Moving is stressful for everyone in the family — including the four-legged members. Dogs and cats are creatures of routine, and the chaos of packing, loading, and traveling to a new home can cause significant anxiety.
Here's how to make the transition as smooth as possible for your furry companions.
Before the Move
Start Early with Preparation
- •Get carrier/crate comfortable: If your pet isn't used to a travel crate, introduce it 3–4 weeks before the move. Leave it open with treats and a familiar blanket inside.
- •Update microchip info: Ensure your pet's microchip registration has your new address and current phone number.
- •Visit the vet: Schedule a checkup 2–3 weeks before moving. Get copies of medical records, current prescriptions, and ask about anti-anxiety options for the trip.
- •Research vets at your destination: Have a new veterinarian identified before you arrive.
Packing Phase
Pets pick up on changes in their environment. As you start packing:
- •Maintain routines: Keep feeding times, walks, and play sessions consistent.
- •Create a safe space: Designate one room that stays "normal" as long as possible — their bed, toys, food, and water stay there.
- •Keep familiar items accessible: Don't pack their favorite blanket or toy until the very last moment.
Moving Day
Moving day is the most chaotic — and the most dangerous for pets.
The Golden Rule: Isolate Your Pet
- •Board them for the day: The safest option. A familiar boarding facility or a friend's house keeps them away from open doors, heavy furniture, and stressed movers.
- •If they stay home: Confine them to one room with a sign on the door: "DO NOT OPEN — Pet Inside." Include water, food, litter box (for cats), and familiar items.
Travel Preparations
- •Car travel: Use a secured crate or pet seatbelt. Never let pets ride loose in a moving vehicle.
- •Food and water: Bring enough for the entire trip plus 2 extra days.
- •Frequent stops: For dogs, stop every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks and stretching.
- •Never leave pets in parked cars: Even in mild weather, car temperatures can become dangerous within minutes.
At Your New Home
First 24 Hours
- •Set up a "base camp": Choose one room and set up their bed, food, water, and litter box. Let them acclimate to this space before exploring the whole house.
- •Pet-proof the new home: Check for gaps behind appliances, open vents, toxic plants, and unsecured windows.
- •Maintain old routines: Same feeding times, same walk schedule. Consistency is comfort.
First Week
- •Gradually expand territory: Open one new room at a time over several days.
- •For cats: Keep them indoors for at least 2 weeks. Cats who go outside too soon may try to return to their old home.
- •For dogs: Walk them around the new neighborhood on a leash. Let them sniff and explore at their pace.
- •Watch for stress signs: Excessive hiding, loss of appetite, destructive behavior, or house-training regression are common and usually temporary.
Special Considerations for Long Distance Moves
If you're moving across the country:
- •Air travel: Some pets fly better than they drive. Consult your vet about whether your pet is a good candidate for air travel.
- •Pet-friendly hotels: Book in advance. Not all hotels accept pets, and those that do often have size limits.
- •Health certificates: Some states require health certificates for pets entering their borders. Check requirements for your destination state.
Moving with your whole family — pets included? MoveMatch Pro coordinates every detail so you can focus on keeping everyone comfortable.