Right?
Uh-oh --
we may have left somebody out. In fact, all those ‘somebodies’ who happen to
have four paws. When all is said and done, it’s a sure bet that they will be
happy in their new home (after all, they’re always happy as long as you are paying
attention to them). But in the interim, what steps can you take to simplify their
move to the new home?
The first order of business should be a simple safety
measure. Create tags with your new address details (and a phone number that
won’t change). It’s not likely, but possible, that a recently-uprooted pet may
try to find the old house – especially the first few times he or she is left unattended.
You need to be doubly sure pets are properly identified so they can be returned
promptly. Even housecats who are usually collarless should be given some
identification during the beginning weeks in a new home. Those first few days
and weeks are the most likely time for doors and windows to be accidentally
left open… and it’s much better to be safe than tearful!
Depending on time and distance factors, a
sanity-conserving idea is to find a safe and quiet place for pets to stay during
the actual move. Whether you ask friends
or relatives or use a kennel or cattery, it will minimize the sense of
disruption your small friends experience. Put yourself in their paws: big,
burly strangers moving sofas and beds in and out of giant trucks? Better the
kennel!
Last tip: give them extra attention. Distraction
is one carnival trick that never fails. Your pets may miss their previous
environment, but when you shower them with special attention before, during,
and after the move, they’ll be convinced that your love made the move, too.
If you’ve already found your new home and are
planning the move – congrats! If you’re
just getting started in the search, we’d be delighted to put our Savannah experience
to work for all the members of your household.
