Tips on moving home with your pet

Moving house is difficult for a wide range of reasons. However, the task can be even more challenging when you have pets in tow. Relocating is a major upheaval that can impact them in a variety of ways. They can become very confused since they’re unable to understand what’s happening and why. Read our top tips on moving home with your pet. 

How to move home with your pet

Moving house can be an incredibly stressful event. Not only are you faced with moving everything you own somewhere new but it’s expensive, tiring and time-consuming. Of course, when you have pets, the task becomes even more complicated. You need to think about how to move your furry friend to their new home as easily as possible whilst causing them the least amount of upset. Read our tips on moving home with your pet to make the transition simpler. 

Assess the suitability of your new home 

If you know you’ll be moving with your pet, take time to choose a property that’s suitable for both you and them. If you have a dog, consider the size of the garden. Is it big enough for an active pup? You should also consider how busy the roads are outside the house. Roads with lots of traffic could prove dangerous for an outdoor cat. Choosing a house that’s suitable for your pet can reassure you whilst also helping to make the transition easier and quicker for them. Don’t forget to get your pet a collar with your contact information on it. This will ensure that they can be returned to you should they get lost at any point after you’ve moved. 

Pack slowly 

One of the top tips on moving home with your pet is to pack your belongings up slowly. Rather than throwing everything you own into boxes and bags a few days before moving day, we recommend making it a gradual process. Start around a week before you plan to move, ideally leaving their bed, toys, bowls, and litter tray to be packed up last. Packing slowly can help to reduce the stress and worry your pet experiences during the house move.

Maintain your usual routine

Since many pets prefer to have a regular routine, it makes sense not to disrupt this during your move. Whilst this can be challenging at this hectic time, there are ways to keep their schedule as normal as possible. For example, you should continue feeding them and walking your dog at the same time each day. Knowing what to expect throughout the day can help to make them less anxious and make the transition more tolerable. 

Register with a reputable vet

Before you move house, make sure you’ve registered with a veterinary practice you can trust. Since you never know when your pet may need care and attention, it makes sense to do this in advance. We recommend paying the practice a visit to ensure you’re happy with the service they offer. Additionally, make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date. This ensures that they can be reunited with you should they get lost. It’s now a legal requirement for both cats and dogs to be microchipped in the UK.

Don’t rush your pet 

Settling into new surroundings can take time for your pet. So, don’t rush them when introducing them to their new home. If they’re nervous, it’s best to keep them in one room initially so they are not too overwhelmed. Place some of their favourite items in there with them to make them more relaxed. As your pet becomes more comfortable, you can then start to introduce them to other rooms of the home. This will help to reduce their feelings of panic and anxiety. With cats, it’s usually advisable to keep them in the house for around a week post-move. This can help them adjust more easily to their new surroundings.

If you’re a cat owner, you may want to consider using a synthetic feline pheromone diffuser. These devices work to calm down cats, reducing their stress levels. This makes them ideal for house moves. There’s an equivalent available for dogs, however, they’re not very commonly used.

Find pet-friendly removals companies in Halifax

At Darvills, we’ve helped hundreds of people to move houses with pets in tow. We can help with the transportation of many different animals, not limited to cats, dogs, rabbits and birds. There’s a great deal to think about when moving to a new house with pets, however, you can relax in the knowledge that our team have a wealth of experience at hand. We can assist you every step of the way, providing all the advice and guidance that you need. With our help, you can ensure that your pet settles into its new surroundings in no time at all.

We usually recommend restricting your pet to one room before our van arrives at your property. Put their bed, food and water bowls and their litter tray in there too if required. This will ensure that they don’t get caught up in the stress of the removals process and help to keep them calm. If your pet is particularly anxious, it may it best to have them stay with a friend or family member on the day of the move. This will ensure that they are removed from the chaos completely. 

Contact us 

If you’re looking for pet-friendly removals in Halifax, get in touch with Darvills. Call us on 01274 963 057 to discuss your requirements with one of our friendly team. Alternatively, complete the quote form on the website to get a free quote for the removal service you require.