A big move can cause as much stress for your pets as it does for everyone else in your household.

Unfortunately, until they start showing symptoms of stress and related health problems, it can be hard to know how your furry friends are dealing with the busyness and changes.

If you are planning to move soon, you might be concerned about how your pet will cope. After all, they don’t really understand what is happening.

Here are 5 tips to help you get your pet through the moving process without stressing them out:

Stay calm

Pets can understand and read human behaviour. Your cat or dog may not understand the cause of your stress, but they can still tell when you are tense.

Do your best to keep yourself calm and maintain a positive attitude during your move. Your pet will worry less when change comes if they can see that you are okay with what is happening.

Pack slowly

If everything changes all at once, this can cause a lot of stress for your furry friend. Rather than spending a single day filling the house with boxes and removing familiar objects from your space, pack one room at a time over a longer period. Let your dogs and cats play in the boxes and get comfortable with what you’re doing.

Remember to leave their favourite toys and important supplies until the end. This will make things feel more normal and give them some comfort.

Give them their own space

When moving, the ASPCA recommends that pet owners keep their animals in a quiet room away from the chaos. Place them in a room with all of their supplies and toys. You should leave this room unpacked until you are done everything else, to provide a familiar setting. This will help to reduce stress, and keep them out of your way while you work on packing.

Do the same thing in your new home: start your pet in only one room. Let them adjust to this new setting before introducing them to more of the house.

Stick to routines

Before and after the move, it is important to maintain your routines as much as possible. Continue to do feedings and walks at your usual times, even in the new house. When you keep to your routine, it shows your pet that life is not completely changing.

Adjust to crate

The safest way to transport a cat or dog is using a crate/carrier. However, not all animals are fond of crates. The introduction of the crate can be stressful to pets, especially if your pet doesn't use it often or associates it with vet visits.

Prepare them for moving day by acquainting them with the crate. Place it in their space and let them explore it. Create positive associations by placing treats or toys inside once in a while.

You might also want to start locking your pet in the crate occasionally to get them used to the idea.

If car rides are a problem for your pet, put them in the crate and go for short car rides before you move.

To make your big move stress-free for your pets, the important thing is to keep things as normal as possible. Give your pets the calm and comfort they need with familiar settings and routines. Help them adjust slowly, and make sure they know that you are there for them.