Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home is not just stressful for you, it can also be stressful for your pets. Here are some tips to help moving with your four-legged friends as easy as possible.

Prepare Your Pet

“Pets can sense when change is afoot,” says Carol D. Calamari, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. Help them prepare by bringing something from the new house to the old house, if possible. Let your pet get used to the new home’s unique smell.

Go For a Walk

Bring your dog with you on a trip to the new neighborhood. Let him walk and sniff around, get acclimated to his new surroundings.

Pet Carriers

Help cats and dogs get used to their carriers. Take it out, leave the door open, put treats inside – try to make it a positive place to be. Once your pet is used to being inside, carry it around the house or go for some short car rides.

Air Travel

Crates are required for plane travel. “Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information, rabies tags, and your new address,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty.

Moving Day

It’s hard to keep a pet inside when the front door is open all day. To make sure they don’t escape, take Fido to a trusted friend’s house or keep Fluffy in an empty bedroom or bathroom with food, water, and a fresh litter box until it’s time to leave.

The New House

Once the movers are gone, resist the temptation to set your cat or dog loose. “New, unfamiliar spaces can be overwhelming to pets,” says Calamari. Take them on a personal tour, then set them up in their own special area with all their food and toys.

Settling In

Let your dog or cat slowly venture out on their own to explore and smell everything in your new home. Don’t be surprised if your cat hides for a few days, this is normal cat behavior as they get used to new surroundings. Move its litter box to its permanent place slowly over time.

With some planning, moving with a pet can be an exciting experience for every member of your family. ERA Justin can help. Contact Carol D. Calamari or any of our agents by calling 201-939-7500.