If you are thinking about or in the process of moving you are probably already feeling a little stressed out. I mean, packing, cleaning, organising, negotiating…there is a lot to take care of when planning a move. But, have you thought about what your pets might be feeling? Pets take on the stress that their owners bring and when it comes to moving they take on a whole bunch of additional stress because they don’t know what is going on and have no real way to communicate with you about it.

However, moving doesn’t have to be an overly stressful time for your four-legged friend. There are a number of things that you can do to keep your best buddy safe and stress-free during a move. Here are three great tips.

Find Out Everything You Need to Know Prior to Moving Day
Depending on where you are moving there might be some pet rules and regulations that you have to deal with. Landlords and homeowners’ associations sometimes have strict rules that have to be abided by. Save yourself and your pet some stress by doing your research, asking questions and becoming familiar with your new area’s pet ordinances, leash laws, and pet licensing requirements. 

Try to Keep Things as Normal As Possible
Now, many would argue that this is easier said than done and to an extent they are right. Keeping things normal while in the midst of a move involves scheduling yourself and making what might seem like to-do list after to-do list, however, by doing this you will be able to avoid situations where you have to pull an all-nighter packing. Doing this will allow you to get things done gradually without adding too much additional stress to anyone. 

Doing simple things like keeping some of your pets treats available right up to the move, keeping their dog bed out of your cat’s favourite toy. Remember those are small things you can take in your car as opposed to having to pack them up into boxes that might not be opened again for a day or two.

The Big Day – Moving Day
When it comes to the actual moving day it is a really good idea to try and have a friend or family member watch your pet. You don’t want to risk their getting out or getting in the way of big pieces of furniture being moved. If you don’t have anyone to watch them consider putting them in a pet daycare. If you do this, however, stop by whenever you get a chance. This will reassure them that everything is okay and that you are coming back (this is especially true if you have a pet that you adopted after being abandoned before).