Top tips to keep pets calm when moving house

Spring is a popular time of year to buy a new home, with many properties on the market and people eager to complete before summer. 2022 has seen an increase in people moving, with the number of home buyer enquiries up 15% higher compared to January 2021.

During this busy and stressful time, your pet can sometimes get overlooked. However it is important to maintain their health during the move and lessen any stress that they may have.

RVN Korina Stephens from Nutravet comments: “As a pet owner it can be a worry not knowing how a house move will impact your pet, for example it can be a concern that they will wander off and get lost in their new environment. It’s important to ensure that your pet is monitored throughout and does not get anxious.

“Disruption to their routine and changes in their environment can be difficult for your pet. Keeping all routines as normal as possible can help to reduce any stress. Careful planning can help make the move stress free for all involved.”

To help reduce any stress, Nutravet share their top tips for pet owners:

Keep them away from packing

To help keep your pet calm, clear out a room for them to stay in while the rest of the house is packed up. Make sure the room is secure, so they don’t escape and let removal staff and other family members know they are there to prevent doors being opened. Set them up a den to prevent them getting anxious with toys to keep them occupied. To minimise upset, leave moving your pet until everything else has gone from the house.

Update their details

Be sure to let your vet know that you are moving and update your contact details. You may have to register your pet with a new vet closer to your new house. It’s also important to update your contact details with your pet insurer and your pet’s microchip information. If they get lost this will help to return them to you quickly.

Create them a safe space in the new home

Once you get to your new home, as you did with packing, create a safe area/den for your pet. Make it comfortable and familiar to help them feel at home. Be sure to keep checking on them and, once again let removal staff and family members know where they are to prevent them escaping through a door or window. 

Help them settle in

Let your pet explore the new home at their own pace. Most pets like consistency so when in the new house, try to keep to the same routine that you had in the old house. This includes, feeding, walks and rest time. This will help your pet to settle in their new environment and reduce any stress.

Keep cats indoors

Try to keep your cat indoors for a minimum of two to three weeks before letting them out. This will give your cat time to become accustomed to their new home. When you do let them out, you could do this before giving them food. If they are hungry, you will be able to call them back with their favourite treats.

Walk your dog

Before you move, take your dog for a long walk to reduce any excess energy. This will help to calm them down and then relax during the move. If it’s not too far away, walk your dog close to the new home to help them get familiar with a new walking route. Check gates and fences are secure at the new home before letting your dog or cat out in the garden.

Stay calm yourself

It’s important for you to stay calm yourself. Your pet can pick up on any anxiety that you have, which could then result in them getting stressed.

Consider a natural supplement

Consider using natural supplement, such as Nutracalm for your pet, which is specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets, fast and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour in dogs and cats. Nutracalm is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland.

If you are at all worried about your pet, speak to your vet who is best placed to monitor your pet’s health.