Tips for moving house with your pets

Moving house can be both stressful and exciting for everyone. While you are busy packing and getting everything ready for your big move, it’s important not the overlook the impact of this change on your furry family members. Pets view their existing everyday environment as their territory. They are familiar with your home, its surrounds, streets, nearby pets, everyday noises and smells. When you move, they need to reorient themselves, familiarise themselves and slowly settle into their new surrounds.    

There are several steps you can take to make moving house easier on your pets.

Planning for success before you move

• Finding a new home – consider your pets size, energy levels and current lifestyle when moving. Large animals need space to run around both in your home and the backyard. Smaller pets can handle a smaller space or apartment. If you are renting, make sure your landlord permits animals. Check your new home will be secure and pet friendly.  

• Check out the neighbourhood – look around the local area for dog parks, beaches or places to exercise your pets. Are the surrounding or nearby roads busy, noisy or dangerous?  

• Finding a nearby vet – if you are moving far away from your current home you will need to find a local vet and emergency hospital. You don’t want to be researching this during an emergency. Consider other services that you regularly require for your pet too such as grooming and boarding facilities.

• Important documents – if moving far away, contact your vet to obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records and vaccination history. If moving involves airlines, confirm what information you require and whether you need electronic or physical copies.  

• Identification – make sure your pet is micro chipped and has their collar with ID tag on. Have a new ID tag created with your new address and phone number for the day you move. For microchipped pets, you will need to update your details to your new address once you move.

• Introduce pet carrier early – think about how you are going to transport your pet and make sure they are comfortable using their carrier or transport method prior to moving. Start by getting them used to it at your current home, then move onto short trips, gradually increasing the amount of time spent in the car. Keep it positive, bring along their favourite toys, bedding and treats and reward them along the way for good behaviour.

How to keep pets calm during your move

• Packing – pets are attuned to changes in their environment and may get concerned as the house becomes empty that they will be left behind. Reassure pets whilst packing, by keeping their routine as normal as possible. Continue feeding and exercising them as you normally would and make sure they still have their favourite toys and treats around.

• Consider a pet sitter – on moving day you may decide to have your pet minded elsewhere, preferably somewhere familiar. This can help to reduce their anxiety and can free up your time to focus on the move without worrying about your pet getting hurt or escaping during this busy time.

• Get plenty of exercise – if a pet sitter isn’t possible, make sure they get plenty of exercise on the day to encourage them to be more relaxed through the day. For dogs a morning walk is great. For cats and other pets some morning playtime will help. You can also offer them a brand now toy or treat on moving day to help distract them and reduce their stress levels. Talk to them in a calming voice throughout the day and reward them with treats and attention whenever possible, to keep them calm.

• Make their first night fun – the first night can be an exciting time and you want your pet to have positive memories from day one too. Spend as much time as possible with your pet to reassure them that you are not going to leave them in this new, unfamiliar place. Although many of their things may be packed away, an overnight bag with their favourite toys, treats and blankets can help them feel comfortable and safe on their first night.

Helping your pets settle into their new home

• Pet proofing your home – you want to make sure your pet will be safe in your new home. First, check that it is secure and that your pet can’t escape through gates, fences, doors and windows. Remove any toxic plants and dispose of any pest control traps that may have been left lying around. Whilst moving in, store household cleaners, garden products, medications and other hazardous items out of reach. Keep electrical cords tucked away and be mindful of your pets safety when unpacking. For a full article on pet proofing your home click here.

• Unpack carefully – outside of the general hazards that can be around your home, items that you are unpacking can possibly be harmful to your pet too. Take careful consideration of what you leave lying around as you are unpacking. Even the best behaved pets can chew on or swallow things left unattended, especially if they see them as a new toy! If you have a particularly dangerous box of items, keep them behind closed doors until you can unpack them properly.

• Explore the neighbourhood – one of the best parts of moving home is the chance to explore the new neighbourhood. Dedicate time each day to get out and exercise with your dog, which can help reduce stress levels for you both. Your dog will love the fresh air and new smells and it will give you both a chance to meet pets and new neighbours in the area.

• Keep a similar routine – with all the changes taking place when you move, offering your pet something familiar can be very comforting. Try to maintain their same routine of feeding and exercising to help them feel at home. Offering them their favourite toys, bedding, feeding bowls and treats in their new home can also help. 

• Give them plenty of attention – let your pet know how much you love them and that you are staying in your new home with them. Spend time cuddling, playing and exercising them so they understand your bond is still strong despite changes to their environment. Stay at home as much as possible for the first few weeks until your pet feels comfortable and safe staying there alone.

• Identification – don’t forget to update your pet’s council registration and microchip register with your new address and contact details. Make sure they are wearing their collar with ID tag and that this is updated too.