Walk the Neighborhood
If your move is taking you to a new area, it’s important to get a sense of how pet-friendly your new neighborhood will be. You want to make sure that the area of your home is one that’s safe and suitable for your pet, too. While walking, be on the lookout for any potential problems you might encounter in the area. If you own a dog, for instance, you will most likely need to walk around your neighborhood. There could be unfriendly neighborhood dogs or other pets running loose. If this is not something your dog is used to, it could pose a problem.
On Moving Day
When the day of the move finally comes, it’s imperative that you have all of the logistics of moving with your pet nailed down. Packing and moving can be stressful, but there’s no need for these to generate fear and anxiety for you and your pet. When cats and dogs are fearful, they will become difficult to deal with. To keep their anxiety low, plan to put your pet in a secluded, quiet area like an unused room or yard. You might even think about boarding your pet or having a friend take them to a different location to keep them away from the hustle and bustle of moving day.
Transporting Your Pet
Your pet is also moving to a new home, right along with you and your furniture. Make it a point to take some time to acclimate your pet to the unavoidable trip to their new home, especially if your pet has rarely been in a crate or vehicle. Introduce your pet to a crate before the move so that it can get used to moving in and out of it. Use treats to help them form positive associations with the crate. You can also add blankets inside the crate to lessen bumps on the go so that your pet is comfortable all the way.
Coming Home
Before finally allowing your pet to roam the new home, make sure there are no open windows or poisonous house plants, or any other hazard available to your pet. When you finish checking and maybe even settle yourself down, you can then introduce your pet to the new home. Be sure to help your pet acclimate by offering encouragement and comfort. And, you could also make it a point to go out with your pet so that you can explore the new neighborhood. Doing this can help in familiarizing the new environment so that your pet can find its way home in case it escapes or wanders off.
Yes, moving with a pet comes with challenges, but with these simple steps, you can make that move to a new home a successful one. Are you in the market for a new pet-friendly rental home? Real Property Management Chicago Group can help! Check out our great rental home listings in your area.