Moving with Pets: Everything You Need to Know

For many of us, pets are family — and moving day can be just as stressful for them as it is for us. Before Moving Day - Visit your vet for a health check and to update microchip details - If moving internationally, check pet passport and vaccination requirements - Gradually introduce your pet to their carrier or crate - Maintain their routine as much as possible in the weeks before On Moving Day - Keep pets in a quiet room away from the chaos, with water, food, and their bed - Consider asking a friend or pet sitter to look after them - Transport pets yourself rather than in the removal van - Keep cats in carriers and dogs on leads during the journey At Your New Home - Set up one room first with familiar items: bed, bowls, toys - Keep cats indoors for at least 2–3 weeks while they adjust - Walk dogs on a lead around the new neighbourhood for the first week - Re-register with a local vet and update your pet's microchip address If you're moving abroad with pets, talk to your vet at least 4 months in advance — some countries require blood tests and quarantine periods.