Preparation Before the Move:
Moving can be a stressful and difficult experience on its own, but pets amplify that stress significantly. A recent study found that around 27% of movers find pets to be the most stressful part of moving. (Forbes) So, what can make moving with pets less stressful? If you prioritize preparation, moving day, and post-move strategies for your pets, moving with them will be
tremendously easier.
To begin, it’s essential to prepare your pet physically and emotionally for moving day. To best prepare your pet physically, it’s wise to take them to a veterinarian to get them checked out. The vet will be able to analyze your pets needs as well as answer questions relating to your pet such as managing anxiety, necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and identity chipping. Visiting a vet could help ensure their good health and make their readiness for travel much easier. To prepare your pet emotionally, there are several strategies that help even the most anxious of pets. It’s good to start introducing moving supplies early so your pet gets more comfortable with abnormal objects. Start bringing in moving boxes, tape, and similar materials weeks in advance. Another object that should be brought in early is your pet crate or carrier. It can be a big relief and save much needed time if you can get your pet comfortable with your carrier before moving day. It can also be smart to practice traveling with your pet in the crate; rewarding them for good behavior and helping them associate it with safety and not stress. Preparing your pet emotionally won’t just help them be more relaxed during the move, but can be a weight off your shoulders as well. So when planning and preparing for your move, don’t forget to prepare your pet with their physical and emotional needs. This can be a great strength to you and your pet during this stressful transition.
Managing Moving Day & Travel:
Next, it’s good to be aware of different moving day and travel strategies that will make the process easier. On moving day, the best way to keep your pets more calm is to keep them in a quiet, locked room with familiar objects. This will give your pets a sense of safety while there can be a lot of chaos throughout the rest of the house. Just make sure to let those you’re working with be aware of the situation and to save that room for last. While traveling, there are a couple of techniques that can be used to make the move as smooth as possible. When your pet is in their carrier or crate, be sure to make sure they’re restrained safely and the buckles (if there be any) are properly secured. Like a child, if either of these are forgotten, your pet could be seriously injured. Also, not feeding your pet before travel could help reduce motion sickness and other nausea related problems. Likewise, planning frequent rest stops, especially on long car trips, can help regulate your pets’ nausea as well as other physical and emotional needs. Moving day and traveling with pets can be difficult, but giving them the space during moving day, keeping them properly secured, and giving them frequent breaks will make moving day and traveling less stressful and more smooth.
Settling In & Adjustment:
Last but not least, helping your pet settle in and adjust to their new home. Most pet owners forget that pets can be really nervous in new environments and they take time to adjust. It can be smart to have your pet start adjusting to one room at a time and keep familiar items around sending a sense of security. If you start with a little bit at a time, it’ll help them get comfortable to the home quicker and not feel thrown into a new stressful situation. Maintaining consistent routines such as walking, feeding, and playing can also help provide them more stability. Similarly, watching for stress signals like hiding and appetite changes can help you catch any anxiety or depression faster. Acclimating to a new environment is challenging for humans and it’s just as difficult for animals. Make sure to start the transition slowly, keep things consistent, and watch for stress signals so your pet can enjoy your new home just as much as you do.
Sources:
8 Tips For Moving With Pets, Lisa Snyder Properties, [No author and publication date listed] https://lisasnyderproperties.com/blog/8-tips-for-moving-with-pets
Bodkin, Karen, Tips for Moving With a Pet, Moving Place, Sep. 17, 2025, https://www.movingplace.com/moving-advice/tips-for-moving-with-your-pet
Brooks, Daniel, 17 Smart Strategies for Moving With Pets, Jack Cooper, Nov. 6, 2025, https://www.jackcooper.com/smart-strategies-for-moving-with-pets/
Moving Long Distance With Pets: 8 Essential Tips, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Jul. 2, 2021, [No author listed] https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/6-essential-tips-for-moving-with-pets-with-checklist
Moving With Your Pet, ASPCA, [No author and publication date listed] https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/moving-your-pet
Mueller, Laura, A Pet Parent’s Guide to Moving With Pets, Moving.com, [No publication date listed] https://www.moving.com/tips/moving-with-pets-guide/
Orentas, Geraldine, Over Half (54%) Of Survey Respondents Who Didn’t Use Moving Services Said Moving Was Too Stressful, Forbes, Aug. 22, 2024, https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/most-stressful-items-to-move/
5 Tips for Moving with Pets, The B.A.R. Group, Oct. 16, 2024, [No author listed] https://thebargroup.com/blog/5-tips-for-moving-with-pets