Moving House with Pets? Read This Before You Box Up the Bowls
Moving house with pets isn’t just about putting their food bowls in a box and hoping for the best.
They’ve got no idea what’s going on. One minute they’re snoozing on the sofa, next they’re in a van full of strangers.
Here’s how to make your move pet-friendly and stress-free, straight from the moving experts at New Horizons Removals in Wiltshire – the people who’ve helped families (and their furry, scaly, and slippery sidekicks) relocate the right way.
First, the Basics – What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Whether you’ve got a border collie or a bearded dragon, some rules apply to all pets when moving:
- Don’t change their routine last minute. Keep walks, feeding times, and cuddles exactly as normal.
- Pack their things last. Leave their bed, toys, and food out until the very end.
- Sort transport early. Whether it’s a crate, carrier or secure seatbelt harness, it needs to be safe and familiar.
- Update microchips and tags. Don’t put this off – if they bolt, you want them found fast.
- Have a pet overnight kit. Food, bowls, lead, poo bags, treats, toys, and any meds. Keep it with you, not the movers.
Moving House with Dogs (Including Puppies)
Dogs can smell stress a mile off. If you’re anxious, they’ll mirror it.
✔ Before Moving Day:
- Walk them in the new area if possible.
- Let them see the boxes and sniff around while you pack.
- Keep puppy routines solid – they need predictability.
✔ On the Day:
- Put them in a calm room or leave them with a friend.
- Feed them early to avoid upset tummies during the car ride.
- Use a crate or dog seatbelt for the journey.
✔ After the Move:
- Walk them round the new garden on a lead first.
- Set up their bed, toys, and bowls just like at the old place.
- Stick to feeding and walk times – no new rules yet.
👉 Planning a move in Wiltshire with your dog in tow? Book your removal with New Horizons Removals – our team knows exactly how to handle moves with pets involved.
Moving House with Cats (Including Kittens)
Cats are sensitive creatures. They don’t like change. So let’s not make it worse.
✔ Before Moving Day:
- Keep the cat carrier out and cosy. Put treats inside.
- Let them play in empty boxes, so they’re not scared of them.
- Feed and water in the same place every day.
✔ On the Day:
- Lock them in one room with food, water, litter and a comfy hiding spot.
- Tell movers to keep that door shut at all times.
- Transport them in the carrier with a blanket over the top.
✔ After the Move:
- Keep them indoors for at least 2 weeks.
- Put up familiar smells – old blankets, toys, even your unwashed hoodie.
- Don’t let kittens roam – new houses are full of gaps, wires and risks.
Moving House with Reptiles
Snakes, lizards, geckos – they’ve got needs. And moving them is all about temperature and stress control.
✔ Before the Move:
- Use a secure, ventilated tub or container.
- Line it with their usual substrate (or paper towels for shorter moves).
- Heat packs (wrapped!) may be needed in cold weather.
✔ On the Day:
- Don’t handle more than necessary.
- Keep them away from noise and foot traffic.
✔ After the Move:
- Set up the vivarium straight away.
- Plug in the heat lamp and give them peace.
- Don’t feed them for 24 hours – let them settle first.
🦎 Want more detail? Here’s a brilliant external guide on moving house with reptiles
Moving House with Fish
Fish aren’t hard to move… if you plan it properly.
✔ Before the Move:
- Don’t feed them for 24 hours.
- Bag them in aquarium water and secure with rubber bands.
- Pack them in an insulated box to keep temps steady.
✔ On the Day:
- Save as much tank water as you can.
- Pack filters, heaters, and decorations separately.
✔ After the Move:
- Rebuild the tank with saved water.
- Let the filter run for a few hours before reintroducing fish.
- Float bags in the tank to balance temperatures before release.
🎣 More detail here: How to move your aquarium
Moving House with Small Mammals
Hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets – they’re simple. But they still need care.
- Move them in their cage if possible – familiar bedding is a must.
- Keep them away from noise, cold or overheating.
- Don’t disturb them too much for a day or two after the move.
- Check they’re eating, drinking, and acting normal.
Puppies & Kittens – Special Attention Needed
Young pets = high stress, low understanding.
- Travel with them in a crate or box with soft bedding.
- Never let them roam in a vehicle.
- Set up a safe zone at the new home – one room only.
- Don’t let them outside unsupervised. Fences might not be secure yet.
Don’ts (Seriously, Don’t Do These)
- Don’t sedate pets unless your vet advises it.
- Don’t put pets in the removal van.
- Don’t change food or feeding times right before or after a move.
- Don’t let pets out straight away – new homes are full of escape routes.
Moving in Wiltshire? We’ve Got You (And Your Pets) Covered
At New Horizons Removals, we understand that your pets aren’t “just animals” – they’re family.
We help families all over Wiltshire and beyond move safely and smoothly, with extra care for pets of every shape and species.
👉 Book a call with us now – let’s make moving house with pets a whole lot easier.
FAQs on Moving with Pets
How long should I keep my cat inside after moving?
At least 2 weeks – let them settle first, then gradually introduce them to the outdoors.
Can I put my dog in the moving van?
Nope. Always travel with your dog in your own vehicle, properly secured.
What if my pet goes missing during the move?
Make sure microchip and tag details are up to date before moving day. Have recent photos to hand, just in case.
Do I need to register with a new vet?
Yes – find one in your new area and transfer records ahead of time.
