How to safely pack and move house with a pet

You’ve got the keys, the boxes are stacked, and the removal van is on its way. But while you’re planning your next chapter, your pet might not be quite as excited.

From the first box you pack to the moment your pet curls up in their new favourite spot, here’s our guide to keeping pets safe, comfortable and as calm and possible throughout your house move.

The earlier you can prepare your pets for a house move, the easier it will be for them. Here are some of the things that you can do to get them ready to move house:

• Keep things familiar for as long as possible
  One of the simplest and most effective steps for keeping pets calm when moving house is to start packing up the rooms that your pets rarely use first and leave their main space untouched for as long as you can. Their bed, scratching post, food bowls, and favourite toys should stay in their usual spots for as long as possible. This is because pets rely on smell more than we realise, so familiar scents can help them feel safe, even as everything around them changes. 

• Stick to a routine and familiar smells 
  Routine is important for pets during a move. Try to keep feeding, walking and play times as close to normal as possible, even if that means stepping over boxes. It also helps to hold off washing their bedding or toys until after you’ve moved as that comforting smell of “home” will follow them into the new place. 

• Plan for the journey
  Think about how your pet will travel. Pets travelling with you must be properly restrained under UK law, so that means having a secure carrier for cats and small animals and a crate or seatbelt harness for dogs. Remember to pack water, bowls and snacks for the journey, especially if it’s a long drive to your new home or a warm day. If you can, try to avoid feeding pets a large meal within two hours of travel to help prevent motion sickness. 
• Explore the new area
  If you’re moving locally, try to take your dog on walks around your new neighbourhood in the weeks before you move. This will allow your furry friend to familiarise themselves with the new smells and sights and will give them fewer things to get used to when it's time to settle in for good.  

Although moving day will be stressful for you, it’s likely to be even more confusing for your pet. Here’s how you can keep them safe and settled during your move:

• Arrange support if possible
  If your pet is nervous or easily startled, consider alternative arrangements for your them on moving day itself. Ask a trusted friend or family member to look after them or research a pet sitter, cattery or kennel well in advance. This way, your pet can spend somewhere quiet and familiar instead of in the middle of a house full of strangers and moving furniture.  

• Use calming tools and distractions
  If they are staying with you, one of our top moving house tips with pets is to consider plugging in a pheromone diffuser. Plug in one a few days before the move to build up a calming scent and continue using it on moving day itself. Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are widely used and mimic natural pheromones that help soothe anxiety.
  Inside their safe room, we also recommend offering puzzle feeders, chews or toys to occupy your pet during the chaos.  

• Keep essentials to hand
  To save you rummaging through boxes when you arrive at your new home, remember to pack a dedicated bag that has everything you will need straight away. Having easy access to items like food and water bowls, leads, litter trays, medication and toys mean you can set up a new spot for your pet when you arrive in your new home.

Once you’re in, your priority should be helping to reassure your pet that they are safe and that they are in their new home. To help your pet settle into your new home, you should: 

• Check for hazards
  Before you allow your pet to explore, check for any potential hazards. Make sure fences and gates are secure, check there are no exposed wires or plants that could be harmful, and keep cleaning or decorating supplies out of reach.  

• Let your pet explore gradually
  Instead of giving your pet the run of the whole house straight away, start with one or two rooms and open up more space as they become more comfortable. This is especially important if your new home has stairs or layouts your pet hasn’t experienced before. Use treats and praise to reward curiosity but never force them to go somewhere they show nervousness about.
  If you have a dog, walk them around your new garden on a lead at first so that they can explore with reassurance and if you have a cat, ideally keep them indoors for three weeks after moving so that they can recognise their new home. When you do let your cat outside, it’s a good idea to leave familiar garden items from the old house outside, such as a plant pot or pair of wellies to help cats find their way back to you.  

• Update their details
  As soon as possible, update your pet’s microchip, insurance and vet records with your new address. You should also register with a local vet early so that you have access to immediate support if you need it in an emergency. 

Check out our other moving home guides for tips on packing, settling into a new area, and making your move as stress-free as possible.