Moving with pets, step by step
Moving day is confusing enough for people — for a dog or cat, it's a home disappearing with no explanation. A bit of preparation makes it far less stressful for them, and for you.
In the days before
Keep their routine as normal as possible
Same feeding times, same walks. Familiarity is what keeps pets calm when everything else is changing.
Get them comfortable with the carrier early
If your pet isn't used to a carrier, leave it out with a blanket inside for a few days before the move so it doesn't feel like a trap on the day.
Update their ID
Microchip details and collar tags should have your new address before moving day, not after.
On moving day
Set up a quiet, closed-off room
With food, water and their bed, away from the front door and the constant foot traffic of boxes going out.
Move them last, settle them first
At the new place, set up one room the same way — food, water, bed, litter tray — before letting them explore the rest.
In the days after
Expect some hiding, clinginess or changes in appetite for the first few days — that's normal. Keep their old bedding (even unwashed) for a bit, stick to their usual feeding schedule, and let them explore the new place at their own pace rather than forcing introductions to every room at once.
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