How to Move House with Pets: A Complete Guide

Moving house is stressful for humans. For pets, the disruption to routine, unfamiliar smells and the presence of strangers can be overwhelming. With careful planning, you can make the experience as low-stress as possible for your animals - and avoid the real risks that come from an unplanned approach.

Moving with dogs

Dogs pick up on moving day stress immediately. The safest approach is to keep your dog away from the activity entirely - arrange for them to stay with a friend, family member or in kennels. This removes the risk of escaping through open doors, becoming distressed by the crew or being injured by furniture in transit. If your dog must be present, confine them to a single clearly labelled room throughout.

At the new property, set up a familiar space - bed, toys, water - before your dog arrives. Reinstate their routine immediately. Walks in the new neighbourhood should begin the same day to help them map their new territory.

Moving with cats

Confine your cat on moving day to a single room with their carrier, litter tray, food and water. Once at the new property, keep them in one room for 24 to 48 hours before allowing gradual exploration. Do not allow outdoor access for at least two to four weeks - cats can attempt to return to their previous home if allowed out too early.

Moving with small animals

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and mice should travel in their usual cage or carrier with familiar bedding. Keep them away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly susceptible to heat stress during summer moves.

Moving with fish

For short journeys under two hours, fish can travel in large sealed bags filled with tank water and oxygenated air - the same method used by aquarium suppliers. The filter media should travel wet in a sealed bag to preserve beneficial bacteria. Set up the tank at the new property before transferring fish.