Some lucky pet owners quickly acclimate their pets to their travel crates. However, not all furry friends immediately love their travel crates. If your pet needs some extra help, do not worry! Here are a few tricks for getting pets more comfortable in their crate as you prepare for your upcoming move:
Start with just the bottom half of the crate: If your pet is especially hesitant about their travel crate, remove the top half and use the bottom as a safe space. Place your pet's bed in the bottom of the crate and encourage them to spend time there. Gradually add the top half of the crate, but keep the door off for now. This can help your pet acclimate to the crate and feel more comfortable in their new space. Once they're used to the crate, you can add the door and continue training them to spend time inside.
Feed them in their crate. Start with the door open, and as you progress, close it all the way. As soon as they are done eating, let them back out!
Putting an item with your scent in the crate can help calm your pet's nerves during travel.
Cover crates with something light and breathable, with the door, closed for short increments so they cannot see what is happening around them.
Ease your pet into the crate for more extended periods incrementally when you are home before you start leaving them in a crate when you are gone.
If possible, have them sleep in the crate at night. It doesn't have to be every night, but it's a great start, as they are naturally more relaxed at night.
Start with the crate in your room and gradually move it closer to the door until they are in a different room.
Use Pheromone Sprays: Pheromone sprays, like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs, can help calm anxious pets during travel. These sprays mimic natural calming scents and can help reduce stress.
Bonus: This also helps with dogs that struggle with separation anxiety!
Start with these tricks, and you'll be on your way to having a calmer pet when it's time to move!