Moving house is a big change for everyone in the family, including the four-legged members too. New smells, new noises, new neighbours, plus all the extra stress and excitement buzzing around them: it’s a lot for a pet to take in. Every animal is different, so how yours reacts will depend on their personality, but a bit of planning goes a long way towards making the move as smooth as possible.

Here’s our complete pet moving checklist, split into what to do before the move and what to do once you’ve settled into your new home.

Get them comfortable with their cage.

If your pet isn’t used to their carrier or crate, start a few weeks ahead of moving day. Pop some treats inside, let them wander in and out in their own time, and get them used to being picked up and carried. A bit of practice now means a lot less stress on the day itself.

Sort out pet care for moving day

Moving day is chaotic even for humans, so it’s worth arranging for your pet to be somewhere calmer a friend’s house, a boarding kennel or cattery, or a pet sitter. Keeping them away from the boxes, the strangers, and the open front doors will save everyone’s nerves.

After the Move: Settling In

Set up a safe space

Before anything else, create a quiet room with your pet’s bed, toys, and food bowls – somewhere they can retreat to and feel secure. If your dog is crate trained, pop their crate somewhere calm so they can take themselves out of the hustle and bustle whenever they need to.

Check your boundaries

Before letting your pet loose in the garden for the first time, walk the fence line and check for gaps, loose panels, or anywhere they could squeeze through and escape.

Update their details

Update your pet’s microchip details and collar tag with your new address and contact number – it’s easy to forget in the chaos of moving, but it’s one of the most important jobs on the list.

Keep cats indoors to start With

Outdoor cats should stay indoors for at least a few weeks while they adjust. This gives them time to learn where home is before they start exploring outside, which massively reduces the risk of them getting lost or going walkabout. There’s plenty of good advice online on how to help your cat feel safe and settled in a new environment.

Register with a new vet

Find and register with a local vet near your new home, so you’re all set if you ever need one in a hurry. You should check all google reviews and ask locals for recommendations.