How to handle pet anxiety during pet relocation

Your Expert Pet Guide
Top 4 Rules to Simplify Relocation 

If you’re in the midst of planning a pet relocation Dubai, or anywhere else in the world, your fur child might be experiencing frequent episodes of stress, anxiety, and apprehension. Much like babies, they too, feel nervous and fearful of unfamiliar territories – especially if it’s their first time traveling.    

Have you spotted your pet getting restless ever since you packed his/her suitcase, or introduced them to their crate for the big move to Dubai? Is your pet chasing its tail restlessly or scratching away on furniture ferociously? Don’t be alarmed – this is a common behaviour; your pet is mostly likely experiencing anxiety, just like you probably did when you travelled for the first time. 

When your fur baby experiences a monumental change, such as relocation, their body releases stress hormone cortisol, which puts them in a fight, defence, or flight mode. This makes them anxious and agitated as these modes affect their sleep patterns, appetite and overall behaviours.

In situations such as these, it should be your priority to comfort them as best as you can to ensure that their pet relocation to Dubai is a smooth and stress-free adventure.

Calming and coping strategies to handle your pet’s jittery nerves

1. Begin by talking to your pet about the move
As their pet parent, they seek out to you for comfort and security. While, this method might sound unconventional, you’d be surprised at how well your fur baby understands you. Start talking to them about the move a month or a few weeks before it happens. Show them pictures of their new home, environment, and even of your new community, if possible. 

2. Get your fur baby accustomed to the sounds and sensations they may experience during their travels
If their pet relocations Dubai are happening via a plane, play sounds of flights landing, terminal noises, and anything else you might find online that they might experience in flight. A pro tip is that you might want to also consider having them live in their travel crate a week before the flight, so they start associating the crate with a positive and familiar experience. Fill it in with their favourite toys and blankets to encourage them to get in by themselves which would help them get used to the idea being in it over long hours.

3. Excite them about their crate adventures
Firstly, ensure that you have found the perfect crate—one in which your fur baby can stand, turn around and sprawl comfortably. Measure your pet’s height and length, then add four inches to both dimensions to ensure a proper fit.

To help prevent distress, make the crate a cosy haven for your fur child, add their favourite toys, a soft blanket, and beddings with a familiar scents. This will help them feel at home even when they’re away.  

Take your fur baby to exciting new places, like parks, to expose him to new sights, sounds and smells in the crate. It will help him adapt to unfamiliar environments and feel safe when travelling during relocation in Dubai. 

4. Visit your pet’s healthcare provider
Before getting on this grand adventure, we advise all pet parents to schedule a visit with your pet’s healthcare provider. This doesn’t just serve as a general checkup but also is an opportunity to discuss your fur baby’s needs and mental and emotional wellbeing during travels.

5. Sweat the stress out before the trip
There’s no better way to calm your fur baby down than exercising or playing with them! Before setting out on your travels, give your pet an intense, fun-filled exercise session and opportunities to sweat their anxiety and stress out. A tired, well-exercised pet will likely feel calm and sleepy throughout the trip, ensuring they're relaxed despite the distance.

As we come to an end, as fellow pet parents, we’d like to assure you that anxiety is common among pets, especially when traveling long distances for the first time. The good news is that it’s easy to overcome with proper planning, professional pet relocation services and expert guidance from a pet relocation partner. All of these elements combined can make pet relocation Abu Dhabi as easy as a walk in the park.