Moving with Pets: How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Calm

Relocating to a new home is a major life event, and while it can be exciting for humans, it can be incredibly stressful for pets. Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals thrive on routine and familiarity, so the chaos of packing, moving, and settling into a new environment can cause anxiety and confusion. At Alliance Relocation Services, we understand that your pets are part of your family, and we’re here to share expert tips to help keep your furry friends safe and calm during the moving process. With careful planning and a little extra care, you can ensure a smooth transition for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pets Before the Move

Preparation is key to reducing stress for your pets during a move. Start by maintaining their regular routine as much as possible in the weeks leading up to moving day. Stick to their usual feeding, walking, and play schedules to provide a sense of normalcy amid the upheaval of packing.

Next, ensure your pet’s health and identification are up to date. Schedule a visit to your veterinarian to confirm that vaccinations are current and to obtain any necessary health certificates, especially if you’re moving across state lines or internationally. While you’re there, ask about calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or mild sedatives, if your pet is particularly prone to stress. Update your pet’s microchip information and ID tags with your new address and contact details to ensure they can be returned to you if they get lost during the move.

Finally, consider acclimating your pet to their travel carrier or crate well in advance. Leave the carrier out in a familiar space, place treats or toys inside, and encourage your pet to explore it. This will help them feel more comfortable on moving day, whether they’re traveling by car or plane.

Step 2: Pack Strategically to Minimize Disruption

Packing can be unsettling for pets, as they watch their familiar environment being dismantled. To reduce their stress, set up a designated “safe space” in your home—a quiet room or corner where they can retreat from the chaos. Fill this space with their bed, favorite toys, and water bowl, and try to keep it untouched until the last possible moment.
When packing, prioritize your pet’s essentials in a clearly labeled “pet box” that you can access easily during the move. Include items like food, water, bowls, litter, medications, a leash, waste bags, and a familiar blanket or toy. Having these items readily available will help your pet feel secure in the new environment.

If the packing process feels overwhelming, professional packing and unpacking services can streamline the process, allowing you to focus on caring for your pets. At Alliance Relocation Services, our team handles everything from boxing up your belongings to setting up your new home, giving you more time to attend to your furry companions.

Step 3: Keep Pets Safe on Moving Day

Moving day is often the most chaotic part of the relocation process, with movers, open doors, and constant activity. To keep your pets safe, consider boarding them at a kennel or leaving them with a trusted friend or family member for the day. If that’s not an option, confine them to their designated safe space with a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door to prevent accidental escapes.

For smaller pets, such as birds, fish, or reptiles, ensure their travel containers are secure and temperature-controlled. Avoid feeding large meals to dogs or cats on moving day to prevent motion sickness, but provide plenty of water and short, familiar walks to help them stay calm.

Step 4: Transport Your Pets Safely

Whether you’re driving or flying to your new home, prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort during the journey. For car trips, secure dogs with a pet seatbelt or crate, and keep cats in a well-ventilated carrier. Never leave pets unattended in a parked car, as temperatures can rise dangerously quickly. Plan regular stops to let dogs stretch their legs and use the bathroom, and keep windows closed to prevent escapes.

If you’re flying, research airline pet policies well in advance and choose a carrier that meets their requirements. Opt for direct flights whenever possible to minimize travel time, and consult your vet about any additional precautions for air travel.

Step 5: Help Your Pets Settle into the New Home

Once you arrive at your new home, set up a quiet, familiar space for your pets as soon as possible. Use items from their safe space—such as their bed, toys, and blanket—to create a sense of continuity. Allow them to explore the new home gradually, starting with one room before introducing them to the rest of the house.

Reestablish their routine quickly, including feeding, walking, and playtime schedules. Watch for signs of stress, such as pacing, hiding, or changes in appetite, and provide extra reassurance through attention and affection. For outdoor cats, keep them indoors for at least two weeks to prevent them from trying to return to their old territory.

At Alliance Relocation Services, we know that a stress-free move for your entire family—including your pets—is the ultimate goal. Our comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, and electronics reconnection, take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on helping your pets adjust to their new home.

A Smooth Move for Everyone

Moving with pets requires extra care, but with the right preparation, you can keep your furry friends safe and calm throughout the process. By planning ahead, maintaining routines, and enlisting professional help when needed, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home.