A guest article by Cindy Aldridge
http://ourdogfriends.org/
When it comes to buying a new home and moving somewhere new, there’s a lot to consider. Where do you want to live? Which home features are you looking for? Can you afford your dream property? In addition to these common house-hunting questions, pet owners also have to consider the needs of their furry friends. From finding the perfect home to navigating your move and settling into your new home, here are some tips to keep your pets happy during the process.
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Finding the Perfect Home
Think carefully about the needs of your furry friend while hunting for your new home. Here are some key things to keep in mind.
- Live video-chat tours and walkthroughs allow you to tour homes virtually during the pandemic.
- If you have a big dog, look for a property with a large fenced yard where they can run around and burn off energy.
- Remember, hard floors are easier to clean than carpet, especially if you have a messy pet in the house!
- When it comes to location, look for homes with close proximity to parks, boarding facilities, and a good veterinarian.
- Remember to consider your budget and current mortgage rates when hunting for your new home.
Navigating the Move
Moving is one of the most stressful life experiences, and it can be even more overwhelming on our pets. Take the following steps to keep your pet safe and happy.
- Remember to tackle some key moving tasks for your pet, like ordering new ID tags and packing a pet travel bag.
- Book a moving service so you have one less thing to worry about on moving day.
- Consider boarding your pet at a kennel or doggy daycare center to protect them from moving-day hazards.
- Make sure your pet is properly secured in your car for the duration of the move. A pet carrier or dog seatbelt works great!
Settling into Your New Space
Like humans, pets can have a hard time adapting to a new living environment. Give them some time and space to settle in.
- Ensuring that your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is one great way to keep their stress levels under control.
- If your pet develops anxiety during or after your move, consider giving them CBD treats to help them calm down.
- Let your pet explore their new home on their own time. Try not to overwhelm them with too much excitement all at once.
- Keep in mind that your dog may try to find their way back to your old home, so be sure to supervise them outside for the first few weeks.
While you brace yourself for your upcoming move, remember that moving will be hard on your pet as well. Do what you can to keep your furry friend as calm and content as possible. Although your pet is bound to feel at least a little stress as they adapt to their new home, they’ll settle in before you know it!