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Pets don't understand why their environment is suddenly full of boxes and strangers, which makes moving day one of the more stressful days of the year for most animals. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping them calm and safe throughout.
Keep Pets Away From the Loading Process
An open front door, a constant flow of people, and unfamiliar large objects moving through the house is a recipe for an anxious pet trying to bolt. Arrange for pets to stay in a quiet room with the door shut, at a friend's home, or with a sitter for the busiest hours of moving day.
Movers Don't Transport Live Animals
This is worth stating clearly: a household moving truck is not set up to transport pets, and a legitimate mover won't offer to do so. Plan separate transport for your pets — your own vehicle, a pet transport service, or a flight with appropriate crating for longer distances.
Update Identification Before You Move
Update microchip details and collar tags with your new address and a current phone number before moving day, not after — pets are more likely to slip out or become disoriented during the move itself than at any other time.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Food, water, a familiar bed or blanket, any medication, and a favourite toy should be packed separately and kept accessible, the same way you'd pack a first-night essentials box for the family. Familiar scents and objects help a pet settle into a new space faster.
Introduce the New Home Gradually
For cats especially, confining them to one room with their familiar items for the first day or two, then gradually giving access to the rest of the house, reduces the disorientation of a completely new, large space all at once. Dogs generally adjust faster but still benefit from an early walk around the new neighbourhood to get oriented.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Reduced appetite, hiding, or unusual vocalisation are common and typically settle within a week or two as routines re-establish. Keeping feeding times, walks and other routines as consistent as possible through the transition helps this resolve faster.