A Guide to Moving Home with pets

We all know that moving house can be a stressful experience – not just for us, but for our four-legged friends too. Animals are territorial by nature and sensitive to big changes, which can make the process of packing up and moving to a different area a real challenge for our pets. To make the experience as stress-free as possible, we’ve compiled a guide to pet considerations when moving home.

Get your pet microchipped

Before you start packing up your worldly possessions, you’ll need to make sure that your pets are microchipped, as this is now a legal requirement for both dogs and cats. While it’s been compulsory for dogs to be microchipped since 2016, recent legislation means cat owners now have until 10th June 2024 to do the same, or face a fine of up to £500.

If your pet is already microchipped, you need to update the microchip database with your new address details. If your address is on your pet’s collar or tag, make sure you amend this too. Ticking this essential job off your list will give you peace of mind that you’ll have more chance of being reunited with your pet if they decide to go off exploring once you’ve moved!

Keep them safe on the day big

Moving day is always hectic; you’re constantly in and out of rooms, hauling boxes to and from the van and making sure everything is clean before you leave. You don’t want the additional worry of your beloved animal somehow escaping. It’s a good idea to ask a friend to look after your pet on the moving day, or book them into doggy day-care or a cattery for a day or two, so you can fully focus on the move.

If this isn’t possible, try to keep pets contained in one room, with a ‘do not open’ sign on the door. Ensure there’s food, water, a litter tray, bed/blanket, lead, crate/carrier and any familiar items inside so nothing important is packed up and moved before it’s needed.

Help them to settle in

Once you and your pet have reached your new home, take some time to help them settle into their surroundings. This may be overwhelming, as the smells and sounds will be completely different. Unpack items they’re familiar with first, including their food and water bowls, toys and bed/blanket, before you let them inspect the house. You may also want to create a ‘safe space’ for them to retreat to in case it’s all a bit too much. This could be a crate covered in blankets or a quiet area of the house.

Explore together 

Walking your dog is a great way for you both to explore the area. You should try and keep your dog on a lead for the first few walks, just until they’re familiar enough with their surroundings. If you’re walking in open areas, you might want to consider an extendable lead to give your dog a little more freedom.

Cats should be kept indoors for at least two to three weeks after you move in, so make sure they’re happy to use a litter tray! Once you begin to let them outdoors, spend some time with them in the garden - the first outing should be close to feeding time, so they’ll want to come back in soon. Once they start going outdoors, you should encourage them to check out the space during the daytime, but we recommend keeping them in at night for the first few weeks, just until they’re more comfortable in their new surroundings.

Keep calm

Despite all your best efforts, your four-legged friend may still be feeling anxious in an unfamiliar environment. One way to try and ease these feelings is to use a pheromone product. There are numerous products on the market that release odourless, positive chemicals into the air and help to ease stress and anxiety by reassuring pets that they are safe. They come in a variety of formats, including diffusers, sprays and collars.  It's always a good idea to talk to your vet about your big move, as they may be able to offer additional advice specific to your dog, cat or smaller pet.

If you and your pets are looking to move in West Sussex, talk to White & Brooks. We can connect you with areas that have amazing dog walks, houses with great gardens for cats and even places with a pond! Get in touch today.