Animals are very in-tune with nature and their emotions. Pets, in particular, mirror their owners’ emotions, and can pick up on changes in a person's mood in a heartbeat. Consequently, they need a little time to re-adjust to a new environment after moving states or changing residences.
This period of adjustment becomes an intense affair when coupled with the sudden departure of their well-known environment. It is in such circumstances that separation anxiety comes to the fore, and as an owner it is important you understand how to deal with it.
Pets are like babies. It's critical to take things slowly when trying to teach and comfort them, so they can become accustomed to a new environment at their own pace and on their own terms. Here are some ways you can make your pet comfortable in a new setting.
Make Them Used to Their Surroundings
When you move into a new space, whether it is through pet travel export or pet transportation import, or a domestic pet relocation, your pet is likely to feel alienated. Their regular sights and smells are gone, replaced with a new area with a completely new feel to it. This is where you come in. look at it this way, when we as humans move or relocate to an unfamiliar setting, we tend to explore and map the area so as to become more acclimated with it. A sense of recognition is important to develop in order to be comfortable in any setting.
It's a similar story with animals and pets. Once you move, encourage your pet to explore their new environment; make sure to be with them as they search their way through the rooms, backyards and lawns. Do not rush this process. Remember that your pet is a baby, and is as new to this setting as you are. Developing a sense of familiarity is not an overnight process.
The First Time Apart
The first time you have to leave your pet to go do anything is heartbreaking. Getting used to a new setting is bad enough, but the situation is worsened by the fact that the only familiar face they know disappears for long stretches of time. Had they been in their old home, the fact that you were gone for the majority of the day didn’t really matter. But, in new surroundings, your pet may develop separation anxiety.
The key to resolving this situation is to take baby steps. For instance, start by leaving your pet alone in a room for a few short minutes. Move on to doing the grocery run while they’re home, and subsequently, work and socialize. Starting with shorter durations and consistently coming back will help develop a sense of security and an understanding that you’ll be gone for a while and back at the same time every day. Trust is key, so make sure to develop trust and instill a sense of safety
Affection and Attention
The settling period is when your pet is at their most vulnerable. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to give them all the love they need while coping. Take them out on a walk, or maybe just relax, play, and cuddle with them. Do whatever it may be that your pet loves, especially things they loved doing at their previous familiar space.
All They Want is Love
Our pets love us unconditionally, and it is only fair we reciprocate the same. Pets don’t see things with logic or reason like humans can; they’re animals after all. Be patient with them, even if they are not in the most cooperative of moods. All they need is your understanding, and they will be snoozing in their new home in no time.
