Tips for Moving with Pets

Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re moving with pets. Your pet isn’t just along for the ride; they’re a central part of your household. A change in environment can trigger confusion, anxiety, or even behavioral issues, which makes it essential to prepare thoroughly. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, your goal is the same: to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your furry companion.

This guide gives you clear, practical tips for every step of the move. You’ll learn how to plan ahead, what to pack, how to keep your pet comfortable on moving day, and how to help them adjust afterward. With the right approach, your pet will settle in quickly — and so will you.

Just like you start packing weeks in advance, your pet’s moving process should begin early, too. Start by scheduling a wellness check with your vet. Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date, refill any prescriptions, and ask for copies of medical records. If you’re moving out of the area, ask for a referral to a new veterinarian close to your new home.

You’ll also want to update your pet’s ID tags and microchip information with your new address and phone number. If your pet were to escape during the move, having current contact info on hand can help ensure a quick reunion.

In the weeks before your move, begin getting your pet comfortable with travel carriers, crates, or harnesses if they aren’t already. Introduce these items slowly with treats, toys, and positive reinforcement. You want the carrier to be familiar and comforting by the time moving day arrives.

On the day of the move, everything will feel chaotic, with boxes everywhere, doors open, people coming and going. Your pet will feel that energy shift. To keep your pet calm and make their needs easy to manage, pack a dedicated pet bag a few days before the move.

This should include:

Think of this bag as your pet’s overnight kit for a few days — something that stays with you, not on the moving truck. Having quick access to familiar comforts helps reduce stress during transit and makes arrival smoother.

Moving day is typically high-stress for everyone, and for your pet, it can feel alarming. Loud noises, unfamiliar people, furniture shifting around, and open doors all increase the chances of confusion or escape.

If possible, keep your pet in a quiet, secure area away from the chaos. This could be a bathroom with their crate, toys, and water, or you might consider boarding them for the day or asking a trusted friend to watch them. Avoid leaving your pet unsupervised in the yard, even if it's fenced. Pets may react unexpectedly when their environment changes.

If you’re driving to your new home, make sure that your pet is safely secured in the car. Use a well-ventilated carrier or safety harness; never allow them to roam freely in a moving vehicle. For longer moves, plan your route with pet-friendly hotels, rest stops, and plenty of breaks.

When you arrive, your pet will need time to decompress. Create a designated area right away — even if the rest of the house is in boxes. Set up their bed, toys, and bowls in a quiet corner. Keeping a few familiar items that smell like your old home can help bridge the transition.

Stick to familiar routines as much as possible. Feed your pet at their usual hour, go for walks at the same time of day, and spend quality time helping them explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Avoid introducing too many new people or experiences right away. Let your pet warm up to the new environment gradually.

You’ll also want to pet-proof the new space. Double-check fences, gates, windows, and doors for any potential hazards or escape routes. Even the most well-behaved pets can get spooked in unfamiliar places.

It’s normal for pets to act differently after a move. They might hide, stop eating, become clingy, or display territorial behaviors. These behaviors are typically temporary; your pet is adjusting to a big change. Be patient and give them space to settle. Reinforce good habits with praise, routine, and consistency. Avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety and slow the adjustment.

If problems persist after several weeks, it may be worth consulting a trainer or your new veterinarian. Stress-related behaviors can often be resolved with some extra support and structure.

Ultimately, pets thrive when they feel secure and loved. That feeling doesn’t come from furniture or decor — it comes from consistency, attention, and comfort. With each passing day, your new home will feel more familiar. What starts as a strange new space will soon become your pet’s favorite nap spot, your shared hangout, and the place where new memories begin.

If you and your pet are ready to start your real estate journey in Birmingham, Michigan, reach out to Meredith Colburn today.