According to Statista, over 63 million households in the United States own at least one dog, making it the most popular pet in America. Research shows that owners spent $103.6 billion on their pets in 2020. According to Pet Food Industry’s Data, people in the U.S spend an average of $38 billion on pet food and treats.
People own pets for a wide range of reasons. Pets can help you manage loneliness, stress, and depression by giving you unconditional love and companionship. For instance, when you own a dog, it can increase opportunities to get outside, socialize, and exercise, leading to improved overall health and wellbeing.
The most common reason people give up on their pets is that moving with a pet is a daunting task. If you are a renter, your family and friends may discourage you from finding a pet-friendly rental.
Similarly, you may think your dog or cat will see the move too traumatic, so you think it is best to leave it behind. Some people believe that moving to another home is a complicated process. That’s why they don’t want to deal with pets.
Remember, your pet (dog, cat, or any other animal) depends on you now more than ever. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust your pet to its new home after you move. Here are a few tips to consider to make the process hassle-free. Read on!
Let Your Pet Explore the New House
If you want to adjust your pet to your new home, make sure you let them explore the space. We recommend taking it slow for a few days to help your pet adjust to your home. Not only will your dog or cat appreciate your compassionate behavior, but it will also help them explore the house and yard at their own pace.
Some pets, such as dogs, take some time to adjust to new settings and surroundings. Although adjusting your dog to a new space can make you feel exhausted, make sure you remain calm if you love your pet. So, avoid over stimulating your pet for a few days.
Besides, let your dog get used to a new area, sights, smells, and sounds. The purpose is to ensure your pet stays calm, positive, and stress-free. So, try to make your pet as comfortable as possible by following a step-by-step approach, and this starts with letting them explore the house on their own.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable
Many pets feel uncomfortable and unsafe in a new place, especially if they are more familiarized with the old house. So, provide your pet with a safe spot equipped with a comfortable bed to let it relax and unwind when it feels tired.
Some pets require a lot of time to adjust to a new environment. Therefore, take care of your pet and by offering a food-dispensing toy, stuffed Kong, or do some cuddling. Offering your pet with yummy treats will build more trust and make your dog or cat feel easy in new settings.
Maintain the Old Routine
Because you have moved to a new house, it does not mean you create a new routine for your pet. Remember, changing routines can negatively impact your furry friend. Although your pet can learn how your new home functions, changing the routine suddenly can lead to complications.
So, help your dog adjust to your new home by maintaining the old routine. For example, feed your dog or cat at the same time every day, go outside for walks, and exercise at the same time. Likewise, go outside for potty breaks and ensure your pet goes to bed at the same time each night.
Avoid changing exercise time, cuddle time, and other daily activities. Otherwise, your dog will feel insecure and try to escape if the routine is annoying. So, maintain the old routine and instruct your family members to fulfill the pet’s expectations.
Keep Your Pet on a Leash
Because pets, such as dogs, take a lot of time to adjust to new settings, keeping them on a leash is crucial to prevent the risk of escaping the house. Remember, your dog needs some time to learn how to stay inside and outside of your new home.
Moreover, pets love habits and routines. Although you are already familiar with your dog’s normal daily activities, playtime, and exercise, keeping your pet on a leash for a couple of days won’t do any harm.
The reason is that your pet may feel anxious and stressed in a new home, especially if you discontinue the old routine of exercise and playtime. Therefore, keeping your dog on a leash is beneficial for your beloved furry friend’s safety and security.
Make Your New Home Safe for Your Pet
When you move to a new house with your pet, it can pose dangers and threats to your furry friend. For instance, your new home may hide various risks for your pet, such as windows, fireplace, electrical cords, etc.
The yard may have poisonous plants that can cause danger for your dog and create an emergency. Therefore, it is crucial to make your new home dog-proof by taking necessary measures to ensure your pet’s safety.
We recommend installing new window screens to prevent your dog from falling out of a window. That way, you can reduce the risk of accidents. Similarly, cover all electrical wires and cords and ensure they are out of reach of your pet.
Besides, keep the doors of your appliances closed at all times and lock away your medications or any other chemical products. Ensure your dog or cat does contact fragile and sharp items. Keep away batteries, plastic bags, and other dangerous items in closed cabinets.
Remember, coffee, raisins, chocolate, avocados, and even alcohol can cause health risks for your furry friend. Therefore, keep out of reach any food items that can pose threats to your beloved pet.
Final Words
The unconditional love and companionship a pet provides are matchlessly soothing for owners, giving them peace of mind and tranquility. However, owning and keeping a pet requires a lot of care.
It would help if you had careful planning and preparation when moving with your pet or adjusting it to a new home. Consider the tips and tricks given above to streamline and optimize the entire process.
