Four things pet owners should keep in mind when moving

[FAM Times = Reporter Woo Ji-young] Moving causes stress for pets. The commotion of moving and an unfamiliar new home can be unsettling for them. This is why many owners lose their pets on moving day: pets want to escape environments that place a burden on them.

'Four things pet owners should keep in mind when moving' are outlined below.

▲ When choosing a house

Pet owners should consider their pets when choosing a house. However, some owners do not include pets in their criteria for selecting a home. They consider price, house size, location, commuting distance, nearby amenities, security, and interior design important, yet neglect questions such as 'whether the neighbors are accepting of pets ', 'or whether there is space to walk their pets' . Ultimately, they choose a house that does not accommodate pets.

▲When moving

When moving, pets should be left with a pet sitter or a friend. The moving process causes stress for pets. Moving day feels unfamiliar to them. Owners are too busy packing to pay attention to them, and strangers from the moving company appear. Household items are in disarray, and the front gate, normally kept locked, is left open. Consequently, pets leave the house to escape the chaotic environment.

▲After moving to the new house

Upon arriving at the new house, the information on a pet's collar or microchip must be updated. The period immediately after moving is when it is easiest to lose a pet. This is because an unfamiliar environment is also a burden to pets. Although you will be frantically busy changing addresses on bills, make time for your pet.

▲Living in the new house

A new house is a new world for a pet. Pets whose lives are confined to the home may find it difficult to adjust to a new house. Cats, in particular, tend to become stressed when they cannot adapt to a new environment. If your pet is slow to adjust to the new house, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Reporter Woo Ji-young wjy@famtimes.co.kr