Moving with Pets: 7 Tips for a Stress-free Experience

Introduce the Move Gradually

Packing can be a major source of anxiety for pets – when things start disappearing into boxes, they know something big is happening. The trick is to take things slowly, giving them time to get used to the changes.

A few weeks ahead of the move, gradually begin introducing moving boxes and packing materials. Leave them around for your pets to sniff and investigate. Once they’re comfortable with the new additions, start packing a little each day.

Create a Safe Space While Packing

When it’s time to start packing, it’s important to give your pets somewhere they can retreat to and escape the hustle and bustle. Set up a dedicated quiet room with their beds, bowls, and comfort items such as their favourite toys. For cats, don’t forget their litter tray and something to scratch.

You can also include some enrichment activities to keep your pets occupied while you’re busy sorting and packing. Puzzle feeders, treat balls, and interactive toys are great for providing mental stimulation. Plus, they can help to distract from any anxiety they might be feeling.

Consider Calming Aids

If you have a particularly nervous dog or cat, moving house might call for the use of calming aids. For example, consider using a pheromone diffuser like Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs). These can help to reduce anxiety and create a sense of security. For best results, start using them a few weeks before your move, and keep them running in your new home until your pet has fully settled in.

Some cats or dogs may also benefit from a short-term anti-anxiety medication or a gentle sedative on moving day, especially if they become very distressed during travel. Your vet will be able to recommend the best approach based on your furry friend’s individual needs.

Arrange Pet Care for Moving Day

Moving house with cats or dogs can be chaotic, so plan pet care for the big day in advance. To keep your pets safe and out of the way, you might consider boarding them at a cattery or kennel. Alternatively, you could arrange for a trusted friend or relative to look after them for the day.

For pets that find being away from home extremely stressful, it may be best to keep them in their familiar environment. Set up a dedicated room that the removal team won’t need to access, such as the bathroom. Make sure it contains all of your pets’ essentials – food, water, bed, toys, and litter – and put a sign on the door instructing the movers not to enter. Keep checking in on your pets whenever you can throughout the day, and offer plenty of comfort and affection.

Prepare Your New Home

If you have the opportunity to spend some time in your new home before bringing your pets, you can make their transition smoother by preparing the space in advance. For example:

• Move furniture and unpack as much as possible. The less noise and disruption going on while your pets are settling in, the better.
• Scatter familiar scents throughout the house. Place your pets’ beds, toys, and used blankets in different rooms, along with some of your own unwashed clothes or bedding. 
• Pet-proof every room. Check for hazards such as loose wires, small objects that they might swallow, and spaces where they could get stuck. This will allow your pets to explore their new home safely.
• Create cosy hiding spots. Set up a few covered areas in quiet rooms to give your pets somewhere to go if they feel overwhelmed.

Doing these simple things before your pets arrive will help the space feel more welcoming, making moving house with a dog or cat less stressful for everyone.

Move Your Pet Last

Ideally, your pets should be the very last thing you move to the new home. Moving them during the height of the chaos can add unnecessary stress to an already overwhelming day. So, wait until all furniture and boxes have been moved, the removal team has left and the house is quiet again. And if you can, give your pets a little time to rest and recover from the events of the day first.

Cats and dogs are great at picking up on our emotional cues, so try not to worry too much during the journey – they’ll be less stressed if you’re acting normally. If your pets dislike travelling, it can help to drive smoothly and steadily, and keep talking in a calm and reassuring tone.

Give Them Time to Settle In

It’s normal for pets to feel anxious or frightened after moving. They’ll need time to recover from the journey, familiarise themselves with their new environment, and realise that they’re safe.

It’s important to be patient while your pets settle in. Depending on their personality, they may prefer to be alone, or they may stick close to you for reassurance. Offer comfort and affection if they ask for it – but if they hide, don’t force them to come out before they’re ready.

Some pets will opt to stay in one room for the first few days, while others may want to explore straight away. Follow their lead, and try to maintain their usual routines (such as bedtime and mealtimes). Before you know it, your furry friends will feel right at home!