The ultimate guide to moving house with pets
TL;DR:
Moving house can be a big adjustment for everybody – including pets! You can keep the process as smooth and stress-free as possible with a bit of extra preparation, including a pre-move vet check-up, maintaining familiar routines, and keeping an eye out for signs of stress. Most pets will soon settle in their new homes.
Moving day isn’t just about humans!
From packing boxes and road trips, to unfamiliar surroundings and different neighbours, a new house can be just as big a change for animals as it for their owners.
The good news is, whether you’re moving home with a cat, dog, or something a little less traditional, taking a few additional steps during the moving day process can help make the transition a little easier for everyone involved!
In this guide, we’ll share some useful tips and tricks for helping your animal companion prepare for the move, as well as looking at how to get them settled into their new home (or should we say kingdom!) – let’s take a look!
Before you move
From practical admin to maintaining familiar routines, a few easy additions to your pre-moving day checklist can really make all the difference in helping your pet.
Get the admin sorted early
Before moving, it’s always worth booking them in for a routine health check, especially if you have older animals or nervous pets. Your vet will be able to offer some insight into preparing for travel, as well as recommending calming products where necessary.
Another essential is updating your microchip details, as well as ordering a new ID tag for collars – avoid any mishaps in the event of escapes! Don’t forget to update your pet insurance provider too, as some policies do take postcodes into account.
Introduce changes gradually
Instead of transforming the house overnight, try packing up gradually. This allows your animal companion to adjust at their own pace to the idea that change is taking place. It can also be beneficial to keep one room largely unchanged until the final days, offering some reassuringly familiar space as the rest of the house changes.
If you’re moving house with a cat or dog, it can be helpful to go and explore your future neighbourhood if practical – building up familiarity will make the move feel more like coming home!
Prepare for travelling
If your pet will be making the journey with you in a crate or carrier, it’s best to introduce it well before moving day. Leaving it open with some familiar blankets or tasty treats inside can help transform it into a safe space they’ll enjoy.
It’s also a good idea to put together a dedicated pet essential bag you can keep close at hand during the move and avoid having to search through boxes on the first night to get food or a favourite blanket!
For particularly anxious pets – or households juggling children or complex removals – arranging some care for the big day can sometimes be the simplest choice. Bringing them into a calmer, mostly organised home a day or two later on can ensure a much smoother transition for some animals.
How to tackle moving day with your pet…
Moving day is here! With unfamiliar people coming and going, a new environment, and plenty of disruption, this is often the most stressful part of the process for pets, so having a simple plan in place can really help.
Double check safety
When you arrive at your new home, carry out a quick safety check, looking out for gaps in fences, unsecured gates, trailing cables or hazardous products that may still be unpacked. The last thing you need is any mishaps or escapes on your first day!
If you’re moving into an apartment or have an indoor-only cat, the same applies – check windows or access points carefully before letting them explore.
Smaller animals, such as rabbits or hamsters, can be sensitive to temperature changes and fumes, so it’s important to keep their carriers well-ventilated and away from any drafts or cleaning products.
Set up a quiet, secure space
One of the easiest ways of reducing stress for both you and your pet on moving day is creating a dedicated quiet space away from all the hustle and bustle, complete with familiar items such as blankets or toys.
For those moving house with a cat or other small animals, include a litter tray or enclosure essentials as well.
After you’ve moved
Once the boxes are unpacked and things have settled down, your pet may still need a bit of extra breathing space to adjust to the new environment – so patience and routine are key!
Keep routines familiar
The best way of keeping your animal companions happy and content after a move is by keeping their day-to-day routine as consistent as possible – sticking to the same feeding times, walks, play sessions and bedtime habits.
Even smaller comforts – whether that’s a favourite toy placed in bed or a regular afternoon snuggle on the couch – can offer that all-important reassurance.
Introduce the new environment gradually
Building confidence and familiarity gradually can help your pet settle more comfortably into their new environment – just make sure to keep those initial exploration sessions relaxed and positive!
For dog owners, it’s usually sensible to keep them on their leads until you’re confident they’ve settled in and recall is reliable.
If you’re moving home with a cat, they typically need a little longer to settle. Many owners choose to keep cats indoors for at least the first week to help them establish a strong connection to the new home. After that, taking short, supervised outings can build confidence whilst also reducing the chance of any disorientation.
Be prepared for temporary behaviour changes
After a big move, it’s common for pets to behave a little differently, with changes to appetite, sleep patterns, toileting habits or confidence levels all signs they’re still adjusting.
Just approach the problem as if you’re teaching them for the first time, keeping it calm and consistent with plenty of rewards for getting it right!
Most pets will adjust within a few days or weeks, but some may need additional support. If any concerning changes persist for longer than a couple of weeks, speak to your vet for more guidance.
They’ll soon feel at home!
Moving house is a major milestone for the whole family – pets included! While a new environment can feel unfamiliar at first, a little preparation and patience can truly go a long way in helping your furry friends adjust with minimal stress.
So, whether moving in day is rapidly approaching, or you’re still searching for your dream home, start getting your plan together, and help make the transition a lot smoother for everybody! For more housing information or advice, just get in touch with a member of our team.
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