As a pet parent, you get it. Special accommodations are common when you own a pet. From making traveling plans to finding the house with the perfect yard, your pet plays a major role in all of your big decisions — including moving. If you’ve got worries about bringing your pet along, use these simple tips to make moving with pets in Spokane easier!
Provide Relief Locations
The first thing you should think about is your pet’s bathroom situation. If you’re moving, that’s likely going to change several times. Set your intentions and be sure that your pet knows where to relieve themselves throughout the move. This could take a little extra training! Even pets who have been house- or litter-trained for years might have an accident during a move. Expect it and prepare for it by bringing along paper towels and pet mess cleanup products!
Don’t Forget Exercise
Not only is exercising your pet during a move a good idea for them, but it’s also great for you! With all the stress of moving, you could be forgetting to get your daily dose of exercise in. Taking your pet for a walk, playing with toys, and just moving around can get the blood pumping for both of you.
What’s one of the best ways to explore your new neighborhood? Going for a walk around it! Take your pet along and they’ll help you sniff out all the cool new things about your new digs.
Introduce Your Pet Gradually
There’s a good chance that you’re going to be visiting your new home a few times before the official move-in. These are great opportunities to introduce your pet to the space before it’s time to move in. This is one of the easiest tips to make moving with pets in Spokane easier. Because you’ll be heading to your new home multiple times, bring your furry friend for short trips before they’re expected to just move into a new area!
Remember Their Feelings
Does your pet seem a little off after the move? They’re probably not allergic to your new house (anyone else think this? No? Just us? Ok). Pets can have mixed feelings about a new home just like you do! They are likely excited to be in a new space, but they could be missing their old space. It’s totally normal for your pet to be a bit down. Make extra time for them, pay attention to their needs, and wait it out. They should be back to normal within a few days of settling into their new routine!
Focus on Your Pet
During a move, you can easily get distracted. This is especially true if you’re moving a long distance! Because of this, you might be spending less time with your pet. Make it a point to carve out some time in your moving schedule so that they don’t feel neglected. A nice walk around your old neighborhood, extra time with their favorite tug rope, or just a kitty cuddle sesh on the couch are great ways to let your pet know you’re still there for them!
Remember to Clean Up
You’re probably caught up in the excitement of moving to your new home, but remember that you still need to check to make sure things are clean at your old one! Pets add an extra layer to this. Whether it’s a drool spot from their naps in front of the fireplace or it’s a little stain in the corner from when you were litter training, it’s important to make sure that you clean up these spots. If you’re a homeowner, it’s the polite thing to do for the future owners. If you’re moving out of a rental it’s even more important — failing to clean any pet messes could cost you a deposit!
Ask for Help
During moving day, your pet is probably not going to be your first priority. They could get in the way, make physically moving more complicated, or even get hurt! With large pieces of furniture and doors constantly opening, your dog and cat could be at risk! It may be a good idea to send your pet to daycare or with a friend for the day of your move.
As you’re moving with pets in Spokane, keep in mind that this can be a stressful and exciting time for them just like it is for you. By taking a few extra precautions and making sure you have plenty of time for attention on your pets, you’ll be able to make the experience more enjoyable. If you have a pet who is easily stressed out or anxious, please check with your vet to make sure they don’t have recommendations for your specific needs. And, if you’re not moving yet but you’re ready to, contact Our Home Spokane to see listings and learn more about buying in Spokane!
