Are you planning to shift to senior living and are concerned about whether you can move your pet as well? Do not worry, there are ways to make the shift for your pets as smooth and comfortable as possible. In fact, having your pets in senior living can also be extremely beneficial and an exciting new change for both of you. Therefore, here is how you can prepare your pets for a move to senior living.
Check with Your Pets’ Veterinarian about the Move
One important thing you need to do is to check with your pets’ veterinarian about the move to senior living. This is especially important when the senior living you and your pet shift to is out of the pets’ veterinarian service area. this is because it means you will need to locate a new one for your pet, so you should check with them and let them know so they can help you and your pet. At the same time, you should also get your pet’s medical records to bring to the new veterinarian.
On Moving Day, Have Your Pet Stay Somewhere Else
Moving day can be overwhelming for both you and your pet because of the bustle of strangers moving your belongings, the constant opening and closing of doors, your likely raised emotions, and your inability to offer your pet care. Therefore, the simplest option could be to have a family or a friend or a kennel for the day to take care of your pet. In fact, a kennel for the day is a great and professional option if you do not have someone reliable to care for them. Then, once you have unpacked all of your belongings in your new senior living apartment, introduce your pet to their new home.
Make Room in Your New Home for Your Pet Before You Arrive
As you probably know, animals tend to be territorial, and they prefer to stake out their territory. They probably had their favorite spots at your former house, and they’re probably upset that they have been taken away from them.
Before you welcome your pet into your new house, provide a new location for them to be. If you’re moving with a dog, you can also place their dog bed in the same spot it was in your previous house, such as by the window or next to the bed if that’s where they preferred to be. Similarly, if you have a cat, you can also place your cat’s litter box or scratching post in a similar location as your previous home. At the same time, to prevent your pet from becoming overwhelmed, you might wish to slowly present one area at a time to your pet. This can also allow them to be able to slowly adjust to their new surroundings.
Bring Along Your Pet in Your Vehicle
To make the move to senior living better for your pet, you should also bring them along in your vehicle. Small dogs and cats can be placed in a pet carrier in the rear seat and fastened with a seatbelt. A larger dog can be transported in the rear of the car in a cage; if feasible, you can also fold the seats down for additional space. Some animals will feel better at ease if you cover their carrier with a blanket throughout the car trip so they do not need to look at the changing landscape outside.
