Tips for making a smooth transition for your pet

Moving to a new house is one of the most stressful things we do. Hiring a realtor to help will reduce a human’s stress but not their dog or cat’s.
Here are some tips for making a move as smooth as possible for our furry friends:
Pack early
Pack as much as you can ahead of time and make moving day as relaxing as possible. If you’re moving to a location nearby, bring your dog to the new area for walks beforehand, allowing them to sniff and familiarize themselves with the new environment.
Pet room
On moving day, designate a “pet” room in your old home and your new home to keep your pets away from the confusion and stress of everything being moved. Keep items such as food, water, toys, a bed, and a litter box for cats in that room.
Microchip your pet
If they get loose in the hustle and bustle of the move, they’ll have a much better chance of being reunited with you. Make sure you update your new address and contact information with all forms of pet identification.
Check the new place
Check for holes in the fence, loose doors, or broken screens that your pet could escape through. Block those areas or keep your pets away from them until they can be fixed.
Stick to routines
Cats and dogs are creatures of habit. Keep feeding times, walks, and play times on their regular schedule. Bring dogs outside often, so they know where to be let out.
Threats to pets
Pet owners moving from the city to the Coast need to be aware of the threats to pets here that they may not have had to worry about in the city, such as coyotes. Here are some tips for keeping your animals safe from them:
•At the end of the day, coyotes, like any other living creature, are simply trying to survive. Refrain from composting meat or meat by-products, as this scent is extremely appealing to coyotes.
•Most coyotes are afraid of humans, and your close presence will often be enough to prevent an attack. If your dog is off-leash, he or she becomes a far easier target.
•If you encounter a coyote while with your dog, do not run. Instead, make yourself look as large and intimidating as possible. Shout aggressively at the coyote. Wave your arms. Stomp your feet. If there is something that you can throw–throw it. Bringing a whistle with you on walks is always a good idea. If you encounter a coyote who doesn’t seem to notice you, move away quietly without turning your back to the coyote.
•The scent of your dog’s poop can attract coyotes. Be sure to regularly maintain your yard.
•Keep your yard free from overgrown shrubs or fallen branches, as this creates an ideal habitat for coyotes.
Share these strategies with any pet owners in your life so that we can keep ourselves and our furry friends safe and sound.
Tony Browton is an award-winning Realtor who lives and works on BC’s Sunshine Coast.
His weekly blog can be found here http://www.truebluerealty.ca/blog