Explore tips to reduce stress, build routines, and help your pet adjust with confidence.
You’ve done it! From the decision to move to the endless packed boxes and road tripping to your new home, it's been a whirlwind, we’re sure. But the journey hasn’t ended just because you’ve moved in. We’ve got a few handy tips for settling in the right way to ensure you, your pet, and your neighbors thrive.
This typically applies to dogs more than cats (although we do love a cat on a leash). Apartment complexes and neighborhoods are, in fact, communities. That means everyone has a shared stake in the safety and well-being of the community and now that you’re part of it, you’ll want to make introductions.
With a pet, it doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are a few ways to start off on the right foot:
Communal living can be tough. Noises and smells can be overwhelming to you and your pet, and it’s important not to contribute to that as much as possible. So, to ensure you’re being courteous to your neighbors, keep a few things in mind.
We love hearing a dog howl the blues, but in an apartment setting (or even a house), excessive barking is a no-go. Even if you love to hear it, your neighbor might be trying to sleep, watch TV, or they just don’t want to hear your Husky screaming at the top of their lungs. Respect noise levels at all times and explore ways to stop a dog from barking excessively.
No one wants to step in pet waste. Be sure that anytime you’re on a walk or a potty break with your dog that you have poop bags handy. Most neighborhoods and apartment complexes nowadays have free bags and receptacles, but being extra prepared can save you big time. With cats, you might think you’re off the hook, but litterbox smell can travel. So make sure you’re regularly cleaning your cat’s litter box so that odor doesn’t creep into the apartment next door.
In common spaces, it can be exciting for your pet to see new people or even friendly neighbors they’ve met. Regardless, it’s your job to stop your dog from jumping. Not only is this behavior that you should work with your dog to avoid, but some people don’t like dogs or are scared of them. Others don’t want their clothes to get dirty. Either way, be respectful and keep control of your dog at all times in public and shared spaces like elevators and hallways.
Pets crave routine, and one way to help ease the transition after moving is to try and maintain that same routine where you can. This applies to when you work from home or at the office, or if you take a few days vacation. Take your pet outside for potty breaks at similar times, feed them at similar times, and conduct play time within the same range every day. This consistency is more important than you might think in cutting down on bad behavior from boredom or anxiety.
If you just got done dragging box after box into your new place it might seem like the next logical step is to unleash your pet to explore as they please. We don’t necessarily recommend that. Unfamiliar spaces, especially if it's larger than where you last lived, can be incredibly overwhelming for pets. Start by getting them adjusted to one room — whether that’s the living room or your bedroom — by setting out their favorite toys and food and such.
As time goes on, you can give them greater access to other rooms or floors of the home until they seem more comfortable and confident in their explorations. Each pet is different, so we can’t say for sure how long this may take, but don’t rush the process as that can have adverse effects on your pet and how they perceive their new home.
That depends! In general, you can follow the 3-3-3 rule. In three days, your pet will get used to their surroundings. Three weeks in and this is when bonding deepens with you and their surroundings. Three months is about the time it takes for a dog to truly feel at home in a space and with you. But, as with anything, this can vary heavily depending on your dog, you, and your living situation. Explore our resource on how to move with your pet.
A few key things to note are that you should have your dog on leash and in a controlled environment. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language and encourage the individual to avoid direct eye contact. Your dog should take the lead and not be forced into an interaction, rather approaching the person on their own.
Rushing the process or forcing an interaction can be detrimental. Make sure you’re paying attention to your dog’s body language and don’t punish your dog for showing discomfort or being hesitant to show affection to the individual they don’t know.
