Alex Irish & Associates Top Tips for Moving with Pets
Moving can be a stressful process, so it is understandable that it can make your pets anxious, too. All the unexpected activity around the house in preparation of the big day, the chaotic loading and unloading of trucks and the subsequent introduction to a new environment can be overwhelming and disruptive to your pets. We are all animal lovers here at Alex Irish & Associates and have had our fair share of experience moving homes with pets. Here are our favourite tips for a smooth and successful move with pets:
Contact Your Vet
Update your veterinarian with your new contact information and get any prescription medications your pets might need. If you are moving out of the area, make sure you find a new vet ahead of time so medical records can be transferred and you have medical care lined up in case of the unexpected.
Identification
When travelling with your pets to the new house and once your pets are in their new environment, proper identification will help ensure your pets’ safe return should they wander or get separated. Make sure your pets are microchipped and have ID tags with your cell phone number.
Packing Up
Pets can be hyper-aware of even the smallest change in routine and environment, so the very process of packing up the entire house can make pets very nervous and unsettled. Begin conditioning your pets early by having a few boxes, suitcases and rolls of tape lying around ahead of time for them to explore. They will be less startled when the time comes to get started.
New Home, New Rules?
Moving from a house to a condo? Be sure to become familiar with all the condo corporation rules and regulations surrounding pets.
New Neighbourhood Introduction
If your move is not far, introduce your dog to their new neighbourhood by taking them out for walks there. This will allow them to get familiar with the sights, sounds and smells of their new home – they might even get to meet a few of neighbours along the way!
Move Pets Last
Wait for all the hustle and bustle to die down before introducing your pets to their new home. No good will come from having your pets in the mix as heavy items are being loaded and unloaded. If possible, have them stay with nearby family, friends or a pet sitter until the dust settles for a safer move.
Keep Meals Light
Feed your pets lightly on moving day, especially if they have a history of a sensitive stomach or anxious belly.
Get Them Tired Out
Transport your pets by car. Find off-leash parks or hiking trails enroute to your new home to give both you and your pets a break. By the time you get to your destination your pets should be tired out and calmer for the introduction to a new environment. Give cats a long play session with their favourite toys before hitting the road. Consider harness training your cat ahead of time, so they can explore new areas safely.
Pet-Proof Your New Home
Introduce your pets to small areas of the home at a time rather than letting them run free throughout. Check the interior and exterior of the new property for any hazards. Keep potentially dangerous items like cleaning supplies out of reach. If your property is fenced, check the entire perimeter for places where they could escape.
Create a Familiar Space
Bring your pets’ usual bowls, food, towels, toys, bedding, scratchers, and cat trees. Do not clean soft items before the move; it’s a good idea to take the smell of the old house to the new one to ease your pets’ anxiety. Create a familiar space by arranging items in as similar a set up as you can to your old place, preferably in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic. Keep the schedule familiar as well, with meal, walk and rest times remaining the same.
Make the Move Fun!
Do not let your own stress feed your pets’ energy on moving day. It is best to approach your pets’ anxiety and confusion with lots of patience and try to make the move fun! Take advantage of the disorganized state of your home during the move and play a game of “hide and seek” with your pet. Hide toys and treats under and behind boxes and furniture for your pets to find. Sprinkle catnip into a large empty box, use treat dispensing balls and food puzzles to keep your pets mentally stimulated.
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.