The process of moving to a new home can be a large undertaking, which takes proper planning and execution to be successful. There are a few extra considerations to take when you add on the matter of moving alongside your four-legged friend. While pets can be a positive addition to any home, making a move with them can occasionally add some extra tension. Below, are a few of our best tips to keeping your move simple and you and your pets stress-free.
1. Make sure to prepare your pets. This may seem like a straightforward tip, but it is of utmost importance. This preparation will look different depending on what type of animal you have, but it is essential to prepare them one way or another for what is about to occur. For example, if you have a cat, introducing them to a cat carrier in advance is smart because it acquaints them to the environment and allows any nerves to calm before moving day. For dogs, it is simpler as they do not often have to be crated around on moving day. It is a good idea to walk them near or around the new property so they can become familiar with it.
2. Plan! Before moving day, consider where your animal(s) will spend most of their time when you are unloading and unpacking. This has a lot to do with the temperature and time of year that it is. If it is a reasonable temperature outside, you may be able to leave your pet in the car with proper ventilation while you bring everything inside. Although, if it is fairly warm outside this may not be a suitable option. Designating a family member to be in charge of the animal is another option. Try choosing someone who the animal is familiar and comfortable with. Having both a Plan A and a Plan B before moving day is a must.
3. Try your best to keep them calm. Animals are pretty easy to read, so if you find your animal becoming stressed or anxious, provide some familiarity. This can be in the form of a person, a toy, or simply some fresh air. If your animal is calm, you will find that you will be too. It definitely is normal for pets to take longer than their humans to get adjusted to a new space, so don’t worry if they do not warm up immediately.
4. Take things one day at a time. As mentioned above, animals will likely take a little longer to adapt to their new home, especially if this is the first time they have been part of a move. Certain animals may learn to adapt quicker than others, depending on their personality and tolerance level. A veterinarian can be a great resource in this area if you find your pet is feeling especially troubled. Set up an appointment as soon as possible to make a connection with your animal’s new provider. They may have helpful advice or tips to share that can help your animal become better acclimated to its new home.
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At Home Source One, we strive to make our communities a happy, healthy and pet-friendly environment for all of our residents. To ensure this, we enforce guidelines for all pet owners to follow as a respect to other members of their community. These are as follows:
· All pets that will reside within the community must be considered a “domesticate” animal, must be the type of pet that would normally stay inside the resident’s home and must be community approved.
· Only 2 pets are allowed per household.
· A monthly pet fee will be added to the resident’s rent.
· Pet owners must supply management with updated pet records, be licensed (if applicable) and wear tags displaying the owners name.
· Pets are not to be left unattended for long periods of time.
· Noisy or unruly pets will not be tolerated.
· Outside housing of pets at any time is not allowed.
· Pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed to run wild in the community.
· Pet waste must be cleaned up immediately and cat litter must be disposed of properly.
· Management reserves the right to reject a pet that could pose danger to the rest of the community. Breed restrictions include but are not limited to: Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Doberman, American Staffordshire, Chow Chow, Presa Canario, Akita, Wolf-hybrids, and Cane Corso, or any mix.
· Pet owners are liable for any and all damages caused by their pet.
