We all familiar with the stress of moving house, from packing up all of your belongings to navigating your way around a new city, relocating is a time of transition and, for many, the start of a new chapter.
Not only can this be an anxious time for us humans, but it can also be a stressing time for our beloved animals too. Especially as it has proven that cats, dogs and horses are sensitive to human emotions, so if we feel overwhelmed and panicked, it is most likely they may feel it too.
With this in mind, it is important that when moving house you take into consideration the wellbeing of your animals, especially if you are undertaking a long journey. Animals too may also feel unsettled in a new environment and in the process of moving, but obviously, unlike us, they cannot understand what is going on. So, it is imperative that you make your pet feel comfortable before, during, and after the move, and that the removal company you are working with understands this too.
Any reputable and experienced moving company will have most likely worked with a family that has pets, as 45% of us Brits as a population have a house with a pet, whether that is a fish, dog, cat, horse, rabbit, lizard or hamster. Therefore, a good removals team can give plenty of advice as the best way to move your animal and make them feel content.
For many, our pets are a priority as they are a member of our household. We have put together a comprehensive guide to finding pet-friendly removal services, and giving a few tips as to how to make your pets comfortable during the move.
Before, during and after: how to look after your pets during your house removal
First and foremost, we thought it best to put together a brief guide about how to prepare your pets for a move and how to make them feel settled. Make sure that you have organised to register your pet with a local vet in your new town, have them microchipped and have all of their pet passport details and paperwork to hand if you have one. Any animal, apart from horses and farm animals, should travel in the car with you and your personal belongings as this will make them feel the most comfortable. Just make sure to get a good quality travel case that fits the dimensions of your pet which has their blanket and a toy inside to keep them company.
You can also find out some more ideas and information from our recent blog post here.
Dogs and cats
Dogs and cats are our most popular choice of pets, this is because we can create a close bond with them; they aren’t called man’s best friend for no reason! Yet, these animals are sensitive to human emotions and environments, so it is most likely they will feel on edge if there is lots of disruption in your home.
First things first, take into account your animal’s personality. Docile and calm pets will most likely be okay to be put away in a room with their bed, blanket and favourite toys. Make sure that this is the room that you pack up last so they can be left in peace. However, if your pet is prone to getting agitated, perhaps consider having them looked after for the day by a friend whilst you pack and load your belongings.
Once you move into a new home, it is most likely that your cats and dogs will feel unsettled because they are naturally territorial animals. So, make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they feel okay. Keep an eye out for a lack of appetite, decreased activity, oversleeping, increased vocalisation or increased agitation. If you are worried about their mood, take them to the local vet to get them checked out.
Small animals and fish
Small animals encompass rodents, rabbits, reptiles, birds and fish. Small mammals and reptiles are much more sensitive to stress, so like cats and dogs, you should make sure they are comfortable at all times with a big enough travel case, filled with food, water, blanket and toys. If you have animals in pairs, keep them together when travelling so they have a more pleasant journey.
Fish are a more difficult animal to travel with as they need to be kept in water. First things first, remove any tank decor and then reduce the water as much as possible to reduce spillages. Make sure to keep checking the water temperature and keep it nice and cool as this will affect how distressed your fish will become. Plus, to keep your fish less stressed, cover the tank with a cloth as the darkened hue will relax them.
Horses
Due to their size, horses will need to travel in a specially designed horsebox or trailer. If your horse is used to travelling around, then moving them to a new location shouldn’t be a problem. However, if not, it is best that you practise unloading and loading them into the horse box before the move. And, even taking them for a few short drives so they can get used to the motion. Make sure there is plenty of food and water in the trailer so they don’t get bored or agitated.
Farm animals
Of course, if you have own farm animals, then moving them will be a more lengthy task. This will include poultry, cows, sheep, goats and more. GOV.UK has put together a comprehensive guide to transporting farm animals and the welfare regulations that will need to be put in place.
Like horses, you need to make sure that you have the right transport vehicles that are specifically designed to move farm animals. And, ensure that there is plenty of food, water and rest breaks throughout the journey.
Ask the removal firm for testimonials and accreditations
To ensure that you are finding the right pet-friendly removal services for your needs, the best thing to do is simply ask the removal company in question. Enquire as to whether they are happy and comfortable helping you transport your animals or if they have done it before. Most of the time they will be able to accommodate, but especially in the case of farm animals, you may find it best to go for a removal company that is experienced in rural and agricultural transportation.
Check their website, social media pages and google for testimonials. If you cannot seem to find any, then you shouldn’t be afraid to ask. Any reliable and efficient removal firm will be forthcoming with positive testimonials, and if not, then it is most likely you should look elsewhere.
There are also a variety of accreditations that you should keep an eye out for when looking for a reputable removal service. Independent organisations and guilds have a high level of safety, welfare and customer service standards as well as training courses that if removal companies comply with then you can be assured they will deliver exceptional service. One of these associations is BAR, the British Association of Removers. Arrowpak International is proud to be accredited by BAR as we consistently perform to their high standards.
Ask friends, neighbours, family members and colleagues for reputable moving companies
Another way to find pet-friendly removal services is to ask people within your local community. Especially those who own pets themselves. Many local moving companies will highly value their reputation, knowing that a lot of their business will come from referrals. So, they will always make sure to provide a good service to each and every person so this is achieved.
Arrowpak International: UK and International Removal Firm
Here at Arrowpak we will make sure that you, your family, your pets and your belongings are transported easily and safely to your new home. Our local movers in East Anglia have over 40 years of experience in the moving trade. We can also help assist with international moves, from Europe to beyond!
We hope that we have enlightened you on not only finding a pet-friendly removal service but also given you some handy tips on the best way to ensure your pets have a comfortable journey. We pride ourselves on being a specialist removal service, so if we can pay special detail to moving pieces of fine art or antiques, then we are more than equipped to helping any confused dog or cat find their way to their new home. Contact us today to find out more and recieve one of our reasonable moving quotes.
