How to ensure your pets have a smooth house move

A house move can be stressful enough for a human who knows exactly what’s happening, but for animals it can be a scary and confusing time. Here's some advice from Mike McCarthy of Yorkshire-based McCarthy’s Removals and Storage, www.mjmccarthy.co.ukAt McCarthy’s Removals we’ve moved homeowners with many animals over the 50 years we’ve been in business including, memorably, a fully grown lion – although we’re more used to domestic cats. Here are our top tips for ensuring a smooth move with your pet:*You’re likely to be packing for many weeks, but make sure you leave your pets favourite belongings until the last possible day.*If at all possible, keep them away from your home on move day itself. If family and friends can’t help, consider a cattery or kennels. It will be far less stressful for your animal to be away from the action, and you don’t want to risk them bolting just before you’re about to leave.*If your pet will be with you on move day, consider putting them in an empty room with some of their favourite things so they can be in a quiet and calm environment. Lots of heavy things will be getting carried and you don’t want to risk them getting underfoot. As a removals firm, we will always try and work around a pet as safely as possible, so let us know your plan. Make sure you pay frequent visits to reassure them everything is ok and to check if they need anything.*Your pet will need to travel with you in your vehicle – it cannot be transported in the removal van. So, make sure you have considered how to keep them safe en route. And don’t overfeed your pet that day – you may find they get travel sick! Little and often is a wiser option.*Smaller pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils or birds, can still find moving very stressful. Make sure they’re in a safe and suitable carrier and try to keep movement to a minimum. It may help to keep the carrier darkened, but don’t let them overheat. Make sure the cage is secure in your vehicle so that if you had to do an emergency stop, it wouldn’t go flying.*If you’re travelling with a reptile or fish let your removal company know and discuss the best way to transport cages or tanks. Animals themselves will still need to be transported by you – get expert advice on how best to get them from A to B.*Make sure anything you’re likely to need over the first 48 hours for your pet is kept in your own vehicle – for example, food, water bowls, favourite toys, beds and medicines. That way you’re not having to search through boxes to find things. Don’t wash bedding immediately so it retains a familiar smell.*Once in your new home be patient with your pet and give lots of reassurance and cuddles. If your pet goes outside, make sure the area they use is secure and only take them out on a lead for the first few days at least. Cats should be kept inside for a couple of weeks, if this is at all possible.*Of course, there is always the possibility your pet makes a run for it or tries to make their way back to their old home from the new property. If appropriate, make sure your pet is microchipped and that your new details are registered and also up to date.*If your pet seems very unsettled by the move consider a pheromone diffuser, which can help them feel calmer. You can speak to your vet for recommendations on this and for other advice to keep your pet safe and happy during the moving process.