If you have ever moved homes, you know how stressful the entire process is. You worry about all your items, if they will get lost or broken, if they will make it to your new home in one piece, how good the packers and movers are, if they know what they are doing, if they have the right equipment, the weather, if the walls or floors will get damaged during the move and so on. But when you are moving with pets, all your worries double! Now, you worry about all of the above and also what to do with your precious pet.
Things we covered for you
+
Here are a few things that you can do to make the move as smooth as possible if you’re moving with dogs, cats, or any other pet.
Read: Get Your Free Quote Now! Compare and Save on NoBroker Packers and Movers
Book Best Packers & Movers with Best Price, Free Cancellation, Dedicated Move Manager
This is third
This is third
This is fourth
This is fourth
This is fifth
This is fifth
This is six
This is six
This is seven
This is seven
This is eight
This is eight
Plan in Advance, and keep your Pet’s Movement in Mind
If you’re moving with pets across the country, there is not much you can do to get your pet familiar with the new place. But if you’re moving with dogs or moving with pets in the same city, there are a few things you will need to plan in advance.
Take your dog to the new place, and walk them around the neighbourhood so that they become familiar with the new neighbourhood, sights, sounds, and smells. Check if the new house is safe for pets, that the gates can be locked, that the lift grills and other grills are not too large for your pet to escape from and look for other safety hazards.
What to do with your Pet on Moving Day
On the day of the move, you will have plenty of people walking in and out of your house, they will also be walking all around your house! Having so many strangers in your home can be very stressful for your pet. When you’re moving with pets, try to keep them sheltered from the chaos that is happening at home.
Move them to a friend’s place or leave them with relatives or a daycare facility where they can be calm and away from home. If this is not possible, clear out one room in your home beforehand and leave your pet there, don’t let too many people go to that room, or be with your pet when the packers are in there.
Pack your Pet’s Belongings Last When You are Moving
When your pet is locked in a room, leave them with their favourite items, be it their beds, blankets, bowls, toys, or anything else that is familiar to them and that can give them some comfort.
Their water and food bowls need to be handy as you can’t forget to feed them and keep them hydrated through the day, even though you might be preoccupied, you can’t forget about your pets and their needs. When you’re moving with dogs or even cats, they might not be able to go to their food bowls to show that they are hungry, so ensure they are fed on time.
Tell your Neighbours About your Move Before Moving Day
This I can tell you from personal experience when your pet is not accustomed to the new place, and they are scared about something in the new place, it is likely that they will run back to the old house.
You need to speak to your neighbours and inform them of the move and leave your number with them too. This way, when you’re moving with dogs or cats, in case they go back to the old house, your neighbours can alert you. If you’ve been good neighbours, they might even bring your pet back home to you if they know where your new home is. It is also a good idea to invest in a tracking device or new nametags that have your latest contact information.
Stick to our Usual Routine with your Pet, even on Moving Day
Moving is stressful for your pet too, try and keep them calm by comforting them when you can and also sticking to their usual routine. Walk them, feed them, and play with them at the times that they are used to.
If they go for a walk or play at a certain time, try to keep to that schedule, and don’t stray too far away from what they are accustomed to as it might just make them more stressed out and on edge.
Read: Best Vehicle Shifting Service in Faridabad
Don’t Feed your Pets just before you leave when you are Shifting
Most pets, like humans, get car sick and if you have to be in the car for a long time they might end up throwing up because of it.
Try to give them some time to rest after their meals and start the journey to your new house when they are relaxed and calm.
Let Your Pets Familiarise Themselves with the New Neighbourhood in Advance
Whenever possible, it is best to let your pets familiarise themselves with the new home and neighbourhood well in advance. This will let them feel safer and more familiar with their surroundings when you do move. This is especially applicable if you are moving with a dog since dogs tend to be territorial and need time to adjust to new surroundings.
Give your Cats Some Time
Cats often need more time to acclimate themselves to new surroundings and can be easily flustered when they feel out of place. It is important that you give them more attention upon moving and keep them indoors at all times for at least a week after moving. Cats may easily get stressed so make sure to keep an eye on them during this period. They might tend to find places to hide, so keep an eye out for good hiding spots all over the house.
Read: Car Transport By Train In India: Step By Step Guide For Car Transportation
Plan a Spot for your Pets when you move into the New House
As soon as you get to your new house, there is still going to be a lot of chaos and confusion. You need to ensure that your pets are not unduly stressed even at the new house or it might take them even longer to adjust to their new surroundings.
