Moving House With Pets: Complete UK Guide for Cats & Dogs

Moving house with pets takes a little extra planning. While you know why boxes are appearing and everything is changing, your cat or dog doesn’t – and a house move can disrupt the routines, smells and surroundings they rely on.

This guide covers how to prepare your pet before moving, keep them safe on moving day and help them settle into their new home, with specific advice for moving house with cats and moving house with a dog.

Before Moving House With Pets

Preparation can make moving day considerably easier for both you and your pet. Start thinking about their needs well before the removal van arrives.

• Keep feeding, walking and bedtime routines as normal as possible.
• Leave familiar beds, blankets and toys available rather than packing them early.
• Check that collars and ID tags have your current contact details.
• Make sure your pet’s microchip details can be updated when you move.
• Locate your pet carrier, lead or travel equipment in advance.
• Keep enough food, medication and other essentials accessible for moving week.
• Find a veterinary practice near your new home if you are moving to a different area.
• Think about where your pet will stay safely while movers are coming in and out.

Moving House With Cats

Moving house with cats needs particularly careful planning because cats can be strongly attached to their territory and familiar surroundings. Packing, unfamiliar people and open doors can all make moving day stressful and increase the risk of a cat escaping.

Before the Move

Bring the cat carrier out before moving day rather than introducing it at the last minute. Leaving it open with familiar bedding inside can help it become part of the normal environment.

Try to keep your cat’s food, litter and sleeping arrangements unchanged while you pack the rest of the house.

On Moving Day

Keep your cat securely in a quiet room away from open external doors while furniture and boxes are being removed. Put their litter tray, water, food where appropriate, bedding and carrier in the room and make sure everyone involved in the move knows the cat is inside.

Move your cat in a secure carrier rather than allowing them to travel loose in the vehicle.

Helping Your Cat Settle Into the New House

Start your cat in one quiet room containing familiar items such as their bed, blanket, toys, food, water and litter tray. Allow them to explore the rest of the home gradually rather than giving them access to everything immediately.

Moving House With a Dog

Moving house with a dog can be easier when their daily routine remains familiar. Walks, meals, sleeping arrangements and time with their owners can all provide consistency during a busy move.

Before Moving

• Continue normal walks and feeding times where possible.
• Keep their usual bed and favourite toys available.
• Check their collar and identification details.
• Prepare their lead, food, bowls, medication and travel equipment separately.
• If possible, introduce them to the new area on a walk before moving day.

Moving Day With a Dog

Removal day means open doors, unfamiliar people and lots of activity. Keep your dog somewhere secure and calm. Depending on your dog, this could be a closed room, with a trusted friend or family member, or another suitable safe environment away from the busiest part of the move.

Make sure your dog travels safely and has access to water and appropriate breaks on longer journeys.

Pet Essentials to Keep With You on Moving Day

Don’t put everything your pet needs onto the removal van. Pack a separate pet moving-day bag that stays with you.

Helping Pets Settle Into a New Home

Your new house may feel exciting to you, but to your pet it is an unfamiliar collection of sights, sounds and smells. Give them time to adjust.

• Set up their bed, food and water before introducing them to the whole house.
• Use familiar bedding and toys rather than replacing everything when you move.
• Keep meal and walking times consistent.
• Give nervous pets a quiet area where they can retreat.
• Check doors, windows, fences and gates before allowing pets unrestricted access.
• Introduce new rooms and outdoor spaces gradually.
• Watch for significant or persistent changes in eating, drinking or behaviour and seek veterinary advice if you are concerned.

Update Your Pet’s Details After Moving

Once you’ve moved, remember to update the contact information associated with your pet where necessary. This may include their microchip record, veterinary practice, pet insurance provider and identification tag.

There are plenty of other organisations that may need your new address too. Use our Who to Notify When Moving House checklist so you don’t miss the important ones.

Moving House With Pets Checklist

Moving House With Pets: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Packing your pet’s essentials onto the removal van.
• Leaving pets loose while removal teams are using external doors.
• Changing food, bedding and routines unnecessarily at the same time as moving.
• Forgetting to update identification and contact information.
• Allowing a pet unrestricted access to an unfamiliar new home too quickly.
• Forgetting to check the security of the new garden or outside space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moving house stressful for pets?

Moving can be unsettling for some pets because their normal environment and routine change. Keeping familiar belongings and routines, providing a secure space and allowing time to adjust can help make the transition easier.

What should I do with my pet on moving day?

Keep pets securely away from the busiest areas and open external doors. Depending on the animal, a quiet closed room or care from a trusted person may be suitable. Make sure food, water, medication and travel equipment remain accessible.

How do I help my cat settle after moving house?

Start with a quiet room containing familiar bedding, food, water, toys and a litter tray. Allow your cat to become comfortable there before gradually introducing more of the house.

How do I help my dog settle into a new house?

Keep walks, meals and sleeping routines as consistent as possible. Familiar bedding and toys can help, while gradual exploration gives your dog time to become accustomed to the new environment.