Top tips for moving with pets

Posted on: Thursday, January 11, 2024

Moving is often stressful for everyone involved and, unfortunately, we can’t exactly tell our pets what’s going on. It’s important to get things in order beforehand, so you and your pets can make a smooth and easy transition to your dream home. Here are some tips to help you along the way…

Get advice from your vet

Seeking professional advice will help to ensure that your pet is getting everything they need during an inevitably stressful time. Having strangers enter the house during viewings, watching furniture get moved around and boxed up, and the transition to a new environment can all become very overwhelming. 

Your vet can help you decide the best plan of action for your situation. This is extra important if your pet is older and may not adjust well to new surroundings. 

Staying with friends or family

If a friend or family member is willing to house your pet temporarily, you may be able to save yourself a lot of time and stress. Having someone to take over for a short while means that the animal can receive the care and attention that they need while you’re busy moving. 

However, it’s important to carefully consider where your pet takes their holiday. You should only hand your pet over to someone confident and comfortable with taking care of them. It should also be noted that your pet will need to adjust to living somewhere temporarily, and then they will need to adjust again to their new home – this could cause a lot of stress if not handled well. Make sure they’re comfortable at their temporary home, they know the person well, and that they aren’t left there for longer than necessary.

Handling viewings

Viewings can be tricky with pets in the house, even if your particular pet is friendly and easy to clean up after. It’s best to keep your pets away during viewings and bring them home when buyers have left. Whether this means going for a walk, visiting a friend or family member, or even spending the day at a pet daycare centre, most buyers will prefer to visit a vacant home – and this could be the thing that snatches you a sale.

Having a pet present during viewings can also leave your agent in a difficult situation. Even the most placid of pets can become territorial and aggressive in situations they aren’t used to. However, if removing your pet from the property is not a viable option, it’s important to let your estate agent know as soon as possible so you can decide on a good plan of action. 

Repairing pet damage

Pet damage can be a huge turn-off for many buyers, and cats and dogs in particular can leave their mark on expensive areas of the home such as carpets, walls, and fencing. Before putting your home on the market, take some time to assess and repair any damages your pets have left behind. Focus on dispelling odours and clearing away stains, as these two issues are the most noticeable. 

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