Make moving house stress-free for pets

FROM packing to travelling, unpacking to settling in, there is no question that moving house can be a stressful experience for all involved.

But quite often the family pet is most at risk of being badly affected, particularly if its needs are neglected as humans are busy focusing on the complexities of a relocation.

Pets are, after all, unable to voice their fears and anxieties as they are faced with a new territory, new smells and possibly new pet neighbours – some of whom they may find it hard to settle alongside.

The result can be runaway cats, destructive dogs and terrified small furries.

So expert vets at the PDSA have put together a package of advice to help pet owners make sure their animals adjust as well as possible to their new surroundings, from the moment they leave the familiarity of their old home and enter often frightening new circumstances.

Senior veterinary surgeon Sean Wensley says: "If possible, owners should ask a trusted friend or relative to look after their pets on moving day to prevent added worries.

"But this may not be possible, so PDSA is offering advice and guidance to owners on how to move home safely with their pet."

Planning is the key to any journey with an animal and vets can give advice to owners whose pets are not accustomed to travelling in vehicles.

Mr Wensley says: "It can take weeks to get your pet used to travelling, so if the journey is lengthy it's vital to plan ahead.

"Your vet will be able to give advice about reducing your pet's fear and anxiety, as well as advising on travel sickness, which affects as many as one in six dogs and can be treated using medication in serious cases." On arrival, owners should unpack familiar items such as food dishes, toys and unwashed bedding straight away – familiarity and comforting smells will help pets settle in.

Place the animal in a quiet room away from the activity of unpacking so they have somewhere calm to escape to and get to know their new surroundings.

The same applies to caged pets who can often be unsettled by lots of noise, particularly that of a lorry full of furniture being unpacked around them.

Mr Wensley said: "Pheromones – calming scents our pets can smell but we can't – can also be very useful when moving house. They help keep your pet calm, making it easier for them to adjust to their new surroundings. Your vet will be able to advise you about using these scents, which come as a spray or a plug-in diffuser." In the first few weeks in a new property, it is advisable to keep cats inside, eventually letting them explore outdoors by accompanying them in the garden. Leave a door open at first so they can run inside if frightened.

Mr Wensley said: "Make sure your cat is identifiable, too – ideally with a microchip – in case he gets lost. And remember to make sure you let the microchip registering company know your change of address.

"Also ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date as they may encounter new or different levels of disease in their new neighbourhood."

A final point of advice is to register pets promptly at a new veterinary practice in case any emergencies occur soon after moving. For more details, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth