CONSIDER YOUR PETS NEEDS WHEN CHOOSING A NEW HOME – are you moving from the city to the country or visa versa?  Is your pet used to being outdoors, or an inside dweller?

CONTACT YOUR VET – obtain any medical records from your vet and in the event you are moving out of the area; ask for a recommendation of a new vet in the area where you’re relocating.  Ensure their tags are updated with the new contact info as well as those pets who are micro chipped.

NEW HOUSE VISIT – help your pet adjust by bringing them to the ‘new’ home prior to your move, give them an opportunity to explore what will soon be their new surroundings.

KEEP YOUR PET AWAY FROM THE ACTION – prepare an overnight kit for your pet with all of their daily essentials, have them stay with a friend, family member or kennel which they’re familiar with the night before and day of moving so they are away from the hustle and bustle.  If this is not possible, try and keep them in a quiet area (an already empty room) in their kennel where they feel safe.  Ensure they have water and food and check in on them frequently, keeping a routine will help reduce their stress level.

KEEP YOUR PET SECLUDED OR INSIDE – set up as much as you can at the ‘new’ house before introducing pets to their new surroundings, when you do bring them home give them as much attention as you are able; this will help them feel more at ease in adjusting.  It’s also important to keep them inside for a day or two, as they can easily get lost until they become familiar with their new location.

GET TO KNOW THE NEIGHBOURHOOD – introduce yourself to the neighbours, let them know you are a pet owner, this could become helpful in the event your pet becomes lost.