals, like birds and
hamsters, in their cages, covered with a lightweight fabric. Remove water and
any other objects that might loosen and injure them. You must keep the
temperature constant for these small friends to survive.
·
Unpack and settle in a bit before
turning your pet loose in the house. Keep the doors to your extra rooms closed
and slowly give your pet access to them as they become accustomed to their new
home.
·
Orient your dog or cat to the new
surroundings. If possible, try to place their favorite resting place (dog bed,
chair or cushion) in the same position or area, as it was in your old home. Put
their food and water bowls and toys in familiar places as well.
·
If you have a dog, walk him around the
house, yard and block. If you have a cat, sit quietly and pet her, preferably
while sitting in a familiar chair. Provide a place for your cat to hide (she’ll
do this anyway). Make sure she’s eating, drinking and using her litter box.
·
Be patient, loving and reassuring with
your pet, and they’ll adjust quickly to their new home.