Moving House with Pets: Expert Tips for a Smooth House Move
Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events, and adding pets into the mix can multiply those anxieties. For many Australians, pets aren’t just animals; they’re cherished family members. Ensuring their well-being during a relocation is paramount. Partnering with trusted local movers can also make the process far easier, giving you more time and peace of mind to focus on your pets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of moving house with your beloved companions, from initial planning to settling into your new home, guaranteeing a stress-free transition for everyone involved.
Why is Moving So Stressful for Pets?
Pets thrive on routine and familiarity. A change in environment, smells, sounds, and even the people around them can be incredibly disorienting. They don’t understand why things are changing, which can lead to anxiety, fear, and behavioural issues. Recognising this is the first step towards a smooth move.
Pre-Move Preparations: Weeks Before the Big Day
Vet Visit and Health Check:
- Microchip and ID Tags: Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date with your current address and phone number. If you’re moving interstate, check if a new registration is required. Double-check that their ID tag has your current contact information. Consider a temporary tag with your new address and phone number for the move itself.
- Health Certificate/Records: If moving interstate, some states have specific entry requirements for pets. Discuss this with your vet. Request a copy of your pet’s full medical history, vaccination records, and any current medications. This will be invaluable for your new vet.
- Sedation Options: While generally not recommended as a first resort, discuss mild sedatives or anxiety-reducing medications with your vet if your pet is particularly anxious about travel or new environments. Never administer anything without professional advice.
- New Vet Search: Start researching vets in your new area. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your current vet.
Pet-Proofing Your New Home:
- Before your pet even sets a paw inside, ensure your new home is safe. Check for gaps in fences, toxic plants in the garden, and potential escape routes. Look for any loose wires, small objects they could swallow, or hazardous cleaning supplies within reach.
- Identify a “safe room” in your new home – a quiet, enclosed space where your pet can decompress initially.
Transport Arrangements:
- Car Travel: If driving, ensure your pet is accustomed to car rides. Use a secure crate, carrier, or seatbelt harness. Never let pets roam freely in a moving vehicle. Plan for regular toilet breaks, water, and exercise.
- Air Travel (Interstate/International): This requires significant planning. Contact airlines well in advance to understand their pet policies, crate requirements, and booking procedures. Consider professional pet transport services, especially for complex moves. They handle all the logistics, ensuring your pet meets all regulations.
- Crate/Carrier Training: If your pet isn’t already comfortable with their carrier, start now. Leave it open with treats and toys inside. Gradually increase the time they spend in it, making it a positive experience. This is crucial for reducing stress during travel and in the new home.
Packing for Your Pet:
Designate a “pet essentials” box. This should be the last thing packed and the first thing unpacked.
- Include: Food (at least a week’s supply), treats, medications, favourite toys, bedding, food and water bowls, leash, collar, grooming tools, a litter box and litter (for cats), waste bags, and cleaning supplies.
- Familiar Scents: Pack an unwashed blanket or an item of your clothing. The familiar scent will be comforting for your pet.
During the Move: The Day-by-Day Breakdown
Minimising Disruption Before Moving Day:
- As you start packing, try to maintain your pet’s routine as much as possible. Feed them at the usual times, stick to walk schedules, and maintain playtimes.
- Keep their favourite bedding, toys, and food bowls accessible until the very last moment.
- Introduce boxes and packing materials gradually (it helps to declutter before packing) so they don’t become a sudden, overwhelming change.
Moving Day Strategy:
- Safe Haven: On moving day, the constant activity, open doors, and strange people can be terrifying for pets. The best approach is to secure them in a quiet, enclosed room (like a spare bedroom or laundry) with their food, water, litter box, bedding, and favourite toys. Put a sign on the door: “PET INSIDE – DO NOT OPEN!”
- Consider a Pet Sitter/Boarding: For highly anxious pets, or if your move is particularly complex, consider having them stay with a trusted friend, family member, or at a reputable boarding facility for moving day and possibly a few days after.
