Tips for moving with pets

Moving to a new home is an exciting time. But it can hold a few challenges for both humans and their furry friends. Our pets are an integral part of our families, and their well-being during a move is really important.

From finding pet-friendly accommodation to managing their stress, this guide may help you navigate your next move a little better with valuable tips and strategies to ensure a smooth transition when moving with pets.

Relocating can be a source of immense stress for our beloved pets. This is because like humans, they thrive on familiarity and routine.  So, the upheaval that comes with moving can disrupt their sense of security. Here are some common stressors for pets during a move:

Change of environment - Pets are creatures of habit, and a new environment can be disorienting.

Travel anxiety - Many pets experience anxiety during car rides or flights, making the journey itself stressful.

Separation anxiety - Moving often involves temporary separation from their owners during the packing and unpacking process.

New people and animals - A new neighbourhood may introduce unfamiliar faces and animals (and smells), which can be intimidating to your pet.

Routine disruption - Changes in daily routines, feeding schedules, and exercise can cause stress.

To alleviate the stress around moving, it's important to plan and prepare ahead of time. Here are some pet-friendly moving strategies to help ensure a smooth transition:

Start early

Begin preparations well in advance of your moving day. Brainstorm all the factors involved in the move and include your pets as a key consideration. From there you can build lists of things to sort out early. This may include finding pet-friendly interim accommodation for you and your pets, gathering important documents, and finding local vets.

Visit the vet

Before moving, schedule a visit to the vet. Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, and request copies of their medical records like vaccination and desexing certificates. This will be helpful when you get a vet in your new area. It’s also an idea to check all your pets’ shots are up to date as you’ll be busy after you move and may overlook any upcoming shots.

If your dog is anxious the vet may prescribe a mild sedative to be given before they travel.

According to Dr. Natasha Pesce Veterinarian and Director of Terrey Hills Animal Hospital commonly these medications and natural calming supplements take 3-6 weeks to start working. So, it’s a good idea to ensure you give yourself and your pet plenty of time to start these medications prior to moving. Other medications can be shorter acting so chat to your vet about what they think is the most appropriate supplement or medication to use.

“There are also vets that specialise in Pet Behaviour. If you think your pet will really find the move challenging, sometimes it is great peace of mind to reach out to a behaviour vet to discuss this with them specifically,” Dr Pesce says.

Update ID information

Update your pet's ID tags with your new contact information. Double check your pet is microchipped and update your contact information if your pet isn't already chipped. You can check your pet’s microchip by visiting www.petaddress.com.au.

It’s also a good idea to also have a physical tag on your dog’s collar with your phone number so that you can be located faster should your dog get lost.  

Pet-proof your new home

Once you move to your place it may take a while for your pet to settle in and they may behave in an unsettle way. So, it’s a good idea to pet-proof your new home ideally before you move. Remove any potential hazards, secure windows and balconies, and make sure fences are secure for outdoor pets.

Maintain routine

To help your pet’s transition to their new digs, try to stick to your pet's routine as much as possible during the packing process. Maintain their feeding, walking, and playtime schedule to provide stability. And once you’re moved in keep up the routine to give a sense of familiarity and comfort to your pet.

Create a safe space

During the move, allocate a quiet, secure room for your pet with their bed, toys, food, and water. This room will act as a sanctuary during the chaos of packing and unpacking.

Use familiar items

Keep your pet comfortable by using their familiar bedding and toys. Having familiar scents around can provide comfort during the transition.

Gradual introduction to the new space

When you arrive at your new home, gradually introduce your pet to the new environment. Start with one room and expand their access as they become more comfortable. It’s probably a good idea not to let your dog out without a leash until they acclimatise to the neighbourhood to reduce the risk of it getting lost. For cats, if you let your cat out at night usually perhaps don’t do so until they’ve also gotten used to the area.

According to Dr Pesce, this also applies to introduction to new people. “If you are moving in with a roommate, introducing a new partner to the home or planning on having certain social events at home (eg house warming), it is really important that your pet have a chance to meet the new house mate slowly and over a number of visits. Let your new house mate know if your pet is anxious and what things they are anxious with (eg loud noises, sudden movements, if they resource guard food/beds).

“Recent surveys have revealed that many people (including pet owners) are not aware of what stressed body language looks like in dogs and cats, commonly assuming that certain body language is cute, normal or only mildly stressed. Anxious body language commonly causes dogs and cats to:

• have low body posture to the ground
• ears flat and low or back
• eye contact from a low position
• panting and pacing
• hiding (for cats in particular)
• abnormal eating habits (cats in particular)
• abnormal toileting habits; commonly cats will urinate in abnormal places when stressed and can even develop life threatening bladder obstructions if left unmanaged
• barking at the door or to random noises
• lip licking 
• yawning
• over grooming

“It is really important that if your pet shows any of these signs that you manage their anxiety and stress early, rather than waiting to see if they improve over time. Frequently anxiety worsens with repeat exposure so make sure you chat to your vet if you have any concerns about your pet being anxious,” Dr Pesce says.

