Published at 09:30, Tuesday, 01 May 2012

Advertising feature. How to make the transition to a new home easier for your pets… 

Moving house is one of the most stressful events you’ll experience, and pets can often feel it too.

Leaving behind their home and being transported to unfamiliar surroundings can unsettle your cat or dog, but if you’re prepared you’ll make things easier and more comfortable for them.

Here are some tips on how to look after your pet while you move home:

Be prepared:

The safest way to transport your pet is in a container, and you want them to feel comfortable and secure in there. Leave it in your house for a few weeks before moving day, and tempt your cat or dog into it with treats so they get used to the smell and feel of it before they have to make a journey.

Protect them from the chaos:

Moving house involves a lot of hustle and bustle – and the sight of removal men coming and going could unsettle your pet. If it’s possible, shut your cat or dog in a room where they feel safe, and nominate one member of the family to look after them.

Watch out for pets going AWOL!

Cats can disappear for days on end, and they’re particularly sensitive to changes. If your cat knows there’s something going on, they may well hide until the coast is clear, which can be a disaster if you have to leave the house at a certain time. So make sure they’re in a safe place while everything else is moved out of the house – it’ll save you time searching for them as you’re about to hand over the keys to the new owner.

Keep the routine going:

Dogs may sense that upheaval is about to happen when they see you packing, so try and keep everything else as calm as possible. Walk your dog at his usual time, and keep his food bowl in the same place until it’s time to pack it up.

Make the journey smooth:

Give your pet a light meal if you’re going on a long car journey to your new home, in case they feel travel sick. Place them in a safe container in the car, but never in the boot. They’ll feel more secure if they have a favourite blanket or toy with them. And don’t forget you may need to stop for toilet breaks and to stretch their legs, so factor this in to your journey time.

Help your pet settle in:

Once you get to your new home, your cat or dog will need time to get used to different sights and smells. Find out where the nearest dog-walking route is, and get a routine established as soon as you can. Keep a close eye on cats, as they may try to return to their old home, so ask the new owner to alert you if your cat makes an appearance at their house.

John Lewis Pet Insurance offers peace of mind if your cat or dog goes missing in their new neighbourhood. You can claim up to £1,000 for advertising costs and up to £1,000 for reward money. Settling into your new home can be stressful enough, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

About John Lewis Insurance

With John Lewis Pet Insurance you can choose from four levels of cover for vet’s fees so you can find the right level for you and your pet.

Don’t worry about unexpected vet’s bills - you can claim up to £10,000 each year if your pet gets injured or falls ill.

You won’t be out of pocket if your pet falls ill - your vet is paid directly, provided they’re set up to receive payments.

If your pet causes an accident, the policy protects you against legal liability up to £2 million.

There are no upper age limits on the policy for vet’s fees, and your cat or dog can be covered from eight weeks old.

Visit www.johnlewis-insurance.com/pet" for further information and a quote.

Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.

John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Published by http://www.eladvertiser.co.uk