Tips for a Smooth Transition for you and your pet during rehome

Rehoming a pet is a major life change for both you and your animal, and it’s essential to do everything you can to prepare them for their new home. While the process can be emotionally challenging, with the right preparation, you can help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for your pet.

Here are some key tips on how to prepare your pet for their new home and ensure they adjust well to the change.

1. Start with a Slow Transition

Just like humans, pets can experience anxiety when faced with major life changes. Sudden changes can be particularly stressful for animals, so it’s important to start preparing them for the move well in advance.

Visit the new home if possible: If your pet is going to a new family member or adopter, consider taking them to the new home for short visits. This helps them get used to the new environment and reduces the shock of arriving in an unfamiliar place.

Maintain routines: Try to keep your pet’s daily routine as consistent as possible in the days or weeks leading up to the move. Keeping feeding times, walks, and play sessions the same will provide comfort during this period of transition.

2. Update Your Pet’s Health Information

Before your pet moves to their new home, it’s crucial to ensure their new family has all the necessary information about their health and care. (We have more information about this on other blogs to help you with this process).

Provide medical records: Ensure the new owner receives a copy of your pet’s medical history, including vaccinations, treatments, and any ongoing health conditions. In New Zealand, this includes updating your pet’s NZCAR (New Zealand Companion Animal Register) details if necessary.

Prepare medication or special care instructions: If your pet has special medical needs (like medication or dietary restrictions), provide clear instructions on how to manage those needs. This will help ensure that the transition is seamless and that their new owner can give them the care they deserve.

3. Keep Familiar Items for Comfort

Pets find comfort in familiar scents, sights, and objects, and bringing some of these along to their new home can help them adjust more easily.

Pack favorite toys, bedding, or a blanket: Bringing along familiar objects such as their favourite bed, toys, or a blanket will provide a sense of security in their new environment. The comforting scent of these items will make them feel more at home.

Leave behind something of yours: A piece of clothing that carries your scent (such as a t-shirt or a towel) can provide your pet with a sense of comfort and help them feel more secure during the transition.

4. Communicate with the New Owner

Clear communication is key to ensuring your pet has a successful transition.

Discuss the pet’s personality and preferences: Let the new owner know about your pet’s likes, dislikes, and any quirks they might have. Whether your pet is shy, loves cuddles, or has a favorite spot to sleep, sharing this information will help the new family meet your pet’s emotional needs.

Talk about routines: Make sure the new owner understands your pet’s daily routine. This includes feeding schedules, preferred play times, and even any behavioral cues (such as how they like to be petted or how they react to certain situations).

Having a conversation about these details can help the new owner create an environment where your pet feels safe and cared for from the start.

5. Gradually Introduce Your Pet to Their New Environment

If possible, you can take small steps to ease your pet into their new environment. This will help reduce anxiety and provide them with a sense of control over the situation.

Set up a “safe zone”: Whether your pet is moving to a new house or a foster home, encourage the new owners to create a quiet, designated area for your pet where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This might be a specific room or even a crate that provides a sense of security.

Allow time for adjustment: Don’t expect your pet to adjust immediately. The first few days (or even weeks) may involve some initial anxiety or confusion, and that’s okay. Allow them to explore their new surroundings at their own pace and encourage calm, positive interactions.

6. Limit Exposure to Stressful Situations

Moving can be stressful, so try to avoid overwhelming your pet with too much activity during the transition period.

Limit interactions with strangers: If your pet is going to a new home with a family or multiple people, give them time to adjust to one or two new people at a time. Too many unfamiliar faces in the beginning can be overwhelming.

Avoid long car rides or excessive travel: If your pet needs to travel a long distance to their new home, try to make the journey as stress-free as possible. Whether it's a trip from Auckland to Wellington, or a shorter drive, bring along familiar items, take breaks, and keep your pet in a comfortable, secure environment during the ride. If you're travelling by plane, check with the airline about pet travel guidelines to make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible during the flight.

7. Provide Detailed Instructions for the First Few Weeks

The first few weeks are crucial for your pet’s adjustment. Make sure to provide the new owners with specific instructions to ensure your pet settles in well.

Feeding and medication schedule: Offer a clear guide on when and how to feed your pet, as well as any medications they might need.

Behavioral tips: Share insights into how your pet behaves in certain situations. For example, if your pet has separation anxiety, provide tips on managing that. If they are crate-trained, make sure the new owner knows how to make the crate a positive space.

By providing detailed instructions, you help ensure your pet’s well-being during their transition period and give the new owners the best chance for success.

8. Stay Available for Support

Even after your pet has moved to their new home, it can be helpful for the new owner to reach out for support if needed.

Offer a support system: Let the new owner know that you’re available to answer any questions they may have in the first few weeks. Whether it’s advice on behavioural issues or tips on settling in, having a support system can ease the transition for both your pet and their new family.

Check in after the move: A quick follow-up after a few days or weeks can help reassure both you and the new owner that your pet is adjusting well. You can offer continued guidance and provide emotional support for both parties during this time.

Conclusion

Preparing your pet for a new home can make a significant difference in how smoothly the transition goes. By taking steps to ease the move—such as maintaining routines, offering comfort items, and providing the new owners with detailed instructions—you’re giving your pet the best chance to settle in and adjust to their new environment.

Rehoming can be an emotional process, but when done with care and preparation, it offers your pet the opportunity to thrive in a new home where they can continue to feel loved and secure. Whether you're rehoming within your local community or across the country, a little effort goes a long way in ensuring that your pet’s new life is a happy and positive one.