How to Help a Senior Pet Adjust to Moving Homes
Let's be honest, no one likes moving house! From packing up your old place to setting up your new home, It can be stressful for the whole family, including our senior pets.
As our furry friends age, they can become even greater creatures of habit and find comfort in familiar surroundings. So, what feels like a sudden change in environment can muck with their routines and make them feel more stressed or anxious.
By planning ahead you can make moving house run as smoothly as possible for your older pet (and you!) and help them settle into their new home quickly and easily.
Here are our suggestions for what to think about when you're planning to move house with a senior pet in tow.
Create a Moving Plan
It is likely you’re making a lot of lists and working through plenty of life admin as part of your move. Make sure moving admin for your senior pet is a part of your moving check-list!
We suggest chatting with your vet on how best to make the move as comfortable and calm as possible for your pet, and any things at your new place that might need extra thought for your pal. For example, if your pet has mobility issues and your new home has multiple storeys for the first time, or a different and slippier flooring surface, your vet can give advice. Or if you know your senior pet is quite anxious, they may be able to share suggestions to give extra comfort to your pet.
While you’re there, make sure to update your pet’s microchip information with your new address. If you are moving to a new area that is too far from your current vet, it will also be important to ask for a copy of your pet’s medical records and any recommendations for a suitable local vet.
We know that choosing a new vet, particularly for older pets with more complex needs can feel overwhelming. You can check out our blog post on how to choose the right vet for your senior pet.
Visit the New Home with Your Pet Beforehand
If you can, take your senior pet to visit the new home before the move to allow them to get familiar with the new environment. This may help them get comfortable with the sights, sounds and smells, and means that when you officially move in, they're not suddenly in a new space for the first time.
If they're able, give them the chance to quietly and independently explore the house in their own time.
Stick to their routine
Senior pets love their routine, and sticking to it is even more important during times of change.
Try to keep your pet’s regular routine as consistent with consistent feeding times, exercise and bedtimes. You could even have someone in your moving crew whose job is to make sure your pet’s days are staying as typical as possible.
Maintaining familiar routines can help with anxiety and provides a comforting sense of normalcy.
Create a peaceful environment
Set up a quiet, comfortable space in your home that your pet can spend time in during the hustle and bustle of moving day. Or, if you have a friend or family member nearby and your pet is comfortable at their house, maybe they go on an adventure for the day!
Whether in your house or elsewhere, make sure this space is stocked with their bed, food and water bowls, toys and litter box (for cats).
Some pets may be curious about the activity of moving day, but at least you have given them a quiet space to escape to if they want.
Bring Familiar Items
Make sure you pack your pet’s favourite toys, food and bedding in a spot that's easy to access when you arrive at the new place. The last thing you want to be doing on the first night is searching boxes to find something for your furry friend!
These familiar comfort items will help them relax, and hopefully adjust to their new surroundings quicker.
Give them time
Once you move in, you may notice that your pet stays in one or two rooms only, or is preferring to spend more time by your side. This can all be part of the transition so give them time!
Slowly introduce your pet to different areas of your new home. Allow them to explore at their own pace - even if this takes a few days or weeks. As they seem more comfortable and relaxed, expand their access to different parts of the house. You may also choose not to introduce them to certain rooms, such as the bedroom, if this is normally a ‘no go zone’.
Watch for Stress Signs
As your pet begins to explore and settle into the new environment, look out for signs of stress such as changes in appetite, excessive hiding, or unusual behaviour. While some changes in behaviours are normal for the first few days, it’s best to consult your vet if you are concerned, or if your pet continues to show signs of prolonged or severe stress.
Give extra TLC
A move is a big life change for everyone, and our senior pets are no exception. Try to give them extra praise and attention on the days of the move, and the first days in the new place. This extra reassurance and presence will go a long way if they're feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Moving homes can be a busy and big, but exciting time! Planning ahead, and being mindful of your senior pet throughout the move, can make a huge difference to your pet’s experience of the move and how well they settle into their new home.
