What to Consider Before Moving Your Pet into a New House

Moving into a new house with your pet can have its ups and downs. On the upside, you might be moving to a much bigger place with ample space for them to run around and play. On the other hand, it can be complicated for cats, dogs, or other animals to adjust to a new environment. Despite your best efforts early on, it can take a while for pets to get used to a new home with new scents and new surroundings. Wondering how you can make the transition smoother for your fur babies? Here are some ways to master moving your pet into a new home.

Look for a home with pet-friendly characteristics

Increase your chances of a successful transition even before making the move. When browsing potential houses on the market, look for homes with pet-friendly features. You’ll be able to see some of these elements in photos online, like a spacious yard, a secure fence, doggie doors, or hardwood floors. Other attributes to look for in an in-person tour include built-in pet feeding and washing stations or an invisible fence. Also, be sure to search for houses for sale in a neighborhood with plenty of pet-friendly parks and establishments.

Check local laws and regulations

With a new neighborhood comes a new set of local pet laws and regulations. You will likely have to get a local license for your pet in the new area and check in on any regulations associated with owning a pet, like wearing tags, breed bans, and leash laws. Each government has different laws and failing to abide by them can result in fines, so be sure to look them up when you finally find a house in a new neighborhood.

Find a new vet

Assuming your old vet is too far away, look around for reputable veterinarians in your new area. Scan through Facebook groups and ask around to find the best clinic for your pet. Be sure to call the veterinarian and get familiar with the vaccination rules and any potential diseases and health risks specific to the area. On the call, you can also schedule your pet’s next checkup and get them set up with their new routine.

Pet-proof your new home

When it comes time to move everything into your new home, make sure that it is a secure environment for your pet. First, make sure that the backyard is safe. Remove any choking hazards, barricade out potentially harmful wild animals like skunks or coyotes, and provide areas for shade where they can rest and cool down. On the interior, store away any cords and wires, put medicines or dangerous chemicals up high and out of reach, and utilize storage with secure lids for trash and laundry. Scan any part of the home they can access and pet-proof each area.

Keep familiar items, even if just temporarily, after moving your pet

As it can be difficult for a pet to adjust to a new home with new scents, it can be helpful to keep as much familiar as possible in the beginning of the transition. Furniture from your old home can help your pet feel comfortable and ease the stress of being in a place they’re unaccustomed to, especially when it’s arranged in a similar layout. Even maintaining the same routine and schedule that they were used to in the old house can help them adjust more easily. 

Pets make us happy, so why not do everything you can to make them happy as well, especially in their new surroundings? Be patient, put in the extra effort, and you and your pet will be back to normal and enjoying your lives just the same in no time.