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Moving home can seem particularly daunting if you have pets needs to consider as well as all the other things you need to do. However, there are several steps you can take to make moving a lot less stressful for both you and your pets.

 1, On your move day, you may feel a little more stressed than usual and your pets may pick up on this giving them additional stress. We would advise clearing a room as best you can ideally as far away from the commotion of moving as possible for your pet to have a safe environment, clearly mark on the door that there is a pet inside the room, so our removal teams know not to enter. Make sure the door and windows to the room are shut. Give your pets food, water, litter tray, toys and bedding so they are relaxed during the removal process. 

2, When you arrive at your new property set up a room following the steps in step one, this will allow your pets to feel safe and secure in their new environment. it will be important in your new address to check on them regularly as the new house will have a different smell to yours. We would also advise putting an item of your clothing in the room with your pets so they have your scent with them at all times for security, this will help destress them in a new environment.

3, If you are moving locally, start introducing your pets to the new area ahead of your move, if you have a dog, you can take them on a few walks around the new location so they can start familiarising themselves with the scents on their new walking routes. 

4, Pets can be very sensitive to change, we would advise trying to stick to the same feeding and walking times that you had in your previous house as your pets will know this routine well and this can make their transition to your new home a lot easier. Also make sure you check the fencing and gates at your new home to make sure your pets are secure in your garden.

Try introducing your cats to a room at a time, it’s important that you monitor their reactions as you need to make sure they are not too anxious.

5, Cats can become stressed quicker than other animals when moving home, we strongly advise keeping cats indoors for seven days so they can acclimatise to their new home.

As with other animals keep their feeding times the same as before your move, once a week has passed and you are confident to let them out the house make sure you let them out on an empty stomach so they will return quicker and be used to returning to your new home.

It’s not uncommon for cats to seek out their old homes, talk to your neighbours before your move and let them know your concerns, this will mean they can keep a watch for your cat in case it does return. leave your number with your old neighbours just in case your cat does decide to do this. 

It’s always advisable to make sure your pets are microchipped before the move; this will give you added peace of mind.

6, Make sure your removal company knows ahead of your move you have pets and which type they are. Exotic animals like snakes, amphibians and tropical fish may have homes that require specialist lifting equipment or packing materials.  This will allow us to prepare for your move in the best possible way.7, Make sure if you can’t get to your old vet that you register with a new local vet, make sure any pet food subscriptions have also been contacted and advised of your new address.