How to Acclimate Your Pet Into a New Space

About Tori Thurmond

Tori Thurmond combines her creative writing background with her marketing experience in her role as the Content Specialist at Brookdale. When she's not writing, she's probably spending time with her two cats or knitting.

Not only can moving be difficult for the humans involved, but it can also be stressful for our furry friends. The stress of the actual move, along with a new environment with unfamiliar sounds and smells, can feel scary to our pets. Here are a few ways to make the transition easier for everyone.

Introduce Them to the Space Slowly

Just like being someplace we’ve never been before can be overwhelming or uncomfortable, it can also feel that way for our pets. When you introduce your pets to your new home, giving them free rein of the entire space might be overwhelming for them and increase stress.

Dogs may acclimate to your space rather quickly depending on their temperament. Try taking them on a walk around your new neighborhood so you can both start getting to know the area better! Walking may also help your dog expend some of their energy, which could, in turn, reduce some of the anxiety that might come with living in a new place.

Keep in mind that cats may take longer to adjust to a new space. They can take days or even weeks to become comfortable in a new environment. One way you can help them feel more comfortable is by just giving them access to a room or two for the first few days or weeks. If they like to sleep with you or cuddle, you could consider keeping them in your room. However, if your cat likes their own space, you might put them in a spare room or bathroom to let them acclimate some on their own. Of course, you’ll want to go in and check on them and play with them when you can. If you choose to let them explore a bit as time goes on, they will have a safe room to run back to if they get overwhelmed.

Surround Them With Familiar Smells

For our pets, one of the things that makes a place feel like home is the smells. A great way to help your pet feel more comfortable in a new space is to move some of their toys, blankets or your cat’s litter box into your new home. If you’re able to bring their favorite bed or blanket over to your new house a day or two before you move your pet in, familiar smells might have a better chance to make your new space smell familiar to your pet. If you’re moving everything in one day, make sure to set out a few of your pet’s things in the space where you’re planning to let your pet acclimate.

Practice Long-Distance Travel

If you’re moving somewhere that will require long-distance travel that your pet isn’t used to, consider “practicing” your travel routine with your pet. This doesn’t mean that you need to make multiple long-distance trips with your pet. Instead, this step involves getting your pet comfortable with what they will be traveling in.

For dogs, if you have a long drive ahead of you, consider going on drives around your neighborhood or town. If your dog will be wearing a special harness or seatbelt, make sure to use it while going on your practice drives. Additionally, if your dog gets especially anxious or motion sick, you’ll know prior to your long trip and can talk to your vet about medication that might make your dog’s ride more manageable.

For cats, take similar steps. If your cat will be wearing a special harness and leash on your trip, practice getting your cat used to this gear. You can always start with short spurts of wearing the harness or leash, rewarding your cat with treats or food during each session. If your cat will be traveling in their carrier or an extendable car setup like these options, try leaving the carrier out in your house a few days or weeks before your travel day so they can get used to the smells and feel of the carrier without being scared of it.

If you are planning to move with your pet or have an upcoming trip planned, check out these plane and car travel tips from the ASPCA.

Talk to Your Vet

Whether you have a pet who hates or loves travel, it’s never a bad idea to talk with your vet about your move. If your pet is anxious or not used to lots of travel, your vet may have suggestions or medication to help your pet have a more enjoyable travel experience. They may even have a few tips and tricks up their sleeve that they can share with you to make moving more enjoyable for everyone, including getting settled into your new space.

Keep an eye on your pet’s food and water intake and bathroom habits during and right after your travel. Sometimes pets, especially cats, don’t respond well to stress which could lead to a medical emergency like bladder stones, which can be deadly if not treated quickly.

Be Patient With Your Pets

Most importantly, be patient with your pets during a move and the time after. Since they don’t understand why their environment is suddenly changing or why they are being put in stressful situations like car rides or plane rides, don’t rush your pets as they are acclimating to a new space. Make them as comfortable as you can in the moment and by planning ahead, but just keep in mind that it might take a few days or longer for your pets to return to their normal demeanor. You can always chat with your vet if you’re worried something is wrong or if they are taking especially long to feel comfortable in their new home.

Moving isn’t easy for people or pets, but as long as you’re there to comfort and look after them, you’ll all be settled into your new space before you know it! And a little extra play time and a few more treats might help too.