EDITOR NOTE: This article was authored by Jessica Brody – a reader of this blog. Since this blog is devoted to physical security & personal safety some might ask what this article about Tips for Pet Owners has to do with the blog’s topics. Often when we think of security we neglect to think about the security and safety of our pets. Keeping our pets safe is an important part of any security plan and pet theft is a growing problem. My hope is that all of us who are concerned about security & safety keep our pets in mind when making security and safety plans.
Moving is usually an exciting — and exhausting — endeavour. And furry housemates can present their own set of challenges. But moving with your pet doesn’t have to be a dog-themed disaster if you keep these tips in mind.
Picking a Pet-Friendly Palace
When house hunting, consider your pets’ needs, too. Some might think catering to a canine is going overboard, but choosing a home with pet-friendly features can help keep the whole family happy, regardless of whether they happen to be humans or animals.
For example, if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you might favor a home with a mudroom. A mudroom or similar space is a great place to stash leashes and other gear. And it helps keep the rest of your home cleaner if you have an ideal area to wipe down your pup’s paws as soon as he’s finished frolicing in the yard.
Similarly, experts suggest thinking twice before selecting a house with wall-to-wall carpeting. Even the best-behaved pet can suffer from an upset stomach, causing a carpet-cleaning nightmare. Hard-surfaced flooring materials such as ceramic tile and painted concrete are both practical and pretty for pet owners, according to HGTV.
Evaluating Outdoor Options
Perhaps having a fenced in backyard is a priority for you and Fido. If so, you might want to look for a location where your dogs aren’t visible from a major roadway. Animal advocacy groups report pet thefts are on the rise. Out of sight can sometimes mean out of mind for potential pet thieves. It’s also important to keep an eye on your animals when they are outdoors, even when pups are on their own property.
If you and your dog enjoy social settings such as dog parks or canine-friendly cafes, consider neighborhoods that offer these options nearby. Likewise, if you are seriously considering a certain neighborhood, you might want to take your dog on a walk or two in the area if possible. Make note of barking dogs, frisky felines on the loose, or other doggy distractions that might have an affect on you and your animal’s schedule and sanity.
Moving Madness
Whether you’re leaving an apartment or a house, moving might mean clearing out for real estate agents or repair people. If that’s the case, have everything you need to get you and your dog out the door at a moment’s notice. And scope out spots nearby to hang out with your Rover roommate while strangers are in your home. At the very least, keep your pet confined when people are on your property. Nothing can ruin a potential sale faster than an overly friendly — or overly aggressive — animal.
During the packing process, keep your cool. Staying calm will send signals to your dog that everything is OK. And, pack the pup’s favorite pillow or play toy last. Maintaining his schedule and space for a long as possible will help keep him relaxed. Asking your vet for other suggestions can also help make moving less traumatic. Finally, consider boarding your dog on the big day, suggests Rover.com. It will save your pooch from moving-day mayhem and alleviate any concerns about an escape act while people trundle boxes and furniture in or out of the house.
Home Sweet Home
Once you’ve settled in your new space, re-establish routines with your dog. Restart the walks and introduce your best friend to anything new that will become one of a regular rituals, such as visits to the nearest dog-friendly coffee shop. At home, set up the sleeping space, food, and water in locations similar to where they were in your old house if you can. Update your pet’s identification and find a new vet if visits to your previous practitioner are impractical or impossible.
Minimizing moving trauma for you and your faithful fur babies can be done. Some planning, preparation, and proactive actions once you’ve settled in will have your canine feeling comfortable in her new home in no time.