In this case, you need to recreate a safe, familiar zone for your pets in the new house. You start by picking a room in the house that is relatively quiet, away from the chaos. Place your pet here along with their belongings. They need to have a few familiar sights and smells around them so that they don’t worry and stress out.
Be Patient, and kind to your Pets when you Shift to a New House
Remember, all this moving is stressful on your pets too. Be understanding of their needs as it could be traumatic for them, especially older pets who are set in their ways. So, if accidents happen, if they mess up the house, knock things over or start to get extra clingy, just be patient. This is a phase, and they will go back to their good old routines when they get familiar with the house.
Read: Packers and Movers – Doddanekkundi
Reward them when they get things right but don’t scold them or whack them when they don’t, a little kindness at this time will do them a world of good.
Keep a List of Reputed Vets in the Area Handy
Moving with your pets takes a toll on you but could also put your pet in distress. While it is necessary to avoid such a predicament, it is best to keep a list of good vets in the area at hand. Even if your pet seems to be adjusting just fine to the new surroundings, it is advisable to visit the nearest veterinary clinic once for a quick check-up and to let your pet familiarise themselves with the new vet.
Transporting or Travelling with Pets on Domestic Flights in India
If you’re moving with pets across the country, you will have a lot more preparation to do, like getting their health checked, and cards updated and find out how to carefullytransport them to your new home in a new state. Also, only two domestic Indian flight services allow pets in their cabin space. These two airlines are Akasa Air and Air India. However, these airlines also have strict guidelines that one is required to follow to be able to safely commute with their furry friend. These guidelines include-
- Only pets with valid rabies vaccination certificates and other health check certificates are allowed aboard.
- It is advisable to inform the airlines of pet passengers well in advance.
- Airlines have strict guidelines on the dimensions and weight of pets and their carriers.
- The usual excess baggage charges are applied for pet carriers.
- Most airlines only allow two pets per passenger.
- Flyers with pets are often directed to be seated in the last row of the cabin.
- Pet carriers must be approved by the in-flight commander.
- Pets must be placed inside approved and labelled carriers equipped with a moisture-absorbent mat.
- Muzzles and leashes must be worn by the pet at all times. The pets are not allowed on passenger seats at any point in time.
- Service animals for the visually or aurally impaired are allowed to move about freely. However, they must wear a leash and muzzle at all times. Passengers are advised to carry all relevant documents and certificates pertaining to their service animals at all times.
If you’re moving with pets across the country, you will have a lot more preparation to do, like getting their health checked, and cards updated and find out how to carefully transport them to your new home in a new state.
If you need help finding the right packers and movers, we suggest you try NoBroker Packers and Movers. You get trained, efficient staff and services that are top-notch, at very affordable prices. Click below to know more.
FAQ’s
Q1. How do I transition my pet to a new home?
Ans. It is important to let your pet get used to the new surroundings. Taking them on walks around the new neighbourhood would be a good place to start. Upon moving, allow the pet ample time to explore and adapt to the new house. Use lots of treats and patience when dealing with them in unknown surroundings. Make them comfortable and if possible keep them away from the hustle bustle of moving and unpacking.
Q2. How long should cats be kept indoors post moving homes?
Ans. It is advisable to keep your cats indoors for about 2 weeks or until they return to their normal behaviour in the new environment.
Q3. Is it safe to move homes with my pet fish?
Ans. Moving or travelling can be extremely stressful for your pet fish. This kind of change can often prove fatal to pet fishes like goldfish, betta fish or koi. It is best to transport your fish in small bags filled with their old tank’s water. These guidelines only work for short distance travel. If you’re planning to move too far away locations it would be best to leave your pet fish with local friends or family.
Q4. Which domestic airlines in India allow pets in the cabin?
Ans. As of now only Akasa Air and Air India allow pets in carriers in the cabin. There are other airlines that do allow certified service animals in the cabin. In each of the cases, strict guidelines are provided on how the pets should be handled and violating any of these could lead to deboarding.
Q5. Why is my cat not eating after moving homes?
Ans. Relocating cats from one home to another makes them more susceptible to stress-induced anxiety. Loss of appetite, overeating, vomiting or diarrhoea, hiding and excessive grooming are some of the typical signs of anxiety in cats.
