Moving with Our Fur Babies

Moving with Our Fur Babies

Moving is on the top 10 list of most stressful events in a human's life, can you imagine how traumatic that must be for our fur babies?

I adopted a rescue beagle mix in March and introduced her to our family.  When we decided to adopt we went through a rigorous interview process that included a zoom introduction followed by an in-person meeting then we brought her home,  

A few things I recommend when you are moving to a new home with your pet.  Before you close on your new home and start moving take your pet on a visit, visit the new home, show them to their new door and walk the neighborhood with them and walk them around the back yard.  

On moving day or the day before board your pet so they aren't exposed to all the hustle and bustle of the movers and everything being taken out of the home they have known.  If that isn't possible put them in a room away from all the distractions where it is quiet and peaceful for them, with things they are familiar with.  

When my friend Jeff came to stay with us for a few months, he also brought his 2 dogs and cat.  In the beginning, my Sadie was very territorial and aggressive.  Our trainer suggested that we all go on a "pack walk" so she could show them the neighborhood.  We did that a few times before they came to visit and ultimately stayed.  Now, they are all best friends, and even drink from the same water bowl at the same time without any aggression.  I know when Jeff moves into his own house in the spring our dogs will miss each other a lot.  But, we need to approach moving with pets in the same way so they don't experience too much anxiety.