If moving house is stressful for everyone, adults and children alike, it's equally so for pets. Whether they're pets such as dogs and cats, or new pets such as fish, birds, rodents (rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.) and, more unusually, reptiles, amphibians and other invertebrates such as spiders and scorpions, there are a number of precautions you need to take to ensure that your new home doesn't upset them too much. How can you prepare your pets for the move and help them find their place in your new home? Follow the guide and get advice from vets to make the move easier and help them find a peaceful life in your new home.
Moving house: a stress factor for pets
For a pet, moving house is a major cause of stress, and you can't ignore its psychological impact. By changing its living environment, its entire biotope is turned upside down. You need to understand that moving represents a real loss of reference points for your pet.
To help you prepare for the move, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice. With his knowledge of animals and their habits, he can give you tips on how to cope with the stress of moving and the loss of bearings.
Every animal has its own move
Each species has its own particularities and ways of behaving, which need to be taken into account when moving. Moving with a dog and moving with a cat don't require the same attention to detail. Not to mention birds, fish or snakes, for which you'll need to manage the transport of a cage, aquarium or vivarium.
Moving with a cat
Like all felines, cats are very attached to their territory, marked by numerous scent trails. When your pet moves to a new environment, it loses all its bearings. To help him adapt to his new world, you need to take care to preserve his everyday objects and reinstall them as quickly as possible in your new home (litter box and bowls, of course, but also cat tree, scratching posts, toys...). You should also provide a place where your cat can hide if he feels in danger.
Moving with a dog
As dogs are less independent animals than cats, and much more attached to their owners, it's generally easier for them to find their feet. However, before you move in, you may want to take your dog for a walk in your new neighborhood, so that he can get to know his new environment before the time comes.
Moving with birds
Birds are very sensitive to temperature: during transport, be sure to maintain a constant temperature in the vehicle. If the cage is not too large, it is advisable to keep it in place during the journey. In the car, place it on the back seat and secure it to avoid sudden movements when braking. You can place a cloth over the cage to keep them in a reassuring darkness and protect them from draughts.
If the cage is too large to fit in a car, you'll need a transport crate where you can carefully place your birds. It's important that your birds have water as well as fruit and vegetables available throughout the journey, so that they can hydrate according to their needs.
Moving with fish
If you have an aquarium, moving fish requires a great deal of preparation. Fish are also very sensitive to the environment in which they live (temperature and light, but also water composition). Not to mention that moving and transporting the aquarium itself requires special precautions, due to its fragility.
Moving with chickens
Appreciated for their good, fresh eggs, chickens are increasingly present in homes. So it's not uncommon these days to have to move house with chickens. For transportation, a simple box may suffice for each hen, provided the journey isn't too long. If you have a rooster, be sure to check before you move whether it is accepted in the environment of your future home: its early-morning crowing is not always well accepted by the neighbors!
Moving with a snake
Used to confined spaces, snakes are relatively easy animals to move. For a move, you can transport them in a box lined with substrate, or in an opaque bag in which your reptile can breathe without being able to escape during transport. Remember to put your reptile in an isothermal bag or polystyrene crate to maintain its temperature during the journey.
Since snakes are slow digesters, stop feeding your reptile two days beforehand to prevent it from regurgitating during the journey. And plan to set up the vivarium as soon as possible after you move in, to give your pet a more suitable environment. The main issue when transporting a reptile is undoubtedly to prevent it escaping, especially if it's a dangerous snake!
Moving with a pet
To make the move as smooth as possible, you need to prepare your pets before, during and after the big day.
Before the move
During the preparations, you need to take care of your pets by keeping them away from the site while the furniture is being packed or dismantled. You can also lock your pet in a room during these preparations, to spare him the stress of coming and going.
To familiarize him with his new environment, you can also take him to your new home a few days before the move.
During the move
On the big day, transporting your pet also requires a few precautions. If your pet is used to travelling, no problem. If not, it may be worth checking with your vet whether tranquillizers or sleeping pills can help.
If you're hiring a professional to move your pet, you should also be aware that no animal can travel in the moving van. So you'll need to bring all the necessary equipment to transport them yourself: a carrier for a cat or rabbit, an airtight container for fish... And don't forget the food!
After the move
As far as possible, maintain your pet's old habits: meal and outing times, food, toys... To help your pet gradually get his bearings, you can put all his belongings in one room and let him discover the whole place as he goes along, without rushing him.
Above all, you need to observe your pets carefully after your arrival in the new home to detect any signs of maladjustment. If you notice a change in behavior, loss of hair or lack of appetite, it could be a sign that your pet is stressed and not coping well with the change. Don't hesitate to consult your vet to find a remedy if symptoms persist over time.
Like a child confronted with a move, a pet often experiences the change of home as a loss of bearings. That's why you need to take good care of your pet during the preparations, look after it during the journey and pamper it when it arrives in your new home, so that it can quickly familiarize itself with its new surroundings.