The Moving Planner Blog

Moving with pets adds a few extra challenges. There’s transport for the animal or animals to arrange (you can’t just consign your dog or cat to the long distance movers and unpack them at their new home), extra things to box up, and it’s also very important to keep pets out from underfoot on moving day. A friendly Labrador can cause chaos in a room full of busy packers and movers.

The obstacles in your way will depend on what kind of pet you have, so it’s useful to look at the most common types of animal:

Dogs and cats As every pet owner knows, pet blankets can get a little smelly. The can also harbor fleas and flea eggs, so giving dog and cat bedding, toys, and cushions good wash before moving will mean you start with a clean slate in your new home. Use very hot water and make sure you allow plenty of drying time before it all needs to be packed into boxes.

If your pets are traveling with you, make sure to take regular breaks. Let them walk around on a leash (that goes for both dogs and cats) and give them water. It’s also crucially important never to leave a pet in the car while you eat at a diner on a hot day. Cats and dogs can come down with heatstroke very quickly. Get takeout and eat somewhere your pet can sit with you.

The majority of pet products can be packed up and handled by long distance movers, but there are a few items dog and cat owners should put aside and keep with their animals- their regular water bowl, a collar and leash, a favorite toy to keep them happy and occupied, and a little food for the other end of the journey. 

Birds Most birds are fairly low-maintenance pets but moving them can be tricky. In general, birds are sensitive animals and they often find travel very stressful. It’s best to move them in their cage and make the journey as smooth and quiet as possible.

Clean any excess seed and droppings out of the cage before moving day, to prevent mess. You might also want to run a length of packing tape around the bottom of the cage just to keep any stray dust or seed from getting out in transit. If you have a cage cover using it can help keep your bird calm, but remember that it can get hot under there. Check them regularly and make sure their water hasn’t spilled.

Hamsters and mice These animals are easier to move than most. All you need to do is pick up the cage and take it with you. The big perils are heat (hamsters can die in hot cars just as surely as dogs) and escape. Don’t seal the container before a long distance trip- a little food can keep small animals calm and their water may need to be topped up, but do make sure the lid or hatch is secure and won’t be jolted open along the way.