A new year can often bring with it a move into a new home, to a new city or even overseas for a fresh start.
If you have a much-beloved family pet, moving with them can be as nerve-racking as settling your child into a new school.
Moving to a new house can be stressful for our furry friends, they are territorial animals who become familiar with their everyday environment.
Here are our tops tips for moving home with your pets.
Preparation is key
Being prepared to move with your pet or pets will make the process that much smoother for everyone.
Ensure you have easy access to their favourite toys, bedding, food and treats so that you can set these up in the new home straight away.
Day of the move
It is often best for pets to be minded elsewhere if you can to avoid the stress of the move and also to keep them safe and out of the way of the movers on the day.
If you have a cat, keep your cat in a cat carrier while packing, so they don’t run away and for the first little while when you arrive at your new home.
After the move
It is vital to keep the schedule as normal as possible when you move into a new place to minimise distress for your pets. Try and keep mealtimes and walk times at the same time you would have at your old abode.
If you have a dog, try and be with your dog in the new space for the first few days until they get used to the new home. Take your dog for regular walks in their new neighbourhood to get them comfortable. If you have a yard, walk your dog on a lead around the perimeter fence so they can mark out the property boundary.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, they should be confined to the house for the first three weeks in a new home to get them used to their new surrounding and comfortable with their new space. Once you do let your cat outside, do so for short amounts of time to start with as they get familiar with their surroundings.
Meet your new neighbours
Having pets is a great chance to break the ice and meet your new neighbours. Let your new neighbours know that you have pets in the house so they can keep an eye out for them, and also let you know if there are any noise issues before they escalate.