The decision to move to an independent living center or a retirement community of any kind is hard not only on you as an individual but also on your pet if you happen to have one. The sudden upheaval and change in environment can make your furry friend anxious.
Nonetheless, there are several precautions that you can implement to help relax your treasured animal for a stress-free transition to your new residence. Here is a detailed breakdown of the smart measures you should take to prepare your pet for a new senior living environment.
Introduce Your Pet to Other Animals in the Neighborhood
Furry friends need to familiarize themself with other pets and also people within the independent living center. You can do that in the course of introducing yourself to your neighbors in the retirement community.
Additionally, it is important to know other people who have pets in the neighborhood as well and understand the temperament and behavior of the animals to figure out how your canine or feline will get along with them.
You do not have to meet physically; you can connect via a video call. A timely introduction will make it easy for the animals to get along easily when they run into each other on sidewalks or hallways. In this manner, your pet also provides an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and spark new friendships as well.
Have a Consistent Routine for Your Pet
Sticking to a fixed routine can be reassuring to both you as well as your pet despite the new environment. If you always take your dog for a walk at a certain time in the evening then you ought to stick to that after moving to an independent living center.
Likewise, if you have a habit of feeding your four-legged companion at four, you need to keep doing exactly that. A little compromise in your usual routine can be distressing to the animal making it insecure and unhappy.
Set Aside Space for a Skittish Pet
Some pets are not social or may be scared of exploring new places or interacting with new people or unfamiliar animals. A loving pet parent will not force his or her furry animal to do what it is not ready for. Therefore, it would be prudent to create a safe and quiet space for your skittish pen in the new residence. It will allow your pet sufficient time to relax and gradually make acquaintances with other animals along with exploring the new surroundings.
Avoid Washing Pet Blankets
The tip is particularly applicable if you are a dog owner. Canines possess a remarkably strong sense of smell thanks to their powerful noses. They can easily tell what is theirs from what is not. It is an exceptional ability that contributes to their survival instincts.
That is why it is not advisable to wash the pooches’ blankets and other bedding when relocating to a new space. Having blankets with a familiar smell is reassuring to them. It makes them feel at home and in a safe space.
Send Your Pet to Daycare on the Moving Day
Your pooch can easily get stressed with all the activities involved in moving stuff out of the house and relocating it to an independent living center. Moreover, interacting with strange and unfamiliar people for the first time can make your pet anxious.
The best way to prevent that is by sending your pet on some sort of vacation or daycare for some time until all the activities at your new home are done. Thereafter, you can proceed by introducing the pet to your new living space and surrounding. Doing so will help to keep your favorite animal calm for a first-time impression that is positive.
