Whether you’re moving to a small apartment in Santa Monica, California, or a four-bedroom home in Buffalo, New York, moving is a big disruption for the whole family, especially your pets. Dogs and cats grow up in daily life, and their new home comes with unfamiliar smells, sounds, and layouts. With a little planning and patience, you can make the move safer and less stressful for your pet and you.
Below are important considerations to take into account before moving with your pet, as well as necessary steps to make the transition less stressful for you and your four-legged friend.
Plan your pet’s move early
Your pet will notice changes long before moving day.
A few weeks before moving:
Schedule a veterinarian visit. Make sure your vaccines are up to date and request copies of your medical records. If you’re moving far away, ask for a new veterinarian’s recommendation. Update your ID and microchip information. Before you move, you’ll want to tie your new address to your pet’s tag and microchip. We’re restocking comfortable essentials. Provide favorite foods, snacks, medication, comforting items, and a familiar blanket. Practice using a carrier or crate. If you leave the carrier bags or crates you plan to use during the move outside with treats inside, your children will feel safe and stress-free. Check the rules for pets in your new home. HOA or rental policies, weight limits, pet deposits, breed restrictions, leash rules, etc. are all worth knowing in advance.
By doing a little preparation now, you can avoid any last-minute panic later on.
Minimize stress the day before your move
Just like humans, pets have strong emotions. Boxes piling up, furniture being moved, and your own stress levels can all increase your child’s anxiety. By starting the packing process early, you can introduce changes gradually rather than all at once. The goal is to keep your pet’s world predictable while everything else changes.
Try these calming strategies.
Keep to your regular feeding and walking schedule. Leave your bedroom alone until moving day approaches. Use familiar scents (like your bed, toys, or your unwashed shirt). Prepare a “pet-safe room” early so you don’t feel new on the day of your move.
If your pet is particularly anxious or has a history of motion sickness, talk to your veterinarian about safe anti-anxiety and anti-nausea options.
Moving day: Create a safe zone
Moving day is often noisy and chaotic, with doors often left open. All of this combines to create a perfect storm for scared pets. Your best bet is to keep them out of action.
Set up a safe room for your pet.
Choose a quiet room with a closed door and add the following: Put some food and water, a litter box (for the cat), a bed, or a favorite toy that smells like home in a crate Put a sign on the door that says something like, “Pets allowed inside. Keep door closed.”
Other moving day options:
Ask a trusted friend or family member to act as your pet sitter. Book a daycare or overnight stay.
Keeping your pet away from clutter will ensure your pet’s safety and make your move faster.
Car travel tips for dogs and cats
Whether you’re traveling 20 minutes away or setting out on a 20-hour drive, your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Before hitting the road:
Don’t give your dog a full meal right before departure. This will help prevent nausea. Take a long walk or play to burn off extra energy. Pack a go bag for your pet:
Food, treats, and medications Collapsible bowls Garbage bags and/or toiletries Towels and pet wipes Leash and harness Veterinarian records
On the drive:
Keep your pet safe. Use a crash-tested harness, travel crate, or carrier. If pets are left loose, they may get injured or cause an accident. Provide water at stops and plan regular rest periods. Keep your car cool and ventilated. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car.
For cats: The carrier is non-negotiable. Add a comfortable towel inside and cover with a light blanket to reduce irritation.
Flight with pets
There are even more variables when traveling long distances or by air, so check the requirements before booking your ticket.
Main steps:
Check the airline rules below. Carry-on and Cargo Travel Agent Sizes Breed Restrictions Health Certificates Book direct flights if possible. Label the carrier with your contact information and a “live animal” sticker. Avoid sedation unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian.
If your pet is older, has a snub nose, or is medically frail, ask your veterinarian if it’s safe to fly at all. In some cases, traveling by car may be a better choice, even if it takes longer.
We will help your pet adjust upon arrival
Your pet may be excited or extremely suspicious. Both are normal. The goal is to keep the pressure low and your routine heavy for the first few days.
First day priorities:
Set up the other person’s before working on yours. Prioritize: Bed and crate Food and water station Litter box or pee pad Toys Gradually introduce the room. Keep your doors and windows safe.
For dogs: Take your dog on a leash on a tour of your home, garden, or neighborhood.
For cats: Start with one room and gradually increase access over a few days.
Don’t be surprised if there are small behavioral changes at first. Expect to hide, cling, pace, and cause accidents. However, most pets stabilize once they learn and get used to new habits.
Don’t forget the neighborhood element
Moving doesn’t stop at your front door. Neighborhoods can shape your pet’s daily life.
Check out:
Local vets and emergency veterinary clinics Walking routes and sidewalk safety Dog runs or pet-friendly green spaces Local leash laws and pet permitting rules Noise levels (busy streets, trains, nightlife)
A great home for you should also be a great home for your pet.
A short guide for other pets
move with reptiles
Reptiles are sensitive to temperature changes and vibrations, so stability is everything.
Quick tips for traveling with reptiles:
Transport your reptile in a secure container that is breathable and has a soft lining. Keep your reptile warm, but avoid overheating. Consider using a heat pack on the outside of the container. Handling and movement should be kept to a minimum. In order to quickly return to a stable environment, we will first set up a breeding box in your new home.
move with the fish
Aquariums are difficult because water quality and oxygen are more important than you think.
Quick tips for traveling with fish:
Move the fish in a sealed bag or container with a lid along with the original aquarium water. Store in a cooler at a stable temperature. Transport filters and beneficial bacteria damp (do not dry). Please recycle the aquarium slowly after arrival to avoid shocking the fish.
move with the birds
Birds are easily stressed by noise and drafts, so some species are deeply attached to living in cages.
Quick tips for traveling with birds:
Use a travel cage or secure a regular cage to keep it closed throughout the trip. Cover the cage with a light blanket or towel to reduce irritation. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and open windows when traveling. Before letting them out, set up a quiet, familiar corner in their new home.
Frequently asked questions about moving with pets
How long will it take for my pet to get used to the move?
Most dogs adjust within a few days to a few weeks. Cats often take longer, especially if they are timid or territorial. Immediately instilling a normal routine will help speed up your work.
Should I change my pet’s food while moving?
Please try not to do so. Keeping your diet the same will reduce stomach problems during an already stressful time. If you need to switch brands, do it gradually once you’ve settled into the brand.
What should I do if my pet won’t eat immediately after moving?
A temporary decrease in appetite may be normal. Feed regularly, keep the environment calm, and avoid giving too many new treats. If your cat won’t eat for more than 24 hours (especially cats), contact your veterinarian.
How can I keep my cat from hiding in his new home all day?
Let the cat hide at first. This is a safety action. Place your children in one quiet room with their essentials, sit quietly and close together, and let their curiosity take over. Do not force it out.
Is sedation safe for travel?
Use only under the direct guidance of a veterinarian. Sedation can cause breathing and balance problems, especially during flight. Many veterinarians prefer milder, calming options instead.
What is the safest way to introduce my dog to a new neighborhood?
Start slowly on the leash. Walk a familiar length route during quiet times of the day, and reinforce nutrition with treats to keep your first few outings calm and positive.
How do I handle multiple pets during a move?
On moving day, it’s best to have a separate safe room or crate. In a new home, introduce space gradually to avoid tension and make sure there are plenty of resources (food, water, toilet).
Should I bring my pet along for the ride?
If your pet becomes overwhelmed by strangers, loud noises, or open doors, boarding or day care may be the best option. If boarding is stressful, hiring a reliable home sitter may be your best option.
