Tips for making big transitions easier

We recently moved to a new home. We did this while our dogs and cats were boarded to make the moving process smoother for everyone. They were boarded for 2 weeks, which was a really long time but Sadie and Jojen are happy there as they have boarded there on numerous occasions and the staff love them. I was worried more about the cats but it turns out they did really well and the cat staff had glowing reports on their behavior.

I knew once the animals came home we would still have all our belongings in storage and the new house would be in a state of renovation for some time. So as we packed the new house I made a list of things to keep out to have available in the new house.

1) Medical records for the boarding kennel
2) Harnesses/leashes/poop bags
3) dog & cat beds/crates and crate pads
4) food dishes/food
5) medications
6) fans for keeping the new house cool until the AC's show up

I also made a couple trips to the store for extra supplies to make things easier.

1) Gates for doorways
2) Filled hollow bones for crate time while workers are here
3) Rescue Remedy/ calming collar for the cat
4) treats
5) extra litter boxes

When I brought them home I let the dogs explore the front and backyard on leash before entering the house, that way they could mark their yard and NOT the new house! The cats were brought in and our more nervous cat Sherman was brought into a room that could be closed off so her could relax a little before exploring the rest of the house. Cosmo hung out downstairs with the dogs and I. I put the gates up and let them explore the downstairs only at first. Later I let them go upstairs supervised so they didn't get into something they shouldn't (or pee on a carpet!) I took them for a short walk around 9:30 so there would be less traffic and less people. Jojen was confused as to why he was on leash for so long since he was able to walk off leash with me in our previous neighborhood, that is not an option here. I had originally thought I'd just let Sadie and Jo sleep with me but I soon realized that the activity outside the front windows was a bit more than Sadie could take so I set up her crate and she happily went in and laid down. The next night I set up Jo's crate too, and I was able to get a better night sleep! It is still a process but I am pleasantly surprised at the lack of major reaction Sadie is having to all the outside noise. I am making sure to praise and reward her when an especially loud vehicle goes by or the fire station horn goes off, and she has no reaction. Creating as much of a routine as possible is important to helping them relax, so I am making their walks happen at a certain time and feeding them in one spot at a regular time too. I have added Rescue Remedy to everyone's water and the cats get it in their food too.

When dealing with any kind of transition with your pets, it is imperative to be patient and compassionate. They can't understand why these new changes have happened so they need you to guide them through as gently and kindly as possible. If you find you need more help doing so, seek the help of a certified trainer to help you all get through the new changes.