How to Introduce Your Pet to a New Home

Pets are more than faithful companions—they’re a part of the family, and when moving into a new home, it’s easy to overlook how your furry friend handles the situation. Are they anxious? Excited? Reserved? Every pet reacts differently and it’s up to you to make them feel at home. To ensure your pet is able to enjoy your new home to the fullest, here are a few steps you can take to make them feel welcome.

Make Your New Home Pet Safe

Whether you’re in a new home or not, making your house pet-friendly is a must. This includes using childproof latches for kitchen cabinets, placing toxic chemicals and medications on high shelves, and ensuring any and all wires are out of reach. Before you bring your pet inside, walkthrough your new home and take note of anything that might endanger your pet. Small objects, uncovered nooks, hanging objects—all of these things can potentially cause harm, and it’s important to make sure they’re taken care of before your pet is introduced to its new living space.

Let them Explore

When first introducing your pet to the new home, we recommend allowing them to fully take in their surroundings. Cats and dogs instinctively like to explore new spaces. The different scents, sights, and sounds are part of a unique experience that helps them get acclimated to their surroundings. Your pet is just as excited as you are to move into a new home. Let them have their fun and explore everything it has to offer.

Try Not to Overwhelm Them

While getting adjusted to their new home, your pet may be out of sorts. This is normal. There’s a lot to take in when moving to a new place. Try not to overwhelm them too much. Being overly affectionate or loud can easily scare them if they’re in a vulnerable state. Keep a watchful eye on them, but try not to smother. They will adjust on their own time. After a while, you should be able to see a noticeable difference in their behavior and a return to normalcy.

Create a Space for Them

Who doesn’t like to have their own space? Most people like to have their own unique place to rest their heads and animals are no different. Before you let them loose in the new house, create a space dedicated to them. A place with toys, food, water, and a bed. It’s also important to use objects that have their scent on it so they know right away that they belong there. It also provides a safe place for them. If they get frightened or out of sorts, it’s a place for them to retreat to and feel comforted.

Bring the Love

Once you are confident your pet has adjusted to its new home, make an effort to give them a bit more attention than usual. Talk to them, pet them, and give them the love they deserve. All in all, moving to a new home should be a joyful experience for humans and pets alike. If you own a dog, take them on a walk around the neighborhood. Knowing you’re nearby, let them experience their new home with confidence. And, it’s also a great opportunity to explore yourself and maybe meet other neighbors walking their dog. After all, pet owners already have a common bond.

If you’d like to learn other ways to enjoy your new home, head over to our blog page for more interesting posts. At Britton Homes, a luxury home builder, we strive to create unique spaces for families (and pets) to enjoy to the fullest. Talk to a representative today if you’re interested in an elevated lifestyle.