The Ultimate Guide to Moving with Pets

Moving is a challenging time for the entire family, but moving can be especially stressful for your beloved pets. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owners Survey, almost 82 million American households have a pet which means every year millions of families face the possibility of relocating with their furry companion.

Moving can be chaotic and hard all by itself but throw a pet in the mix and things really get nerve-wracking. An energetic dog might tear through your packing paper while you attempt to box up all your belongings. Your normally sweet, soft-spoken cat may yell the entire van ride to your new place. Smaller pets like rodents, reptiles, and fish need to be moved with special care because drastic changes in environment could prove too much for them to handle.

Pets thrive in familiar routines and any upset to those standards could result in increased anxiety or bad behavior. If you are moving soon, then include your pet’s attentive care in your moving checklist to ensure less stress for you and your pets.

With proper preparation and consideration for the needs of your pet, you can make this transition a happy time for the whole family.

Start getting your pet ready for the big move before you pack up your first box. Your pet will need time to get accustomed to the changes coming, so keep your pet high on your priorities list as you prepare for your move.

Do a Pre-Move Vet Visit

Take your beloved animal to the veterinarian and have them complete a regular checkup. You want to be sure your pet is healthy and ready to move as well as make sure you’ve refilled any necessary pet medication. This is also a great time to ensure your pet is up to date on all their vaccinations. Some landlords may request your pet’s records to ensure your pet complies with local rules and regulations.

Gather Essentials

Make a checklist of your pet’s essentials including their food, water, medications, leash, or toys. Make note of which items can be packed early and which will need to be packed separately in an accessible location on moving day.

Update Identification

Check your pet’s current tags and microchip information if they are chipped. Replace tags or update the microchip’s information with your new contact details including your new address.

Get Out the Carrier

If your pet will be traveling in a crate or carrier for move day, you may want to introduce them to it early. Put the carrier in a familiar spot and fill it with treats, toys, or blankets. Make the carrier seem less intimidating and more like a cozy spot to curl up and sleep.

Plan for Travel

For those pet-parents moving long-distance, plan your travel route in advance. Book accommodations that are pet-friendly and choose stops along your drive where you can let your pet out to stretch and go to the bathroom.

The day of your move might be a hectic time, but when you prioritize your pet’s needs you can ensure they stay safe and calm.

Create a Pet-Safe Zone

When the time comes to pack boxes and load them up, you want to designate a secure and quiet space for your pet somewhere away from the moving chaos. Make sure your pet is supplied with food and water as well as comfort items like toys, beds, and blankets. If you do not have a safe location for your pet to be out from underfoot, then you might consider having a friend or family member watch your pet for the day. Alternatively, you can arrange for a pet boarding or daycare service to keep your pet during your move.

Pack Your Pet Travel Kit

Gather your pet essentials from your pre-move checklist and keep them with the items you need to be accessible during your move. If your pet is coming with you in your car then grab your pet-friendly travel plan before you set out on the road.

Move Your Pet Last

To keep your pet safe, you probably want to make your pet one of the last major steps in your moving plan. Keep your pet in their secure location at your old place until your new place is ready for them. Once all the movers have departed and your new place is ready for setup, transport your pet to a secure location at your new home.

Now that the worst part of moving is over, you can focus on settling in and helping your pet adjust to their new home. A new place is full of unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds that your pet will be sensitive to. Give your pet time and grace during this transitory period and keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior to watch for signs of extreme stress.

Create a Quiet Space

Set up a designated pet-safe zone like the one you created at your old place while you were packing. Make sure your pet has access to all their essentials as well as their favorite familiar comfort items. You should keep your pet in this location while you work on unpacking.

Gradually Introduce

Once packing is complete to your liking and you feel it is safe for your pet to see the rest of your home, open the door to your pet’s quiet space and let them explore. Dogs you can lead around the house and show them the different rooms yourself while you might want to allow a cat to explore on their own. Before you let your pet explore, be sure to check for any pet hazards like balconies or unfamiliar plants to ensure your pet can investigate safely.

