Moving with Pets: A Complete Guide for Dog and Cat Owners

Let me tell you something about moving with pets. Last year, I watched a family try to load their golden retriever into a moving truck while their cat literally scaled the living room curtains in panic. Total chaos.

Your pets have no idea what’s happening during a move. One day they’re lounging in their favorite sunny spot, and the next day strangers are wrapping the couch in plastic. The difference between a smooth pet move and a disaster usually comes down to preparation.

Why Your Pet is Freaking Out

Your dog knows your house better than you do. He knows the fifth floorboard creaks, that afternoon sun hits the back window at exactly 3pm, and his food bowl is precisely 47 steps from his bed. He’s mapped out his entire territory.

Now you’re dismantling his whole world. Dogs get clingy or start destroying things. Cats hide for days and refuse to eat. Smaller pets like rabbits or birds can literally stress themselves sick. This isn’t behavioral, it’s biological. Their stress hormones spike just like yours do.

Start Way Earlier Than You Think

Vet Visit is Non-Negotiable

Book that vet appointment at least a month out. Make sure shots are current, especially if you’re crossing state lines. But here’s what nobody tells you: use this appointment to talk honestly about anxiety.

My own dog turns into a nervous wreck during thunderstorms, so I asked about medication before we moved. The vet prescribed something mild, and it made all the difference. Is that “drugging” your pet? No. It’s helping them cope with an objectively stressful situation.

Grab copies of their medical records while you’re there. Calling back three months later trying to get records faxed is annoying for everyone.

Update Microchip Info Now

Real talk. Almost nobody remembers to update their pet’s microchip before moving. Do it right now. Log into whatever registry your pet is in and update everything. And if they’re not chipped yet? Get that done ASAP, especially for cats.

I’ve seen too many cats bolt out the door on moving day. If that happens, you want whoever finds them to get them back to your NEW address, not your old one.

Get Them Used to the Carrier

If the only time your cat sees their carrier is for vet visits, they hate it. Break that association. Put the carrier out in your living room with the door open. Throw treats in there. Feed meals inside it. My cat started napping in hers once she realized it wasn’t automatically a trip to get poked with needles.

Moving Day Strategy

Keep Everything Normal

I know you’re busy. I know you want to skip the morning walk or feed the dog early. Don’t. Your pet’s routine is the only thing keeping them sane right now. That 7 am breakfast? Give it at 7 am. That afternoon walk? Take it.

One exception: if you’re traveling with your pet, don’t give them a huge meal right before you hit the road. Car sick pets are no fun. Ask me how I know.

The Safe Room Strategy

This is THE most important thing. Pick a room and put your pet in there with their bed, toys, water, and food. For cats, add the litter box. Put a big sign on the door: “PET INSIDE.”

Why? I once saw a dog run straight out the front door while movers were carrying a couch. He was gone for six hours. Don’t let that be your dog. Keep them contained and safe.

Travel Tips

For local moves, consider taking your pet to a friend’s house or doggy daycare for the day. Whatever you choose, put them in YOUR car when transporting. Never in the moving truck.

Road tripping? Stop every couple hours. Let your dog stretch and do their business. Never leave your pet in a hot car. Not even for “just a minute.” It’s dangerous and illegal in most places.

Pack your pet’s regular food. This is not the time to discover that the gas station doesn’t carry their specific brand. Bring enough for the whole trip plus extra. And book pet-friendly hotels before you leave.

Flying with Pets

Flying with pets can be a nightmare. Every airline has different rules. Small pets that fit under the seat fly in the cabin with you. Big dogs go in cargo, which is temperature controlled but still scary.

Some breeds can’t fly at all. Pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats… anything with a smooshed face. Airlines won’t take them because the risk is too high. If you can drive instead of fly, do that.

First Week in the New Place

Don’t Overwhelm Them

You finally made it. You’re exhausted. Your pet is exhausted. Everything smells wrong to them and they don’t understand why you’ve brought them to this strange place.

