Moving is stressful for humans — for pets, it can be genuinely distressing. Familiar smells disappear, routines break, and the chaos of packing and strangers in the house is confusing. With some planning, you can make the transition much smoother for dogs, cats, and other pets.
Before moving day: preparation
• Get your pet used to their carrier or crate in the weeks before the move — leave it open with treats inside so it becomes a safe space, not a trap.
• If your pet is anxious, speak to your vet about calming supplements or pheromone sprays (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats).
• Update your pet's microchip details with your new address before you move.
• Collect vet records and register with a new vet near your new home.
On moving day: dogs
The best option is to have your dog stay with a friend, family member, or day-care for the day. The constant opening of doors, heavy lifting, and unfamiliar people creates both stress and escape risk.
If that's not possible, set up a quiet room that's already been packed. Put the dog in there with water, a familiar blanket, and a sign on the door telling the movers not to open it. Walk them before the crew arrives and again when loading is complete.
On moving day: cats
Cats are escape artists when stressed. Confine your cat to one empty room with their litter tray, water, and a blanket. Keep the door closed and put a clear sign on it. Cats should be the last thing loaded and the first thing unloaded.
At the new house, set up a single quiet room with food, water, litter tray, and hiding spots before letting them out of the carrier. Keep them in this room for 24–48 hours before gradually opening up the rest of the house.
Travelling with pets
Dogs should be secured in the car with a harness, crate, or behind a dog guard — it's a legal requirement that they don't roam freely while driving. Never put a pet in the removal van.
For cats, use a secure carrier lined with a familiar blanket. Cover it partially with a towel to reduce visual stimulation. Play calm music and avoid sudden braking.
Settling into the new home
Keep routines as normal as possible — same feeding times, same walks, same bedtime. Unpack your pet's belongings first (bed, bowls, toys) so they have familiar items immediately.
For cats: keep them indoors for at least 2–3 weeks before allowing outdoor access. When you do let them out, do it just before feeding time so they have a reason to come back.
For dogs: walk them around the new neighbourhood on a lead for the first week to build familiarity with the area. Keep a close eye on behaviour changes — some dogs become unsettled for a few days, which is normal.
Small pets and exotic animals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, and reptiles need extra care. Transport small mammals in their regular cage with a towel draped over it. Fish need to travel in sealed bags with tank water — drain the tank and transport it separately. Reptiles need a heat source during transit in cold weather. For any exotic pet, call your vet for specific travel advice.