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During a move, one of the family members that can take the transition hardest is your pet. A family cat, dog, or more exotic pet may feel nervous, scared, or depressed when you’re moving into a new place. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make the transition easier on your furry friend.

Start with Visits, If Possible

Depending on how your move timeline works, you may have the opportunity to visit your new home before you actually move in for good. If you have any of these opportunities, take your pet to visit the new house. If you can work in a few visits to the new house, give your pet time to look around. Dogs can sniff through the new yard and use the potty to start marking their turf and feeling more confident in the new space.

Cats may want to search the interior, but be careful if you own a skittish cat who could run from you and get lost in the new house. Other types of pets may require more specific relocation advice, so consult your veterinarian about birds, reptiles, and other pets.

Move Little by Little if You Can

Suddenly uprooting your pet’s life and displacing it in a new place is a sure way to cause anxiety and destructive behaviors in some pets. If you don’t need to leave your old place in a hurry and have time for a few visits to your new home with your pet, bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, or other belongings and move them in little by little. This helps transition your pet to having fun and spending time in the new space and will make the actual move-in process much easier for everyone

Plan to Make Time for Your Pet After Moving

If you work a typical nine-to-five job and usually leave your pet alone during the day while you’re at work, you may want to plan on taking a few days off after moving, and maybe a few more once you have completely unpacked and settled into your new place. Many pets get separation anxiety when away from their owners, and the likelihood of this happening is much higher in a new home. Spending some extra time in the new home while your pet acclimates can reduce the shock of your return to your normal work schedule.

Pet-Proof Your New Home Before You Move

Different pets have different safety concerns. Some pets may hurt themselves from playing too rough or exploring places they shouldn’t, and it is the owner’s job to pet-proof a new home. Take time to install whatever safety devices you need before moving your pet into the new home. Of course, pets are curious and can be surprisingly creative, so you may not notice every possible hazard your pet might find at first. Take time to be extra vigilant during your first few weeks in the new place so you know your pet can stay safe and address newly discovered hazards swiftly.

These tips can help you and your pet have a more peaceful transition to your new home. Taking time to prepare your pet for your new home and vice versa can prevent pet injuries, anxiety, and help both of you start enjoying your new home to the fullest.