Moving with pets adds a different dimension to moving house, whether it’s across town, to another city, interstate or even overseas. Everyone finds moving disruptive, but none more so than your furry friends. We can’t explain the reason for moving to pets, who only want their comfortable routine and not to be pulled out of it and taken to an unfamiliar place. You’ll need to show them extra patience and care during the moving process.
To help you manage your move, we’ve put together this ultimate guide for moving with pets, so everyone gets settled sooner.
1. Packing up the home
Pets may not understand why you’re moving, but they will be very aware of the disruption and change. Cats and dogs, in particular, are very sensitive and highly attuned to our moods, and they know when there is a new influence on our daily routine.
- Pay attention to your pet’s behaviour. If they get stressed, they may bark more often, become hyperactive, jump, hide, nip, bolt out of open doorways, or exhibit naughty behaviour.
- Involve your pet in the moving process to normalise it. Don’t lock them away or exclude them from the packing process. Let them play with boxes, sniff them and satisfy their curiosity.
- Don’t change their routine, as this will cause stress. Ensure you feed, walk, play and bathe them at their normal times.
2. Talk to your vet
- Get a copy of your pet’s medical records if necessary. Most vets will keep electronic files and can transfer them to your new vet easily.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, especially if you are moving overseas.
- Refill any prescriptions for medications and take these with you when you move. Never put them in a box or load them on the truck.
- Update microchip information.
- Ask your vet for advice about managing stress and anxiety for your pet through the moving process.
- Ask for a recommendation for a new vet if you don’t already have one.
- Ask for a recommendation about the best way to transport your pet on moving day.
3. Packing for your pet
With any move, we recommend packing a day one box for each member of the family so you have your essentials on hand immediately. Apply the same process to your pet as you would any other member of your family. This could include the following:
- Bedding
- Favourite toys
- Two weeks of food
- Grooming supplies
- Leashes and collars
- Safety equipment
- Medications
4. Your pet moving day checklist
- Make sure you’ve let your pet become familiar with the carrier. This will make it easier to get them into it.
- Have a safe place to secure your pet while your moving company clears the house.
- Swap collar tags for new ones if you have a different address or phone number.
5. Transporting your pet yourself
The essentials for moving your pet yourself are safety, comfort and security. You’ll need a carrier that provides all three, so your pet has the least distress during the actual move.
Features to consider:
- Sufficient space, so they aren’t cramped.
- Familiar bedding or blankets for comfort.
- Security, so they don’t escape the carrier while you’re travelling.
- Easy and safe removal and loading for rest stops.
6. Using pet transport
Pet transport is a great option if you’re moving pets long distances or between countries. The service provides door-to-door pickup and delivery for any pet, with a dedicated handler taking responsibility for your pet throughout their journey.
You can read more about the service on our pet transport page.
7. Settling your pet into their new home
On arrival, don’t let your pet out of the carrier until you are inside. Place it in an empty room before letting your pet out. Keep the door closed while your moving company empties the truck. When it’s safe to let them out of the room, let them explore their new home. If you have a leash, you can also let them explore their new yard.
As pets settle in, take them for walks to the park so they can get used to the new environment and familiarise themselves with the area. Moving is very disruptive for pets, so give them time to adjust. Long leashes are excellent ways to let them explore outside safely.
8. Every pet is different, so let them adjust at their own pace.
Like us, every pet has its own personality. Some pets will adapt to a move quickly, and others will take time. You know your pet better than anyone else, so do everything you can to make their move go smoothly. As always, if you need any help or advice, we’re only a phone call away.