A New Home with Your Rescue
Moving With Your Rescue Dog
When you move to a new home with a pet, you have to make the transition as seamless as possible. While most animals will adapt quickly, rescue pets may need a bit more time to adjust. Depending on their behavioral issues, a move might be a difficult situation. However, there are things you can do to ease the process and make it a smooth move for all. Here’s how to make your move with a potentially timid rescue dog.
Expectations
The first thing you have to consider when moving with an emotionally or physically abused animal is that you can’t have any expectations. As BestLife explains, each shelter animal is unique. Because of this, no matter what advice you are given, it is up to you to make a decision based on how they respond and what works best for your family. Don’t expect that every dog will react the same way to rewards or punishments.
Stress Relief
A few common traits in adopted pets are they are anxious, fearful, and tend to feel stressed out more than those that were brought up with a stable family. During the move, make a point to keep healthy dog treats on hand. Spend some time researching the ingredients in your treat of choice, read reviews, and ask for opinions from pet owners that you know. Remember, things can look fabulous on the packaging, but marketing is not always a true reflection of reality.
During the move, you’ll want to look out for signs of anxiety, and then take preemptive steps to reduce any further issues. Companion Animal Psychology asserts that you can comfort your dog and help them feel safe by reducing the number of new people that pet them or giving them a little more attention during this uncertain time.
Practical Moving Tips:
Hire a dog sitter. While some dogs may be fearful of new people, others will happily take a friendly face when things at home are chaotic. Similarly, if your dog does well with others and doesn’t mind being transported back and forth, doggie daycare is a great idea. Either of these options is better than letting a fearful animal watch their entire world be carried out in boxes.
Refresh your supplies. Before you pack your stuff, make sure your dog has a bag with their most-needed items. This should include food, food and water bowls, any needed medicines, and their health records. But you will also want to stock up on items you know that they will need as it might be days before you are settled, and you never know what will get lost in the move.
Talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is your most valuable resource for advice pertaining to your rescue pet. Schedule a visit a week or two before the move. Explain your concerns to your dog’s healthcare team, and ask for advice based on their age, breed, and temperament. Your veterinarian may also suggest a health check to ensure they are in top shape to travel, particularly if you are moving across state lines.
When you have to move, take measures to keep your pet safe and stress-free so that they don’t associate the process with negative feelings. The above tips can help you help your rescue make a smooth transition into your new life together.
Cindy Aldridge, Author
Are you interested in giving your heart and home to an animal in need? Keeshond Puppy Mill Rescue is always looking for fosters with puppy mill experience to nurture an abused or neglected Kee back to health. Donate or fill out your foster questionnaire online today.
