Moving into a new neighborhood can be an exciting time for most family members. However, the needs of some family members are often overlooked until after the move. Pets have anxieties like their owners do, and relocating to a new place can stress them out.
There are things that can be done to help reduce the amount of anxiety that your pets may encounter after your move and keep them safe in their new environment.
Dedicate extra time and attention to your pets during your first week at your new home
Take some time to introduce your pet to your neighborhood’s surroundings. If you have a dog, take him or her out for some exploratory walks around the neighborhood. Dogs are social beings and it gives them a chance to make their own introductions in the neighborhood.
Pets such as cats and dogs are known for their need to mark their territory. Make sure to carve out time while you are busy unpacking and being settled in to let them do these things in the safety and comfort of your presence.
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Get the neighborhood scoop on any potential dangers to your pet
Keeping pets safe is a high priority, and you can find out if there are any significant dangers to your pet in your new neighborhood. Things that you will want to find out from speaking with your new neighbors, and researching your new neighborhood; are things similar to what a parent will want to be made aware of in order to protect his or her child.
You will want to find out if there are problem pets in the neighborhood that might pose a threat to yours. There is always that one dog, in almost all neighborhoods, who somehow always manages to get loose and roam the streets without supervision.
It may not be a huge concern if you have a dog. However, if you have a cat that you sometimes let outside, knowing about the temperament of the roaming dog might make you want to keep the cat indoors more often. Other things to take note of are: The type and volume of traffic on your streets, local ordinances that require pets to be licensed, and the presence of any regular wild predators such as snakes, coyotes, and etc.
Make sure neighbors know who your pets are
Being the new person or family on the block is fun. Most neighbors are welcoming and friendly, and it is important to build good relationships with them. Let them know that you have pets and what kind they are. Introducing your pets to your neighbors can help get them returned if they happen to get lost.
Someone will recognize the lost pet and be able to take care of your lost pet until they can figure out which house he or she belongs to. This a much better outcome than your pet getting picked up by animal control and ending up in the local shelter.