Moving House with Pets

Moving home with animals

It is estimated that 3.2 million animals were bought over lockdown and over half of all UK households now own a pet increasing from 49% in 2019 to 59% in 2020! This coupled with the unprecedented house price growth throughout the UK means there are a lot of our furry friends on the move!

Moving house is stressful enough for us humans but it can be just as anxious for our pets too, who are naturally perceptive and sensitive to their owners emotions. So how do we move safely with an animal? With the help of some expert advice, here are our top tips for moving house with a pet.

Keep their routines

Keeping to your animal’s routine allows them a certain amount of security and control over what can be a changeable situation. Try and keep walks, feeding and rest times consistent throughout the relocation period. If possible, it is best to leave your animal with a familiar friend, family member, cattery or kennel for the few days over the move. This will help alleviate anxiety for the animal and keep to their routine while you unpack and settle into your new home.

Travelling

If you are moving a long distance and your animal does not travel well, always seek advise from your vet. If you are relocating internationally contact a reputable pet relocation company and allow plenty of time for paperwork before you move. Depending on your destination location there may be detailed documentation and requirements including vaccinations and health checks.

Scent Swapping

Giving your home a good spring clean is as important for your pet as it is for you. Animals are much more sensitive to scent than us and cleaning any of the previous owners animal’s scents away will allow your pet to feel more at home more quickly. Make sure to wipe the surfaces at their height and around skirting boards. Scent swapping can also help make your new house feel like a home to your pet. Bringing their (unwashed) bedding from your old home and wiping a cloth over their face and rubbing this on skirtings and flooring in your new house will really help them settle in.

Make sure you check your new garden for any escape routes such as holes in fences and broken gates. You could even do a quick recce before moving or, if you remember, during the viewing process so you are prepared well in advance for any garden maintenance and DIY!

Moving with Cats
Outdoor cats should remain indoors in your new house for at least three weeks. This allows them to scent-mark the area and settle in to their new home. Sprinkling some of your cat’s used cat litter around the edge of the garden can pre-warn other local cats and make the garden smell more familiar when you start letting your cat outside for the first time.

When the time comes to let them out, do this just before they would usually be due food as they will be less likely to stray far. The drive to return home is strong in cats and they may well turn up at your old house, especially if you haven’t moved far. Make sure the new owners are aware and they have your details so they can get in touch if this does happen.

Finally make sure you register your pet with a vet in your new area and change the details on their microchip.

Whenever and wherever you are moving to get in touch with Clockwork today and we can help you and your pet with a stress-free move.