moving with pets

Want more space? Need less space? Wishing you had a basement, or a porch, or a better view, or a quieter street?

Maybe you’re just ready for a move. But is your pet?

Pets don’t complain much, about anything, and they certainly don’t seem to have strong feelings about how many bedrooms you’ve got or whether you have a heated garage. They love you, and as long as they have safe shelter, healthy food, affection, and an Optimum Wellness Plan^® 😊, they’re not itching to relocate. But…

If you move, make it easy for the pets you love

Many pets adapt quickly to a new home, especially if you’re with them during the transition and you follow some basic tips.

When you move in to a new place, things will be a bit chaotic for a while. Before you start unpacking boxes and putting new curtains on the windows, set up familiar items, food bowls, and your furry friend's safe space (if they had a safe space in your old place). Spend extra time with them there to help things feel as normal as possible. Play with a couple of toys, get them moving, have fun, be together. Maybe a cuddle or two could help you both feel more at home.

Of course, it might be difficult to keep your pets on their normal routine early on, but do what you can. If you walk your pup every morning as soon as you wake up, keep doing it. If their feeding times are typically 8am and 6pm, feed them at those times in the new place, too. If you always dimmed the lights in the living room at bed time, dim them at the new place, too. Make sure you leave out fresh water. Don't move and then go on a vacation the next week, and don't adopt another pet soon after you move. Make the unfamiliar as familiar as you can, and most pets will have a positive experience without much of an adjustment period.

If it does seem like your pet is having a stressful time – if they seem unusually anxious or they're having toilet problems or they're being destructive, for example – get in front of things by calling your Banfield veterinary team. It might take a little time for your pet to settle in. That’s totally expected. But don’t be shy about asking for advice and help.

New place, new Banfield?

Did you know that with an Optimum Wellness Plan, you can bring your pet to any Banfield location? That makes moving easier on you and your pets. If you do move and you’d like to change your “home” hospital, just call that new location and let the team know. They’ll help you make the change, quick and easy. Find your nearest Banfield Pet Hospital here.

Now all that's left to do is find the nearest emergency vet, a new pet sitter, and your furry friend's favorite sniff spots. You've got this.