Moving into a new home is a big deal. New memories to make, new rooms to decorate, new corners to explore—and if you’ve got pets, you know they’re coming along for every step of the adventure (whether they’re thrilled about it or not). But as exciting as a new address can be for you, it can be a stressful and confusing transition for your four-legged companions. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup, a curious cat, or a chill chinchilla, here are some practical and pet-friendly tips to make moving into your new home as stress-free as possible—for everyone involved.
Prep Before You Pack
A smooth move starts with a little preparation. First, update your pet’s ID tags and microchip information with your new address and phone number. If they do get out during the hustle and bustle, this ensures a safe return. Next, start packing gradually. Pets can pick up on changes in the home. If everything suddenly disappears into boxes overnight, it can feel unsettling. Packing over time gives them a chance to adjust. Try to keep their routine consistent—meals, walks, playtime—as much as possible. It helps create a sense of normalcy when everything else is shifting.
Transportation Tips
Whether moving across town or the province, ensure your pet is secure and comfortable in transit. A sturdy, well-ventilated crate or carrier is ideal for cats and small dogs. For larger pups, a pet seatbelt or car harness works well. Line carriers with familiar blankets, and bring a favourite toy or two for comfort. Plan for rest stops on longer drives—give them time to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves. If your pet gets car sick or nervous, check with your vet about calming options or medications to ease the ride.
Create a Safe Space on Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, with doors open, furniture shifting, and unfamiliar people coming in and out. To keep your pet safe and calm, set them up in a quiet room away from the action. Fill it with familiar items—bed, food and water bowls, toys—and check in regularly. If your pet tends to get especially anxious, you might consider having them stay with a friend or book a reputable pet daycare for the day. That way, you can focus on the move without worrying about an escape attempt or an overwhelmed furry friend.
Create a Pet-Friendly Space Right Away
Once you arrive at your new home, take a little time to pet-proof the space before giving your animals free rein. Tuck away wires, ensure windows have screens, and check that gates or fences are secure. As tempting as it is to focus solely on unpacking your essentials (hello, coffee maker), unpack your pet’s things first—bed, bowls, favourite toys, litter box—so they’re surrounded by familiar scents. Animals are creatures of comfort and habit—recreating a familiar environment, even in a brand-new space, can help ease anxiety and smooth the transition. Introduce them to one room at a time to avoid overwhelming them with too much new territory at once. As tempting as it is to start a new routine in the new house, try to keep their schedule from the previous home consistent. Same feeding times, same walk routes (for now), same bedtime rituals.
Give Them Time to Adjust
Even the most confident pet may need a few days (or weeks) to feel settled. Don’t be surprised if they initially hide, cling, or act a little out of character. Patience, love, and positive reinforcement go a long way. Stick to a steady rhythm of affection, treats, and playtime to help them feel secure. Keep an eye out for signs of stress—changes in appetite, accidents, excessive grooming—and give them extra reassurance as needed.
Explore the Neighbourhood Together
Once your pet has found its groove indoors, you can introduce it to the new neighbourhood. For dogs, take short, calm walks around your new block and let them sniff to their heart’s content—their superpower of scent is how they make sense of the world. For cats, consider some supervised outdoor time in a secure backyard or leash training if they’re up for it. And don’t forget to make it fun—visit a local dog park, drop by a pet-friendly café, or explore one of the new neighbourhood parks or nearby walking trails. It’s a great way for both of you to meet fellow pet lovers and feel at home in your new surroundings.
At the end of the day, your pet doesn’t care about square footage or vaulted ceilings—they care about being with you. With a little preparation, patience, and a few tasty treats, you can help them transition into your new home confidently and comfortably. After all, a house only becomes a home when it’s filled with love and happy wagging tails greeting you at the door!