Planning to Downsize With a Pet?

Here’s All You Need to Know

Written by Penny Martin

Image Source: Pexels

Downsizing is a
stressful task that involves finding a new home, arranging movers,
planning your finances, and much more. Additionally, as a pet owner,
you understand they love routine, peace, and a familiar safe
environment. However, the experience of moving can cause uncertainty
and stress among your companion. In this article by Annie’s
Orphans, we explore effective
ways you can make downsizing a stress-free affair for your pet.

Pre-Moving

The first step is
to search for houses that will suit your pet. For instance, according
to PetMD cats love
vertical spaces, hence look for
a home where you can easily add shelves along with kitty blocks and a
cat tree. Similarly, for dogs (especially older ones) who aren’t
house trained, it’s better to look for homes with an outdoor
space.

Along with the
interior, also focus on whether the neighborhood is a good fit for
your pet. For dogs, having parks and play areas is essential. In
addition, having vets, pet shops, and other services in close
vicinity is a big plus.

Additionally, if
your pet is not crate trained, now is the best time to do so. Place
their food inside the crate and allow them to enter naturally.
According to The Humane Society, another good
tactic is to let them eat all
meals inside the crate with the door closed. Doing this will lead to
a positive relationship with the crate, which you may need to use
while moving.

Along with
shortlisting
houses, also connect with your
lender and apply to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This allows you
to know the exact loan amount you can afford, in addition to being
approved faster while closing on the house.

Another step you
can take to improve your finances is hiring a real estate broker, as
they can help you in getting the best price for your home. Using
their expertise, they can suggest various home modifications which
can appreciate your home’s value, such as:

• Landscaping
  outdoor spaces

• Making minor
  bathroom and bedroom modifications

• Refurbishing
  your kitchen

• Conducting
  repairs to HVAC & plumbing systems

During Moving

Expect moving day
to be hectic, loud, and unpredictable. Loud noises and having
strangers in your home can startle your pet, hence keep them in a
closed
empty room and if possible have
someone with them at all times.

Once your home is
cleared of all belongings, move your pet into your car in their
crate. If your pet is not microchipped,
ensure your pet is wearing their identification tag and a leash at
all times during the trip. If they need a breather, consider stopping
at parks or truck stops.

If you need to
stop over en route to your new home, make accommodations in advance.
Book a room in a pet-friendly hotel and have an overnight
bag containing your pet’s
food, toys, and cleaning supplies ready.

On reaching your
new home, carry your pet to a dedicated room and keep them there
until the movers are at work.

Post-Moving

For the first few
days seclude your pet in a limited part of the house. Take your time
to set up furniture, decorations, and other important amenities
before introducing your pet to their new home. During this time your
pets may show signs of stress, to overcome it shower them with
attention and familiar objects such as their toys, favorite blankets,
beds, etc.

Before letting
your pet explore the home, ensure to make it “pet-proof”
as follows:

• Conceal
  any loose wires near electronic devices

• Deep clean
  carpets and floors to ensure its clear of debris or foreign objects

• Check for
  rodent boxes or pest-control traps left by the old owner and discard
  them immediately

• Keep all
  doors and window screens closed

Naturally, your
pet will take time to adjust to its new home, but you can aid the
process by maintaining the same feeding, playing, and sleeping time.

When downsizing with a pet, it’s
important to keep their needs in mind during all stages, from
shortlisting houses to decorating your new home to ensure their
health remains unaffected and they smoothly assimilate into their new
environment.