When you’re moving your family to a new home, there are some things that even the best moving company can’t take care of. If you have animals moving along with you, you should make sure that they are prepared for this traumatizing experience. This article will give you some tips and strategies for making sure that your animals feel the least stress possible.

1. Go gradually

If your trip involves a long car drive and your animals aren’t used to being in a car, you should start driving them around several weeks before the move. Start with short trips like going to the grocery store or the petrol station, and gradually lengthen the amount of time they spend in the car. When the moving day comes, your animals will be comfortable with the car environment and are less likely to behave erratically or to endanger your driving. If you are moving with the car full of other people, like children, make sure you bring them along for some of the drives. This will help your animals to get used to the environment.

2. Think ahead

What does your animal need on a daily basis? Food, water, a place to do their ‘business’. When moving with animals, especially on long drives, you need to provide them with the same things. Bring a bag of their favourite food, fresh water, and stop on the way so they can eliminate their waste. Not doing so might stress out your animals and make them sick. Make sure you find a veterinarian in your new town who will be willing to take over the care of your animals. Arrange for their files to be sent ahead of time to the new vet, just in case something happens during the trip.

3. Help them acclimatize

When in your new home, don’t expect your animals to feel comfortable right away. Animals need stability; moving can be a traumatic experience for them. Before the movers arrive with the furniture, let your animals walk freely around the house to get used to the new smells. Stay close to them and talk to them softly; they need to know that some things remain stable, like their masters. If they seem frightened or confused, don’t worry: in a very short time, it’ll be like they never left their first home. Punishing them or forcing them out, especially if they are scared, is not a good idea. Let them come to you when they are ready.

Of course, when the movers arrive, you need to put them in a room so that they don’t disturb the moving process or slip out the door. If you can spare the hands, have someone stay with them to comfort them. Leave food and water and a litter for cats. Moving can be difficult for humans, but for animals it can be a very confusing and scary time. Consult your veterinarian and follow these few tips and your animals will be their old selves again in no time. Don’t let a moving company take care of your family’s best friends; they deserve to be with you throughout the whole experience.