How to Move House With Pets

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience for everyone in the family, including your beloved pets. In this article on how to move house with pets, we will explore why a house move can affect the two most common pets in the UK, dogs and cats,  and the steps you can take to reduce stress on your pets when moving home.

How moving house can affect a dog

Dogs are known for their loyalty and sensitivity, and a change in environment can increase their anxiety and impact their well-being. Dogs thrive on routine and, according to the RSPCA can know how we are feeling, which means that a big disruption to your routine that increases your own stress levels can impact your dog.

Tips for moving house with a dog

To ease the transition, consider these tips: 

• Introduce them to their new neighbourhood before the move
• Maintain their routine, such as walk times and feeding times
• Use pheromones to calm them
• Pack their belongings last to minimise disruption
• Ensure the most comfortable way for them to travel or consider leaving them with friends or family during the moving process
• Clean your new house, as scent is much more important to dogs than to humans, and they are very sensitive to it
• Unpack their belongings first, so they have something familiar to reassure them
• Create a safe space in your new home where they can acclimate gradually
• Allow them to explore surroundings, but ensure back gardens are secure to prevent your dog from escaping the property

How moving house can affect a cat

Cats are creatures of habit and can be particularly sensitive to change and according to the cats protection can be overwhelmed by a house move.

Tips for moving house with a cat

To make the move smoother for your feline friend, consider these steps:

• Use pheremones to calm them, especially with older cats that may feel more anxiety
• Gradually introduce them to travel carriers ahead of the move
• Bring familiar items to the new home, and ensure they have a quiet separate space to acclimate
• Secure space upon arrival. The Cats Protection League advises to ‘keep your cat in their room for the first few days’ to help them settle in
• Ensure they have familiar toys and belongings, especially to keep them entertained whilst being kept inside
• Help outdoor cats adjust to their new surroundings by keeping them in for the first few days, then starting with small periods of going outside so they can gradually build confidence inside for in their new surroundings. The Cats Protection League also advises to ‘leave plenty of litter trays’ around until your cat is ready to venture outdoors

Steps to take before moving home with a pet

Before the big move, take steps to prepare your pets. Stay organised and calm, as this will impact your pets. Visit the vet to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, change vets before the move if need be, update microchip information, and gather necessary supplies like medications, food, and comfort items in preparation for moving day. 

On moving day, keep them in a secure, quiet area to reduce stress. If your pet is moving with you, make sure you have a secure carrier and make sure your pet is well supervised if you are busy moving boxes! Alternatively, consider leaving your pet with friends or family.

Once you’ve settled into your new home, gradually reintroduce them to different spaces. The RSPC advises to allow cats and dogs to ‘explore at their own pace’. Allow for accidents to happen and accept the desire to return to their old home, taking precautions like keeping doors closed and ensuring gardens are secure to keep your pet safe.

Moving with pets requires careful planning and consideration, but with these steps, you can ensure a smoother transition for your furry companions, making their home move just as exciting as yours.

For more information on moving home, read our step-by-step guide to moving house, and if you have any questions about any aspect of the moving process, please get in touch