Moving to a retirement village marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities waiting to be explored. Naturally, you want to share this journey with your beloved furry companion, and at Ryman, you are welcome to bring your pet along, provided they are suitable for the village environment.
Once your pet is approved for the village, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for them. Dogs and cats, being creatures of habit, may find relocating stressful. However, with patience and a thoughtful approach, we can mitigate their anxiety and help them settle into their new surroundings seamlessly.
K9 Natural and Feline Natural have given their essential tips for a smooth transition into village life:
- Preparing for the move
Prepare them for the move in advance. Gradually familiarise them with packing items such as empty moving boxes and animal crates. This can help them feel less anxious when these new objects come out during the move. If you have a dog, try to take them for a short walk around their new suburb and home prior to moving if possible; let them explore and become familiar with the space.
Another important thing to remember is to get your pet’s registration and microchip information updated with your new address and contact information.
- Moving Day
You may want to have your pet stay with a friend or relative for the day or keep them in another room or crate away from the activity of the big day. This should reduce stress and the risk of them escaping.
- Keep up your pet’s routine
Stay consistent with routine such as feeding times and walking schedules both during and after the move – consistency can help reduce their stress.
- Gentle introduction and settling in
Once everything has been moved, set up a designated space with your pet’s belongings such as their bed, toys, and blankets. This provides them with comfort and security in the familiar; don’t freshly wash their bed or blankets as their scent on these is a big part of the comfort for them. Introduce them to their new surroundings, giving access to one room at a time so the space feels less daunting.
- Give them some treats
Once you have moved in, consider bringing along some special treats for them to have at the new house. This can help to ease their anxiety and build a positive connection to their new environment.
Try hiding treats around their new space to discover and keep them busy. The K9 Natural and Feline Natural treat range is full of nutritious and tasty treats to entice even the pickiest of eaters.
Tips for cats
It is recommended to avoid giving cats access to the outdoors for at least two weeks as they’ve been known to attempt to wander back to their old home and surroundings. They typically adjust to their new surroundings after this time, although every cat is different.
Tips for dogs
Be sure to check the property is fully fenced without any hidden gaps before letting them explore their new backyard. Allow them to sniff around and take in the space and take them on regular walks around the community to get them familiar with all the new sounds and smells.
If you keep these tips in mind for the four-legged member of your family, it can help them to settle into the village and quickly make a lot of new friends to fuss over them.
If you are curious to learn more about living in a Ryman village with your beloved furry companion, contact us and one of our friendly team will be able to help you.
