Moving to a new home ranks among life's most stressful events, for humans and animals alike. While you understand that the temporary chaos leads to a positive change, your pets only experience the disruption of their familiar environment and routine. The good news? With thoughtful planning and a few expert strategies, you can significantly reduce your pet's anxiety during relocation.
This comprehensive guide by W Moving and Storage will walk you through every stage of moving with pets, from preparation weeks before to settling into your new home.
Why Moving Stresses Pets Out (And Why You Should Care)
Animals are creatures of habit and territory. Your pet has memorized every corner of your current home, the sunny spots for napping, the window with the best squirrel-watching view, and the safe hideaways during thunderstorms.
When that familiar environment suddenly disappears, pets can experience:
- Increased anxiety and stress behaviors
- Digestive issues
- Decreased appetite
- Attempts to escape or return to the previous territory
- Regression in training or house manners
Beyond the emotional concerns, stressed pets can complicate your move through behaviors like hiding, escaping, or becoming unusually aggressive. Addressing their needs isn't just compassionate, it's practical.
Before the Move: Preparation Is Everything
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Update Identification and Records
Before any boxes appear, ensure your pet's identification is current:
- Update microchip information with your new address
- Order new ID tags with updated contact details
- Collect and organize veterinary records if changing providers
- Research and select a new veterinarian in your destination area
- Confirm your pet's vaccinations are current (especially rabies, which is legally required)
Pre-Move Veterinary Visit
Schedule a check-up to:
- Discuss any travel anxiety concerns with your vet
- Obtain prescription refills to last through the transition
- Ask about mild sedatives if your pet has severe travel anxiety
- Get health certificates if crossing state lines (required in many states)
Familiarize Your Pet With Moving Equipment
Many pets fear moving equipment. Introduce these items gradually:
- Leave empty boxes around for exploration
- Allow your pet to investigate the carrier or crate they'll travel in
- Practice short car trips if your pet rarely travels
One client reported remarkable success by feeding her cat treats inside the carrier for two weeks before moving day, transforming it from a feared object to a positive space.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Create a Pet-Specific Moving Plan
Decide how your pet will travel and where they'll stay during the loading/unloading process:
- For long-distance moves: Will they fly or ride in the car?
- For local moves: Will they stay with a friend or at a boarding facility on moving day?
- If staying with you during the move, which room will be their "safe room" away from the commotion?
Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations
If your move involves overnight stays:
- Book pet-friendly hotels well in advance
- Confirm their pet policies (size restrictions, additional fees)
- Request ground-floor rooms for easier bathroom breaks
Maintain Routine While Packing
As packing disrupts your home:
- Keep pet supplies in their usual locations until the last minute
- Maintain consistent feeding and walking schedules
- Continue regular play and attention sessions
- Consider using calming pheromone products (like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs)
Moving Day: Creating Calm Amid Chaos
The Morning of the Move
Start the day right:
- Take dogs for a long, energy-depleting walk
- Feed pets a light meal (heavy meals can cause travel sickness)
- Administer any vet-recommended calming supplements or medications
- Place pets in their designated safe space before movers arrive
Setting Up a Temporary Pet Sanctuary
Whether at your current home during loading or new home during unloading, create a quiet room with:
- Familiar bedding and toys
- Food, water, and a litter box (for cats)
- A sign on the door alerts movers not to open it
- Background noise, like a radio, to mask moving sounds
Travel Safety Essentials
While transporting your pet:
- Never let pets roam freely in vehicles
- Secure carriers with seatbelts
- Maintain a comfortable temperature (70-75°F is ideal)
- Plan for bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours for dogs
- Never leave pets unattended in parked vehicles
Emergency Preparedness
Carry an easily accessible pet emergency kit including:
- 2-3 days of food and medications
- Collapsible water bowl
- Extra leash and collar
- Basic first aid supplies
- A recent photo of your pet (in case they escape)
- Contact information for veterinary emergency facilities along your route
After Arrival: The Transition Period
The First Few Hours
When you reach your new home:
- Set up another safe room with familiar items before releasing your pet
- Inspect fences and potential escape points before allowing outdoor access
- Place familiar-smelling items throughout the new home
- Provide extra attention and reassurance
The First Few Days
As you unpack and settle in:
- Introduce your pet to the new home one room at a time
- Return to normal feeding and walking schedules as quickly as possible
- Use the same food and litter brands as before (you can transition later)
- Monitor closely for signs of stress or illness
Special Situations and Solutions
Long-Distance Moves
For moves requiring air travel or multiple days of driving:
- Consult your veterinarian about appropriate sedation options
- Research airline pet policies thoroughly (requirements vary significantly)
- Consider professional pet transport services for complex relocations
- Break road trips into pet-friendly segments with overnight stays
Moving with Anxious or Elderly Pets
If your pet has existing anxiety or medical conditions:
Apartment and Urban Moves
Moving to multi-unit housing presents unique challenges:
- Familiarize dogs with elevator rides before moving day
- Research the nearest pet relief areas in advance
- Create a schedule for shared hallway access to minimize pet encounters
- Consider using pee pads temporarily during the transition
Building Comfort in Your New Home
Establishing Territory
Help your pet develop positive associations with their new territory:
- Hide treats throughout the home for dogs to discover
- Place your pet's scent (using bedding or toys) in various rooms
- Create familiar-smelling spots by using the same cleaning products as before
- Set up feeding stations and beds in similar relative locations to your previous home
Rebuilding Routine
The fastest way to reduce pet anxiety is through predictable patterns:
- Resume regular feeding times immediately
- Establish consistent walking routes for dogs
- Schedule daily play sessions at the same times
- Recreate previous bedtime routines
When to Seek Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pets struggle with the transition. Consider consulting professionals if you observe:
- Prolonged appetite loss (beyond 48 hours)
- Destructive behavior that persists beyond two weeks
- House-training regression that doesn't improve
- Signs of depression or lethargy
- Excessive vocalization or new aggressive behaviors
Conclusion: A New Home for All Family Members
Moving with pets requires extra planning and patience, but the reward is a smoother transition for the entire family. Remember that most pets adjust within 2-4 weeks with a consistent routine and reassurance.
By taking steps to minimize your pet's stress during relocation, you're not just preventing behavior problems, you're honoring the important place they hold in your family. After all, a house truly becomes a home when your furry friend feels comfortable there, too.