Establish New Routines

It’s important to maintain familiarity in your pet’s routine so that they don’t get overwhelmed, but with your new home there might be some changes you need to make. Take some time introducing new elements to your pet’s routines and consistently reinforce good behavior with treats and praise. Always be on the lookout for any signs of overt stress or anxiety in your pet.

Dogs 

If your dog is easily excited, it might be a good idea to take them out for vigorous exercise before securing them in their safe-room for the duration of packing. If you are traveling with your dog on the road then be sure to stop for regular bathroom and playtime breaks. Maintain your dog’s normal routine during the transition to provide your dog with as much familiarity as possible. When you reach your new neighborhood, check local leash laws before exploring any parks or walking trails.

Cats 

Cats tend to hide as soon as commotion starts, so be sure to secure your cat in a safe location before you start packing. While moving, it might be a good idea to cover your cat’s carrier with a light blanket to reduce visual stressors. If your trip is long, you might consider getting a portable litter box. Plan breaks to give your cat water and food. Once at your new home, allow your cat to explore your new place gradually.

Rodents

Rodents such as mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs should travel in a sturdy box or plastic carrier lined with bedding from their main cage. Be careful to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Give your rodent a moist vegetable to keep them hydrated during the journey. 

Reptiles

Reptiles are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and light, so when you go to move your scaly friend try to keep their habitat conditions as consistent as possible. Get a secure, well-ventilated and escape-proof travel container for them. If you’re going a long distance, you might want a tank thermometer to keep tabs on where the temperature is in their container. Once at your destination, set up their permanent habitat with all the ideal parameters for them to thrive before releasing them into their new environment.

Birds

Use a secure travel cage or a well-ventilated carrier lined with a soft towel to transport your bird. Cover the cage with some light, soft fabric to reduce visual stress. Plan frequent stops during an especially long move to check on your bird and make sure they are not dehydrated. Once at your new location, set the bird’s cage up in a quiet place with their familiar toys and perches.

Fish

Fish owners beware: Sudden temperature changes or improper tank setup could seriously harm your fish. When transporting fish, it’s crucial to keep them in a stable environment to ensure their wellbeing. Keep your fish in an insulated container or a special travel tank to move them. Set up your new bowl or tank as soon as possible and allow your fish to gradually adjust to their environment before you release the fish into their new home.

Even the most attentive pet owners can get overwhelmed during the process of moving and make critical mistakes. To ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, allow yourself plenty of time to prepare your pet for the move and be aware of the ills that befall other pet owners.

Here are some of the most common pet-moving mistakes and how you can plan ahead to avoid them:

Packing Pet Essentials Too Early

Packing essentials away too soon is a common problem for families during moving, and pet essentials are no exception. Make sure your pet’s necessities like food, medication, and toys are not stored in moving boxes that are not easily accessible. When you’re packing up your pet’s things, separate the items you will need to have on hand into a separate bag or box that will come with you when you move your pet. Be mindful of unexpected delays or last-minute plan changes, and make sure you have everything your pet will need in a pinch.

Forgetting to Update Identification and Microchip Information 

You might be tempted to put off updating your pet’s identification information, but this step should be performed early in your move. If your pet is not secured during the move and manages to escape, you want whoever might find your pet to be able to get ahold of you as soon as possible. If your information is outdated, it will be significantly harder for any person or shelter that picks up your pet to get in touch with you.

Neglecting to Research Pet Regulations or Accommodations

If you are traveling a great distance, it’s important to plan appropriate travel arrangements for your pet. When you’re traveling by car, be sure your pet is properly secured in a seatbelt harness or carrier. Think ahead on your route to make certain you have plenty of parks and rest stops to let your pet out for a break. If you are traveling by air, research your airline’s pet policies and make any necessary reservations in advance.

Failing to Pet-Proof Your New Home

Before you move your pet into your new space, take a critical inventory of all the nooks, crannies, and unique details to ensure there is nothing that could harm your pet. Take note of any spaces that could be potential hiding spots or any hazards you need to address before you release your pet.