When moving, there are so many things to plan and coordinate. It's a new adventure that can be stressful and exhausting. Moving is also a big stress for our pets. For their peace of mind and safety, it's important to take a few precautions. We've put together a list of useful tips to reduce their nervousness during this hectic day!

Before the move

1- Check if your pets are properly identified

During this eventful day, all sorts of unexpected things can happen. A few weeks before your move, check if your pet is properly identified: identification tag and microchip. If anything happens, you increase your chances of finding it quickly.

2- Make visits before the big day

If possible, have your dog (or cat) visit the premises a few days before the move. Bring items such as his cushion, a bone, or toys to reassure him. Additionally, you can go for walks in your new neighborhood so he can discover the new smells, streets, and surrounding parks.

3- Do not pack away toys and accessories

Wait until the last minute before packing away toys and everything that belongs to your pet. If you do it too quickly, you can trigger several negative reactions. Our four-legged companions sense when there are changes, which can cause them anxiety. On the day of the move itself, prepare a box for them with all their accessories and make sure it's accessible as quickly as possible in the new home.

moving easier with your cat

4- Prepare for your furry friend's arrival

Before your pet moves into its new environment, prepare for its arrival! Animals often feel agitated and disoriented when they change living environments. To limit its distress, make it comfortable from the start. Place the following in a room:

  • Toys;
  • A bowl of food and water;
  • Cushion;
  • Blanket;
  • Cage;
  • Bone;
  • All other accessories that belong to it.

This way, the pet will be more comfortable when it recognizes familiar scents and objects.

The day of the move

5- Have your pet looked after

To ensure that this day goes smoothly and that no accidents occur, have your pet looked after by a relative or in a boarding kennel. Moving can be both very exciting and very stressful; concentrate on this task!

6- Isolate your pet

If it's not possible to have your four-legged friend looked after, you can always opt for this solution.

During this busy time, there's a lot of coming and going. In order to keep your cat safe, keep it locked in a room in your old home and in your new one. Leave it a bowl of food and water with a litter box and toys. Also, warn everyone not to let the cat out of that room.

When everything is calmer at the end of the day, let it explore the house. Offer it a high refuge like a cat tree; it will be able to observe its new environment safely. However, wait a few days before letting it go outside, so that it can get its bearings.

7- Leash your dog or leave him in his crate

For your dog, tie him up in a room where he can see you with his cushion, blanket, and toys. This way, you will avoid accidents or escapes.

dog moving

8- Do not leave your pet in the moving truck or in your car

To be avoided at all costs! Often, moves take place during the hottest summer days. If you leave your pet in the moving truck, it risks heatstroke and feeling unwell.

After the move

9- Resume the routine

From the very next day, resume your routine with your pet: meal times, walks, litter box placement, play times, and all the other daily gestures that will help it acclimate more quickly to the new environment.