Moving House With Pets: Cats, Dogs and Small Animals
How to keep cats, dogs, rabbits and other pets calm and safe during a UK house move, from preparation and moving day to settling in at the new home.
Movers will not carry your pets, and neither would you want them to. But moving day is chaotic for animals: open doors, strangers, noise and a house that no longer smells right. A few simple steps reduce the stress for them and for you.
Before the move
Update details
Make sure microchip records have your current contact details, and update them for your new address as soon as you move. Check collar tags too. Tell your vet, and find a new one if you are moving far.
Familiarise them with the carrier
Leave the carrier out for several days with a blanket and treats inside, so it becomes a familiar place rather than a trigger. Cats in particular do better when the carrier is not a rare event.
Keep routines steady
Feed and walk at the usual times as far as you can. Pack gradually and keep their bed, bowls and toys until the last day.
On moving day
Choose a safe place
The best solution is for pets to be away from the house entirely, with a friend, relative or boarding facility. If that is not possible, put them in a quiet room with a closed door, their bed, water, food and a sign on the door saying "Do not open: pet inside". Tell the team.
Doors and gates
Movers go in and out constantly. Open doors are a risk for cats and dogs bolting, so keep pets away from the entrance, or use a stair gate. Check windows too.
Travel
Pets travel with you, in your car, secured in a carrier or with a harness. Avoid leaving animals in a parked car, particularly in warm weather. Stop for water breaks on longer journeys.
At the new home
Set up a base room
Put litter trays, bedding, food and water in one room, with the door closed while things are moved. Let the pet come out gradually once the boxes are in place.
Cats
Keep them indoors for a couple of weeks, so they learn that this is home. Offer hiding places, and put some of their used bedding near the door. Use pheromone products if you find them useful.
Dogs
Walk them around the neighbourhood on a lead, and keep the first days calm. Stick to routine walks and feeding.
Small animals and fish
Rabbits and guinea pigs travel in secure carriers, with bedding and hay, and out of direct sun. Fish are tricky and need specialist advice, and aquariums should be drained and moved separately. Many movers will not take tanks with water in them.
What to put in the pet bag
- Food and bowls
- Any medication
- Bedding and a favourite toy
- Lead, harness and carrier
- Waste bags and a litter tray
- Vet details and microchip number
Keep this with your first night essentials.
Things to avoid
- Letting pets roam unsupervised on the first days
- Changing food at the same time
- Leaving them alone in an unfamiliar house for long periods
- Assuming that they will find their way home if they escape. Cats may try to return to the old address, so tell the new occupants and neighbours.
Planning by type of animal
Different pets have different needs, so it helps to think about what each one finds stressful.
| Pet | Main risk on moving day | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | Bolting through open doors, hiding in boxes | A closed room, a carrier, and counting heads before the van leaves |
| Dog | Stress, barking and getting under feet | A trusted carer, a walk beforehand and a familiar blanket |
| Rabbit or guinea pig | Heat, noise and draughts | A secure carrier in the shade with hay and water |
| Birds | Draughts, sudden light and noise changes | A covered cage and a quiet, warm room |
| Reptiles | Temperature | A warm, insulated carrier and specialist advice |
A short timeline
- A fortnight before: update microchip details and ask the vet about travel stress if your pet is nervous.
- The week before: start packing the home gently, and keep their space the same for as long as possible.
- The night before: feed lightly, and prepare their bag and carrier.
- Moving day: pets go somewhere calm first, travel with you or a trusted person and arrive after the house has been set up where possible.
- First week: fixed times for food and walks, and plenty of quiet time.
Moving a long distance
For a journey of more than a few hours, plan breaks, bring water and a bowl, and never leave an animal in a parked car. For a longer move, ask your vet about travel and any health requirements for the destination. If you need to board your pet overnight, book early.
Rented homes
Check your tenancy agreement and speak to the landlord before moving in with a pet. Some tenancies need permission, and some have extra conditions. Do not assume.
Safety at the new house
Before letting animals roam, walk through the garden for gaps in fences, check windows and balconies, and make sure no cleaning products or small items are left within reach. Update microchip and tag details before letting cats out.
Frequently asked questions
Can movers take pets in the van?
No, and you should not ask them to. Pets should travel with you, in your car or with a trusted person.
Should I sedate my pet for the move?
Only on a vet's advice. Many pets cope well with preparation and a quiet space.
How long does it take for a pet to settle?
It varies a lot between animals, from a few days to several weeks. Keep routines steady and be patient.
Should I let my cat outside straight away?
No. Keep cats indoors for a couple of weeks so they learn the new territory, then let them out first on a quiet day, ideally before a meal.