4 Downsizing Steps To Care for Your Precious Pet

Guest Post by: Jessica Brody

Image via Unsplash

Downsizing happens for many reasons. Perhaps you cannot afford your current mortgage. Maybe you simply want a smaller house to maintain. Whatever the reason, the process can be tedious and challenging, especially if you have a fuzzy, furry, or fluffy pet moving with you. To ensure a smooth transition for you and your animal, follow these four steps throughout the moving process, presented by DogBlog: A Dog’s Eyes View.

1. List New Home Modifications

If you are wondering what moving tasks you need to do for your pet, you are not alone. According to one report, some state populations in the U.S. are 70% pet owners, including Idaho. This means many people have to factor in pets when downsizing.

When you’re looking at a potential new home, note what accommodations it has for your animal and what modifications are needed to create a safe and comfortable space. Maybe it has a spacious living room so you can set up an area just for your precious pooches, but perhaps the yard is not fenced in. To keep your dog safe, connect with local fencing companies to get quotes on a new fence and installation.

Before meeting contractors in person, compare online reviews for contracting companies. This provides you with a better understanding of the pros and cons of each business before you commit. Homeowners spend an average of $4,500 to install a fence; this cost can vary depending on the fence’s size, location, and materials. The last thing you want after signing a contract is to realize you could have gotten a better deal somewhere else. Be sure the installer is licensed, insured, and knowledgeable of underground utility lines.

Another possible house modification is a doggy door. If you are gone for most of the day, or you simply have an independent pet, adding a doggy door lets your pup go outside as needed.

2. Fix Pet Damage in Your Home

While pets bring joy and love into your life, they also bring more wear and tear to your home. Potential buyers will likely notice these damages, and it may dissuade them from purchasing your house. Before listing your home, fix the pet damages throughout the rooms.

Common issues caused by pets include dirty carpets, scratched floors, floorboards, and walls, unpleasant odors, and water damage. Do a thorough assessment of your home to see what needs to be updated. You might need to hire a professional depending on how severe it is.

3. Find a Safe Place for Your Pet

When moving into the new house, you might need to live somewhere else during the transition. Plan ahead, so your pet has a safe place to stay during the transition period.

If you are renting an apartment, make sure pets are allowed. If you are staying with friends or family members, ensure they make accommodations for your pet. Do not forget to compensate them for any costs they spend.

4. Introduce Your Pet to the New Home

Before moving into your new home, bring your pet for a tour so he or she can explore. This way, your animal is comfortable with the new surroundings. If you cannot do a tour before moving, walk through the home and yard with your pet first thing on move-in day.

Just as you want your kids, siblings, or parents to be protected and cozy when downsizing, you want the same for your furry family members. When you take these proactive steps, your pets will be just as excited as you are for the new home.

Moving Tips for Your Fur Babies – DogBlog

Guest Post Contributor: Karli Jaenike

In all the excitement of moving some people forget that it can be an incredibly stressful time for your pup. They don’t inherently know what’s going on, and may feel unsure about their place in the move and where they are heading.

To make your dog feel extra secure, there are certain things you can do. For example, before the move, it can be helpful to have some boxes out a few weeks early so that they get used to them. You can also ensure you spend lots of quality time with your furry friend to assure them they are still #1 in your heart.

During the move, remember to keep them safe by either crating them or taking them to a friend or family members house. Ensure they always have their collar and tags on just in case they escape. After the move, it can be helpful to spend a few days around the house with your dog to reassure them that they are safe.

Our friends at at HireAHelper put together a list of tips that dog pawrents can use to keep their pets, happy and calm during a move. You can see it below!

Help your pet adjust to a new home

Advice for Dog Owners in the Moving Market

Guest Post by Bernie the Boxer

Black german shepherd

Image via Pixabay

Relocating is exciting, but it is a lot of work. Not only do you have to work with a real estate agent to find a new place, but you also have to help your family adjust to the changes that lie ahead. One family member that may have a particularly difficult time is your dog. He doesn’t really know what is going on, but he can sense that there is a big adjustment coming up. Dogs can pick up on human distress and start to experience it themselves. As they struggle with these feelings of anxiety and not knowing what is coming, they may start to show destructive behaviors as a reaction.

These behaviors include:

  • Excessive licking of self or others.
  • Chewing on furniture, shoes, or other non-chew toy items.
  • Barking at inappropriate times.
  • Howling at night or when separated from owners.
  • Digging holes in the yard.
  • Going to the bathroom indoors.
  • Hiding from owners.
  • Darting out the door or digging holes under fences to escape.
  • Pacing nervously.

If you want to help prevent your dog’s anxiety as you move and make the transition as comfortable as possible for him, take these following precautions into account. By finding the right place that fits your pup’s needs, sheltering him during moving upheaval, and taking the time to help him acclimate to your new place, you can make moving easier for your dog. Continue reading