How to Greet Your Pet After Their Long International Journey

After all the planning, paperwork, and patience that went into your international move, the moment you have been waiting for is finally here: the reunion with your furry companion. 

Whether you were on the same flight or separated for the journey, the anticipation has been mutual. And let’s be real, the separation anxiety was hardly one-sided. As your pet touches down in their new home, the only thing left to do is welcome them back with all the love, excitement, and tail-wagging enthusiasm they deserve.

Here’s How to Greet Your Pet Once Reunited

Breaking It Down: Do Our Pets Miss Us Owners?

To put it simply, yes! According to research, dogs feel distress when their owners are gone for long periods. Don’t worry, your dog knows about your daily routine; since dogs are creatures of habit, your routine appearance and disappearance for work does not cause them distress once they are used to it happening. 

When you travel with your pet internationally, it is not a routine separation for your dog. Being in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by unusual smells is not a part of your dog’s routine, which means your dog will likely be overjoyed to be reunited with you after a long journey. 

Dogs recognize and remember people by your appearance, the sound of your voice, and your scent. Once your dog recognizes familiar scent, they’ll be overjoyed to see you, and the greeting may be even more joyous and emotional thanks to the unusual journey they just made. 

Pet Your Pet! 

According to studies researching dogs’ hormonal response, your enthusiastic greetings have been exactly what your dog loves. The Swedish research team measured levels of oxytocin (the "love" hormone) and cortisol (the "stress" hormone) and found that all dogs wagged and wiggled with excitement upon seeing their person. Instantly, oxytocin levels rose while cortisol levels dropped. 

However, the way they were greeted made a difference:

• Dogs who were not greeted at all were so disappointed they sought attention from strangers. Their oxytocin levels plummeted, and cortisol spiked.
• Dogs greeted only with words showed higher oxytocin levels.
• Dogs greeted with both touch and words had the highest oxytocin levels.

The study concluded that while seeing and hearing their human is reassuring, physical touch has the most lasting and persistent emotional impact.

What About Cats? 

Cats are a touch more subjective. Some cats love being with their owners, being affectionate cuddlebugs that just cannot get enough love. Others are more indifferent and choose to interact on their own terms. 

Just like dogs, all cats can experience separation anxiety. Your cat may be thrilled to see you again, but they will not always show it right away. Some cats take days to warm back up, with experts suggesting it’s because they’re unsure if you’re truly back or just passing through.

Maybe they are waiting to see if you will leave again, or maybe they’re just annoyed that you disrupted their routine. Either way, a long journey, especially by air, is not exactly their idea of a good time.

Preparing Your Pet

To ease separation anxiety, keep their routine as normal as possible, even amidst the chaos of moving. Spend extra one-on-one time cuddling and playing. The day before departure, double-check that they are fully prepped for travel. And when it is time to depart, stay upbeat. A positive attitude reassures them that everything will be okay and that you will be back together soon.

Settling Back In

Reuniting is just the first step after a pet relocation; helping your pet readjust takes time after all. Some cats may act withdrawn, hide more than usual, or even seem aloof. Dogs, on the other hand, might become overly clingy or anxious, following you everywhere to make sure you do not disappear again. Either way, patience is key.

For cats, give them space but keep routines consistent to rebuild their sense of security. If they seem unusually stressed, extra playtime, calming pheromone diffusers, or even a vet check-up might help. For dogs, reinforce positive behaviours by rewarding calmness rather than excessive excitement. Extra walks, mental stimulation, and even a special chew toy can help ease their nerves.

Before long, things will be back to normal. Your cat will remind you of who the boss of the house is, and your dog will act like you were never gone in the first place.