Author: Lisa Smith
If you’ve decided to move to Brevard County with your pet, Welcome! We love our little corner of Florida, and we love to see pets and their people enjoying everything it has to offer!
It’s important to remember that our pets feel the heightened excitement during a move just like we do. This may lead to anxiety for some of our four-legged besties because they don’t understand what’s happening.
But there are plenty of steps you can take to make the process as stress-free as possible. Below, we’ll look at a few of those and give you some tips on making the transition easier so you can start enjoying your new home together.
Photo by Taylor Deas-Melesh on Unsplash
Lock in Your Daily Routine
A daily routine is essential to our pets all the time, but especially so before a significant life change, such as moving to a new place.
Before you begin, make it a point to feed them and take them out at the same time every day. Keep regular walks and playtime, too. Your pet will feel much more at ease when it’s time to go if you take plenty of time to bond regularly over some toys and a good game of fetch!
Acclimate Your Pet to Their Carrier/Crate
Some pets are already crate-trained or comfortable in a carrier. Still, it’s important to take it a step further and add some positive reinforcement in the days before your move.
Leave their carrier/crate open while you’re around for them to explore independently. Feed them or offer treats inside the carrier or crate to show them there’s nothing to be afraid of, and it’s in their best interest to get used to it!
Ease Their Jitters on Moving Day
Packing up and moving out is usually a hectic process full of wide-open doors and traffic in the house. To quell your pet’s temptation to bolt or bark at the moving truck, consider taking them to a familiar place outside of the house with loving people who’ll keep them occupied for the day.
If that isn’t possible, plan on keeping one room unpacked until the last minute where they can stay until it’s time to go.
Be prepared with everything you might need within easy reach. Food, bowls, litter boxes, leashes, toys, and any medications should stay in a bag or container that’s easily accessible during the transition.
Confirm Any Rental Terms
Renting with pets almost always comes with fees and rules set by the landlords. Chances are, you’ve already signed your lease and paid any costs associated with keeping your pet, but it’s always a good idea to double-check that everything’s taken care of.
Also, if you’re a dog owner, verify the rules about where you can and cannot walk your dog on the property. Find out the hours and leash policies if the property features a dog park where you can get some play time after you’ve moved in.
Pet-Proof and Prep Your New Place
“Misbehavior” is sometimes a symptom of anxiety for pets, so it’s crucial to ensure they can’t access areas that may get them in trouble, or worse, harm them physically.
Install screens on fireplaces and babyproof locks on cabinets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Consider using a locking waste bin to deter rooting through the trash and store all food items where your animal can’t get to them. Likewise, put houseplants out of reach, as some are toxic to pets.
If your dog tends to chew when they’re anxious, arrange your belongings to block susceptible areas if possible (often, doggies love to gnaw at wood surfaces like window sills or door frames) and provide plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied.
Cat owners should protect tempting surfaces (especially carpets) by giving their feline plenty of places where it’s okay to stretch their claws, like scratch towers or pads.
Don’t forget to put your cat’s litter box someplace easily accessible where they’ll feel comfortable using it. Avoid keeping litter boxes in carpeted areas, too.
Get Settled in Together
Hang out with your fur baby as they sniff and explore their new home and get used to the change in surroundings. Keep your regular schedule of mealtimes, walks, playtime, etc., so they understand you’re still their human and nothing’s changed but the scenery.
Before you know it, they’ll be settled in, relaxing in their new favorite spots, and ruling the roost!
Welcome to Palm Bay!
Animal-lovers living in Palm Bay, FL., have easy access to plenty of great activities to enjoy with their pets. For example, dog-friendly beaches, nature trails, and restaurants dot the area. We’ve got some great dog parks where your pup can get social and meet some of the locals, too.
To find out more about fostering or adopting, click the links, or contact us on (321) 636-3343 x201 Brevard Humane Society. In the meantime, have a safe and stress-free move! See you soon!