Professional moving companies witness anxiety in their customer’s cat or dog more often than you might think. Moving day has arrived and poor Fido or Felix has no idea what is happening. All of the hustle and bustle, strange big burly moving men, and constant non-stop activity has left them feeling very confused and frightened. Here are some tips from Professional Movers in New York City that will make your relocation into a new home less stressful on your pets.

This article looks at pets in general, but if you have cats, also take a look at these specific tips for moving with cats. 

Consider What Your Pet Must Be Thinking

Canine and felines are both creatures of habit. When their daily routine is disrupted, it can lead to fear, agitation, over-excitement, or even depression. During a relocation, your cat or dog may actually be wondering if you are going to take them with you or if you are going to forget them and leave them behind. Movers in New York City recommend giving them a pat on the head from time to time to boost their confidence.

Make Your Pet a Priority

Stick to their regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. It may seem inconvenient to drop everything that you are doing on moving day to take your pooch for a walk around the block, but it will comfort your pet, letting him know that you still consider him a member of the family. Your professional moving men have pets, too. They will completely understand when you need to give your cat or dog some extra love and attention.

Create a Safe Place On Moving Day

Select a back room that is the last location to be packed and shipped. Place your pets in this room with their favorite toys and blankets. Turn on a television or radio to drown out some of the extra noise and chaos. Pets like the familiar. By blocking out the visual and auditory aspects of the move, the strangers in his home, and the odd scents and smells, your cat or dog will be much more relaxed and infinitely safer from constantly opening doors and excessive foot traffic. Remember that when animals are frightened, their Fight or flight instinct kicks in, so if the door is wide open and your dog or cat is terrified of all the chaos around them, they might bolt! Keep them safe, locked somewhere in a quiet room until everything is loaded and ready to go!

Arriving At Your New Home

Once everything is packed up and the only thing left is your pet, its time to go! If the voyage to your new home is long, be sure to maintain your pet well hydrated during the trip. Once arrived, follow the same principles as for the loading of the truck: Stick to your dog or cat’s routine and create a safe place in an enclosed space with some of their favorite things, including some articles of clothing that belong to members of the family; the familiar sent will help calm the anxiety that the new environment will generate. Be sure to go pet your animal every so often and talk to him gently to reassure him during the unloading process. It is recommended not to let your cat or dog out alone for the first few days, until they develop a sense of attachment to their new home. This will help make sure your furry friend won’t get lost trying to return to your old home!