Settling Into Your New Home

Help your dog feel secure by sticking to your usual routine, plus lots of extra walks—a good way to get him or her used to your new surroundings.

Leave kitties in the carrier until you have one secure room—close all doors, windows, and fireplaces, and put out water, food, and a litter tray. Leave them with some familiar bedding, and if it’s chilly, a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket for security. Let them out in the new house to explore once it is secured and the movers have left. Let them rub their scent on furniture, walls, and doors, which increases their feeling of security. You may find that small, frequent meals at first will help your cats feel more secure because of your increased contact with them at feeding times.

You and your animals have been through a lot—and they need you even more now as they wonder what their future holds (especially if you have adopted an animal who has had multiple homes or an unstable living history). Reconnect and wind down together by playing, snuggling, and relishing one another in the knowledge that you made it to your new home together safely.

In This Section
	Introduction
	Moving Day—Packing Up
	Air Travel
	Traveling by Car
	Traveling by Train
	Traveling by Bus
	Settling Into Your New Home

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