When it comes to moving, feeling stressed and overwhelmed are completely normal emotions. From staying on top of important contract dates to keeping up with inspections, making sure everything with your lender is running smoothly and so forth – day-to-day tasks can feel a little daunting.
You’re not alone in feeling that way, and that’s important to remember. During this exciting time, it can be hard to keep up with doing simple things for yourself like staying hydrated or giving your furry friends a little extra love.
Dogs and cats are extremely sympathetic creatures, which can make moving all the more stressful for them. Not only do they need to get familiar with the idea of being around packing supplies and boxes, but, just like kids, when they see you stressed out it can make them feel a little upset too.
To make sure your loving pets don’t become overstimulated as you prepare to move to the gorgeous Northeast Georgia city of Toccoa, we’ve compiled a short list of tips and tricks to make the process easier for everyone involved.
Maintain Routine as Much as Possible
We know this is easier said than done, especially when it feels like you have a never-ending checklist of things to do. However, sticking to your routine as much as possible can be beneficial for you and your furry friends. Cats and dogs thrive off of routine and are known for being creatures of habit, so when there’s a slight disruption in those day-to-day routines it can stir up a bit of anxiety.
While it may not seem harmful to skip things like daily walks and playtime, it can stress you and your pets out when you miss out on that bonding time. Not only does that little bit of playtime help get rid of anxious and jittery energy for cats and dogs, but it can often subconsciously bring you comfort too.
So, if you can, keep to your standard routine as best as possible. Make sure you keep up with the normal feeding times and try to show them (and yourself) a little extra love and patience.
Combat Anxious Energy with Entertainment
Understandably, you might feel a little more exhausted than normal as it gets closer and closer to moving time. The reality is that you might not have the ability to spend extra time with your pets.
In cases like this, if you can, spending a little money on a toy or a game that’ll keep them occupied can be beneficial. This can help prevent boredom and assist in getting rid of any anxious energy, leaving them more relaxed. After all, a stressed or anxious pet is more prone to having accidents and acting out.
Another great trick for keeping your furry friend entertained and away from a hectic house, especially for dogs, is finding a reliable dog walker in the area. Platforms such as Rover and Wag are an easy way to search for a trustworthy helper to keep your pup amused without breaking the bank and blowing your budget.
Pack an Emergency Care Bag
Part of making the transition into a new home as easy as possible includes being prepared at all times. Having an emergency bag filled with extra food, water bowls, favorite treats, litter or puppy pads, and more are easy ways to prep.
You can also include paper towels, disposable bags, and sprays or cleaners to help handle unexpected messes.
Don’t forget any medications or supplements. For pets dealing with anxiety, you may want to talk to your vet and start implementing a temporary anti-anxiety supplement into their daily diet and routine.
Double Check Local Pet Laws
We’ll leave you one final note on keeping your lovable little critters safe and comfortable during a move. Be sure to check over local pet laws. Certain cities may have additional regulations set in place regarding pets and domesticated animals. These laws can vary in comparison to state laws and usually are just added protection for the area.
For example, most of the state of Georgia requires that any animal when not on the homeowner’s property must be on a leash or contained and controlled by a competent person. This would mainly only be a concern when visiting public areas such as local parks and is set in place solely as a safety concern for both citizens and pets themselves.
We hope this list has been beneficial in helping you prepare, and we wish you and all your pet family a safe move. Know somebody or need help with finding the perfect place to call home? Contact us today. We’d love to help in any way that we can.