Set up one room with their stuff. Let them decompress there for a bit. Cats especially need this. Some will hide under a bed for a week. That’s fine. Don’t drag them out. Just put food near their hiding spot and let them process things at their own pace.

Keep the Routine

Everything else is new, so maintain the schedule. Same feeding times. Same walk times. Same bedtime routine. My dog gets a treat every night at 8pm. Doesn’t matter where we are. That consistency helps him feel secure.

After a day in their safe room, start showing them around. One room at a time. For dogs, keep them leashed on walks even if they normally go off leash. They don’t know where they are yet. Walk the same route multiple times so they start recognizing landmarks.

Find a New Vet Now

Don’t wait until your pet is sick to find a vet. Research local vets now. Read reviews. Schedule a “get to know you” appointment in the first couple weeks. That way you’ve established care before an emergency happens.

Different Pets, Different Needs

Dogs

Dogs are adaptable but tuned into your emotions. If you’re stressed, your dog will pick up on that. Try to stay calm around them. Exercise helps a ton. A tired dog is a calm dog.

Some dogs get weirdly protective of the new house at first. Barking at every noise, suspicious of neighbors. Give it a week or two. They’ll settle down.

Cats

Cats are harder. They’re territorial, and you just destroyed their territory. Feliway diffusers actually help. I was skeptical, but that fake pheromone thing genuinely works.

If your cat stops eating for a day, don’t panic yet. That’s normal stress response. Most cats come around within a few days. And do NOT let them outside for at least two weeks. They need time to understand that THIS place is home now.

Small Animals and Exotics

Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds… these guys stress out easily. Keep their cages covered during transport. Make sure they have good airflow but aren’t in direct sun or AC blasts.

For reptiles and fish, temperature control is everything. Too hot or too cold can be fatal. Honestly, if you have expensive or exotic animals, hire a specialized transport service. They know what they’re doing.

What Actually Helps with Anxiety

Things that work:

• Keeping routines consistent
• Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs
• Calming treats with chamomile
• CBD treats (ask your vet first)
• Prescription meds for severe cases
• Calming music playlists
• Thundershirts for dogs

Things that don’t help:

• Yelling at them for stress behaviors
• Forcing them to “face their fears”
• Changing their food during the move
• Punishing them for accidents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming their pet will just adapt. They won’t. You need to actively support them.

Mistake 2: Letting pets run around on moving day. This is how they get lost or hurt. Lock them in a safe room.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to update microchip and ID tags before you move.

Mistake 4: Changing everything at once. New house plus new food plus new routine equals stressed animal. Keep things familiar.

Mistake 5: Getting angry when they act stressed. Your pet isn’t being difficult. They’re scared and confused.

When to Hire Professional Help

Sometimes you need experts. Consider professional pet relocation services if you’re moving internationally, have multiple large pets, your pet has serious anxiety, your destination requires complicated paperwork, or you have exotic animals.

Yes, it costs money. But they handle all the logistics and paperwork while ensuring your pet’s safety. For complicated moves, that peace of mind is worth every penny.

You Can Do This

Moving with pets takes more work than moving without them. But they’re family. You wouldn’t leave your kid behind because moving with children is complicated. Same logic applies.

Start preparing early. Keep their routine as normal as possible. Create safe spaces. Be patient. Most pets adjust within a few weeks, and then it’s like they’ve always been there. New favorite napping spots, new neighbors to bark at, new birds to watch.

If you want help making your move less stressful for everyone (including your pets), professional movers who understand pet owners can make all the difference. We get it. Pets are family members, not furniture. The right moving company will work with you to create a plan that keeps everyone safe and as calm as possible.

Ready to make your pet-friendly move easier? Get started with a moving company that treats your furry family members with the care they deserve.

You’ve got this. And so does your pet. Good luck with the move!

Disclaimer: Articles in our Beyond category are independent. They are not overseen by our editorial team and may not reflect our opinion.