Moving With Pets: A Calm-Move Plan for Cats, Dogs and Others
How to move with pets: preparing your pet, keeping them safe on moving day, travelling, and helping them settle in the new home.
Keep pets away from the chaos on moving day, in a quiet room, at a friend’s home or in a daycare, and move them yourself in a carrier or secured in your vehicle. Update their tags and microchip details, and set up their space first in the new home so it feels familiar.
What should I do before the move?
- Visit the vet if needed, for records, medication and advice on travel stress.
- Update ID: change the address and phone number on tags, microchip and licence.
- Practice with the carrier or car so travel is not a surprise.
- Pack slowly so your pet adjusts to boxes and changes.
- Keep routines for feeding and walks as steady as you can.
What about moving day itself?
Doors open and close all day, and strangers carry large items. Choose one of these:
- A friend or family member looks after your pet.
- A pet daycare or boarding for the day.
- A closed, quiet room with food, water, bedding and a sign on the door so the crew does not open it.
Tell the crew where the pet is. See our moving day checklist.
How do I transport my pet?
Pets travel with you, never on the truck. Use a secure carrier for cats and small animals, and a crate or harness for dogs. Never leave a pet in a parked car, especially in summer or winter. For long trips, plan stops and bring water. Check airline or carrier rules if flying.
What should go in a pet kit?
- Food, bowls, water and any medication
- Leash, harness, litter and a scoop
- A favourite bed or blanket and toys
- Records, vaccination papers and a recent photo
- Cleaning supplies for accidents
How do I help them settle?
Set up their space first, with familiar bedding, food and a litter box in a quiet room. Keep cats indoors for the first few weeks until they know the new home, and keep dogs on a leash in a new yard. Walk the neighbourhood together. Expect a few days of confusion and keep a calm routine.
What about fish, birds and small animals?
These need special care for temperature and stress. Ask your vet, and plan to carry them yourself in a secure container. Keep them warm in winter; see moving in winter.
Plan the move together
Mention pets when you request a quote so the crew knows what to expect.