Exploration time

Allow your pet to explore the new space at their own pace. Supervise their initial explorations, and gradually introduce them to the surrounding area, both indoors and outdoors.

Maintain exercise and play

Continue to provide regular exercise and playtime. A tired pet is a less anxious pet.

Be patient

Understand that your pet may take some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Be patient and offer plenty of love and attention during this unsettled time.

According to Dr Pesce, travelling can be particularly difficult for older pets and those with health conditions.

“Moving can be more challenging for pets that might also have co-morbidities such as arthritis, vision impairment, hearing loss or certain conditions that require environmental management to prevent injury or stress.

“Make sure that your new environment is easy for older pets to access and note whether any significant stairs or obstructions are present that might cause discomfort or prevent your pet from wanting to go to the toilet outside,” she said.

The journey to your new home can be particularly stressful for pets. Here are some tips for travelling with your furry companion:

Familiarise your pet with its carrier or crate

If your pet is travelling in a carrier, make sure they are comfortable with it before the move. Leave it open with familiar bedding and treats inside to create a positive association.

Keep pets secure

During the journey, secure your pet in a carrier or with a harness and leash to prevent them from wandering inside the vehicle.

Frequent breaks

If travelling by car, take frequent breaks to allow your pet to stretch, drink water, and use the bathroom. Perhaps give them some of their favourite treats.

Stay calm

Animals can pick up on their owner's stress. Stay calm and reassuring to help keep your pet at ease during the journey.

Pack essentials

Pack a bag for your pet with essentials like food, water, medication, and comfort items. Having these readily available can reduce stress.

According to Dr Pesce, if you’re travelling to a completely new location for example, relocating interstate it’s important to liaise with a local vet before your move to scope any local conditions that you need to take into account.

“It’s a good idea to contact a local vet to understand if there are any diseases that your pet should be protected against that are specific to that area. For example, the east coast of Australia has notoriously deadly paralysis ticks present particularly in Spring and Summer so it’s important to ensure that your pet has adequate tick prevention before coming into the area.

“Similarly, certain areas of NSW have had outbreaks of a deadly bacterial disease called Leptospirosis that causes kidney failure in dogs. Check to see if your dog should be vaccinated for this prior to travelling so that they are protected once you settle into your new home,” Dr Pesce says.

If you're moving to a new city or area, finding pet-friendly accommodation is crucial. You can use online accommodation and rental websites that specifically cater to pet-friendly listings. These platforms make it easier to find landlords and properties that welcome pets.

When inquiring about potential rentals, be upfront about your pet. Ask about the pet policy, fees, and any restrictions.

To keep your pets safe during and after a big move take some time to plan for the following.

Secure your pet during transit

Whether you're driving or flying, secure your pet in an appropriate carrier or harness to prevent accidents.

Pet-proof new home

Inspect your new home for potential hazards and address them before allowing your pet to roam freely in their new home. Think about their access to the outdoors – is it safe and will it need a new pet door installed?

Find a local vet

It’s a good idea to find a vet in your new area before you move or soon after in case of emergencies.

“Social media is also becoming a great space for communities to support each other and provide local information,” Dr Pesce says.

“Suburbs will have often have a community Facebook page for pet owners and this can provide up to date information like local pet news, contacts for daycare and grooming recommendations.”

Mental health

Moving is an upheaval for both humans and pets. If you find your pet starts misbehaving after your move be patient. It could a reaction to the change in their surroundings. Try to limit the factors that might be stressing your pet and speak to your vet for support.

Make sure you have the following before the move:

• Records from the vet including immunisation and desexing certificates
• Bedding, pillows and towel or something to line the crate for their comfort
• Food and water bowls
• Their favourite food and snacks
• Kitty litter tray
• Toys and treats
• Leashes and collars
• Tick and flea medications
• Poop bags and scoop
• Cage cover for smaller caged animals like birds
• Paper towels for any accidents
• Food for the first few days while you are unpacking

Moving with pets requires thoughtful planning and consideration. By taking proactive steps to minimise stress and ensuring their comfort and safety, you can help your furry friends transition to their new home with ease. Remember that patience and love go a long way in making the move a positive experience for both you and your pets.

Here’s some tips to decorate your new home.

On the move?

We're here to do the heavy lifting. Get internet from day dot. 

Book your move on My Optus app or online today.

^{*For Optus nbn, 4G backup will provide you with Internet in Optus 4G coverage areas until your full service is installed.}