Moving with your pet
Once you have found a pet-friendly property, you will need to think about moving your pet and settling them into your new home. The following tips will help make the move as easy and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
Prior to moving day
- Find out whether a friend or family member could take care of your pet while you move, or look into boarding your cat or dog in a cattery or kennels. Moving home can be very stressful for your pet so it's advisable to remove them from the situation whenever possible
- Make sure that you update your pet's microchip and ID tag in advance. If your pet runs away during or after the move, it's important that you can be contacted immediately
- If you are moving away, research a new veterinary practice in the area you are moving to and register your pet with them in advance
- If your pet is prone to travel sickness or anxiety, ask your vet about anti-sickness medication and other ways to make the journey less stressful for them
Moving day
- If you have to keep your pet with you on moving day, try to keep their routine as normal as possible to avoid stress
- Pack up toys, bowls and bedding at the last minute as they will be comforting to your pet
- Try to keep your pet in one room to keep him safe and so that you always know where he is. If you have a cat, you should keep them in from the day before, otherwise you may not be able to find them on moving day
- If you are using a removal firm, let them know that you have a pet and which room you will be keeping them in so that they do not frighten them or let them out of the room
Travelling with your pet
- It's advisable not to feed your pet for 3-4 hours before travelling if they are prone to travel sickness
- Always ensure that your pet has access to fresh water
- You should never leave your pet in a parked vehicle if you are stopping along the way, particularly on a hot day
- If you are making a long journey with a dog, make sure you stop regularly for toilet breaks. Cats should also be offered a litter tray during the journey
- Make sure you transport your pet as safely as possible. You should use a secure basket or carrier so that your pet cannot escape during the journey. For dogs you can use a dog guard, travel crate or seatbelt harness in the back seat
- Provide your pet with familiar toys and bedding in the car as this will be comforting to them.
Settling your pet into your new home
- When you reach your new home, keep your pet in one room with familiar things around them while you unpack
- Keep your pet's routine as normal as possible while you are settling them in
- You should aim to keep cats indoors for at least 3 weeks so that they can get used to their new surroundings. When you are ready to allow them outside, let them go out and explore in their own time and make sure you keep the door open so that they can come back in if they feel nervous. It's a good idea to let them go out when they are hungry so that you can always tempt them back with their favourite food or treat.
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