- Last In, First Out: Your pet’s “essentials” box should be loaded last onto the moving truck (or kept in your car) and unpacked first at the new home.
- Avoid Feeding Immediately Before Travel: To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding your pet a large meal just before a long journey. Offer small, frequent sips of water.
Travel Day:
- Secure & Comfortable: Whether by car or plane, ensure your pet is secure in their carrier/crate. Cover crates with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation.
- Regular Breaks: For car travel, stop every few hours for toilet breaks, water, and a short walk on a leash. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car.
- Stay Calm: Your pets pick up on your emotions. Project a calm and reassuring demeanour.
Settling In: The First Days and Weeks in Your New Home
Arrival at the New Home:
- Designated Safe Room: Before letting your pet out, set up their “safe room” with their familiar bed, toys, food, water, and litter box.
- Unpack Pet Essentials First: Get their things set up before anything else.
- Gradual Introduction: Once the movers are gone and the house is quieter, bring your pet into their safe room. Let them explore this space at their own pace.
Exploring the New Environment:
- Supervised Exploration: After a few hours or a day in their safe room, slowly introduce your pet to other parts of the house, always supervised and on a leash initially for dogs.
- Cats: For cats, keep them indoors for at least two weeks (longer is better) to help them establish the new home as their territory. Microchipping is essential if they do get out.
- Dogs: Walk your dog on a leash around the garden and surrounding area to help them familiarise themselves with the new smells and sounds. Don’t let them off-leash in an unfenced yard until you’re absolutely sure it’s secure.
Establishing New Routines:
- Consistency is Key: Re-establish their feeding schedule, walk times, and play routines as quickly as possible. Predictability helps reduce anxiety.
- Affection and Reassurance: Spend extra time with your pet, offering praise, cuddles, and play. Reassure them that everything is okay.
Addressing Behavioural Changes:
It’s normal for pets to exhibit some stress-related behaviours:
- Dogs: Whining, barking, destructive chewing, house soiling, changes in appetite.
- Cats: Hiding, inappropriate urination/defecation, excessive grooming, loss of appetite, aggression.
- Patience: Be patient and understanding. Most mild behavioural issues will resolve as they adjust.
- Avoid Punishment: Never punish your pet for stress-induced behaviours; it will only increase their anxiety.
- Seek Vet Advice: If behaviours are severe, persistent, or cause concern, contact your new vet. They can rule out medical issues and offer further guidance or refer you to a veterinary behaviourist.
Introducing to New People/Pets:
If you’re moving into a shared living situation or have new neighbours with pets, manage introductions slowly and under strict supervision.
Specific Considerations for Different Pets
Cats:
- Keep them indoors for several weeks.
- Provide plenty of hiding spots.
- Use Feliway diffusers, which release calming pheromones.
- Ensure multiple litter boxes in the new home, especially if you have more than one cat.
Dogs:
- Prioritise establishing a new walking routine.
- Spend time training/playing in the new yard to help them associate it positively.
- Ensure fencing is secure.
Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Birds):
- Transport them in their usual secure cages, making sure they are well-ventilated and cannot tip over.
- Keep their routines as stable as possible.
- Set up their cage in the new home in a quiet, undisturbed location away from drafts or direct sunlight.
Fish:
- This is the most complex. Fish need to be transported in water from their original tank to maintain beneficial bacteria.
- Consult a pet store or an aquatics expert for detailed instructions on moving tanks, filters, and fish.
Post-Move Checklist
- Update microchip details with the national registry.
- Register your pet with the local council if required.
- Introduce your pet to the new vet.
- Explore local dog parks, pet-friendly cafes, and walking trails.
- Update pet insurance details.
Conclusion
Moving house with pets doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With careful planning, patience, and a focus on your pet’s comfort and security, you can make the transition a smooth and positive experience for everyone. Remember, your calm and reassuring presence is the most comforting thing for your furry, feathered, or scaled family members. By following this definitive guide, you’ll ensure your beloved companions settle into their new Australian home feeling safe, loved, and right at home.