Home Swap with Pets

We all know how stressful moving can be and it can be just as bad for pets.

Dogs and Cats can become distressed or anxious during the move, we have put together some useful information to help make moving less stressful for you both.

If you have a particularly sensitive pet it may be a ideal to make arrangements for your pet/pets to stay with a friend or relative during the move. If you do not have anybody who could then you may want to consider booking them into a boarding kennel for the night, this is extra cost of course but may be safer and leaves you to concentrate on the move without the added worry of your pet.

Leave packing their toys, bedding to the last moment so that they can be comforted by familiar things. It may be an idea to not wash any bedding until a week or so after the move to give them a chance to settle in and have a familiar smell in the new house. Cats and Dogs can become very attached to their own familiar territory, and may therefore need extra care and attention during the move.

Cats should always be moved in a safe container. Leave the carrier around for a few days before the move this way your cat can get used to the smell and sight of it and may be more willing to get in it on the day.

The day of the home swap

If your pet will be with you on the day then put them in a room with all the doors & windows shut so that they can't escape or get injured during the furniture moving or last minute packing of boxes. Make sure anybody helping with the move or the removal team are aware that the door should remain shut.

Put new tags on your pet's collar this should include your name, new phone number in case of escape.

When you are ready to leave make sure your pet is safely secured in his/her carrier with a familiar blanket, and safely secured in the car or vehicle they are to be transported in. If it is a long journey make sure they get regular water and toilet breaks. When you take a break remember the temperature in a parked car can rise very rapidly and put your pets in danger from the heat.

In your new home

Leave your cat in the carrier until you have a room ready to accommodate them, set this room up with water, food, and a litter tray. Once the unloading of furniture is complete and familiar items unpacked and it is safe to do so let your pet explore maybe a couple of rooms at a time.

Check your boundary fencing to make sure that it is secure before letting your dog run free in the garden.

Be patient with your pet and make allowances for any accidents that may occur, once they feel comfortable in their new surroundings this should stop.

Keep your cat indoors for the first two or three weeks to get them used to the new house, once you feel they are ready let them explore the garden initially you could even go out with them for a few hours. Gradually allow them out for longer periods of time, some cats generally cope well and adjust to their new surroundings fairly quickly where as others may take a little longer. You may find that your cat regularly returns to their old home this is because they have not yet bonded with their new home. Ask the new occupants not to encourage or feed them this way they are more likely to associate your new home with food and shelter.

To help your dog/dogs settle in take them for regular walks, this will help your dog adjust and get familiar with new surroundings. Stick to your usual routines, this will help them to settle in i.e feed and walk them at the usual times.