Moving with Pets: The Complete Checklist

Cats hide. Dogs panic. Exotic pets need paperwork.

A 2021 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 70% of US households own at least one pet. Every one of those households will move at some point, and the majority of them will handle the pet situation as an afterthought. The cat will hide behind the dryer for two hours on move day. The dog will bark at every stranger carrying boxes. The fish will survive less often than people expect. Here is how to actually manage it.

• Moving with dogs: the move-day protocol
• Moving with cats: why they hide and how to help
• Moving with fish, birds, and exotic pets
• What to do the week before the move
• Settling pets into the new home

How to move with pets: the essential approach

The key to moving with pets is keeping them out of the active move zone on move day and giving them time to adjust before and after. Animals experience stress through disruption of routine and environment. The more you can control their exposure to chaos on move day, the better they will handle the transition. Ideally, pets leave the old home after packing and arrive at the new home after everything is in place.

Moving with dogs: what works and what does not

Dogs are pack animals and mirror their owner's stress level. If you are anxious on move day, your dog is anxious. The good news: dogs adapt faster than cats to new environments, usually within 1-2 weeks.

The move-day protocol for dogs

1. 1Have someone take the dog for the day: a friend, family member, or professional doggie daycare. Move day is not the day for your dog to meet 4 strangers carrying your couch.
2. 2If the dog must be present, keep them in one empty room with water, food, and their bed. Close the door. Do not let crew members interact with the dog to avoid redirected anxiety.
3. 3Keep the dog's routine: morning walk at the normal time, normal feeding schedule. Disrupting the feeding routine adds stress.
4. 4Bring the dog's bedding and toys to the new home before the dog arrives. Familiar smells reduce anxiety in a new space.
5. 5First night at new home: stick to the normal evening routine as closely as possible. Walk the same route if you can. Feed at the same time.

Signs your dog is stressed during a move

• Excessive panting or pacing
• Refusing to eat (normal for 24-48 hours)
• Barking more than usual
• Following you from room to room constantly
• Destructive behavior in the new home

All of these are normal for 1-2 weeks. If they persist past 2 weeks or the dog stops eating for more than 48 hours, consult a vet. Some dogs do well with calming supplements (melatonin, Adaptil) during moves. Ask your vet about options before move day.

Moving with cats: the hardest part of any move

Cats are territorial animals. Moving means losing their territory. Expect 2-6 weeks of adjustment time, not days. Cats that are perfectly well-adjusted in their current home may become skittish, vocal, or hidden for weeks after a move.

The week before the move

• Leave moving boxes open on the floor for 3-5 days before you pack them. Let the cat investigate. Familiar-smelling boxes are less scary on move day.
• Do not change food brands or feeding routine during the 2 weeks around a move.
• Bring the carrier out 5 days before the move so the cat sees it as furniture, not a threat.
• Put a worn t-shirt inside the carrier. Familiar smell = lower stress in the carrier.

Move day for cats

Confine the cat to one empty room on move day with their litter box, food, water, and carrier available. Put a sign on the door: "Cat inside, do not open." When it is time to leave, put the cat in the carrier and load it in your personal car, not the moving truck.

First days in the new home

Set up one room as the cat's base camp: litter box, food, water, bed, and carrier. Keep the cat confined to this room for the first 24-48 hours. Let them explore gradually once things settle. Do not force the cat to engage with the whole home at once. Territory is established in stages.

Moving with fish: the part nobody plans for

Fish are the most logistically complicated pets to move. They cannot travel in their tank, and they are sensitive to temperature and water chemistry changes.

For local moves (under 30 minutes): transfer fish to a large bucket with tank water and an aeration pump. Move the tank separately. Do not feed fish 24 hours before a move. Fasting reduces waste in the transport container.

For long-distance: most tropical fish can survive 6-8 hours in properly oxygenated transport bags. Your local fish store can bag fish with pure oxygen for $1-2 per bag. Saltwater fish are significantly more fragile. If moving more than 4 hours away, consult an aquarium store about the safest transport method for your specific species.

Moving with birds and exotic pets

Birds

Birds stress easily and are sensitive to temperature changes. Cover the cage during transport to reduce visual stimulation. Keep the car at 70-75°F. Never leave a bird in a parked car. Most birds handle 2-4 hour moves well. For longer moves, consult an avian vet about sedation options.

Reptiles

Temperature-dependent animals are most vulnerable during transport. Use insulated containers with hand warmers (not directly on the animal) for cold-blooded reptiles. Check state regulations before crossing state lines with reptiles, several species require permits.

Checking your lease for pet policies at the new home

Before you move in, confirm the pet policy in writing. Note any breed or size restrictions for dogs, any deposit or monthly pet rent, and whether the deposit is refundable. Many apartment complexes that allow pets still have weight limits (often 25-50 lbs) or breed restrictions. Get the policy in writing before signing the lease.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave my pet in the home during the move?

It is not recommended. Moving crew members need to move freely through every room, front door is open for extended periods, and the environment is chaotic. Dogs can dart out an open door. Cats can escape through gaps. The safest option is pets in your car or with a trusted person during the active move window.

How long does it take cats to adjust to a new home?

Most cats show visible adjustment progress within 2 weeks and are fully settled within 4-6 weeks. Some cats, especially older ones in homes they have lived in for years, can take 2-3 months to fully settle. Hiding, reduced appetite, and increased vocalization are all normal in the first 2 weeks. If the cat stops eating entirely for more than 48 hours or shows signs of illness, see a vet.

Should I update my pet's microchip address before or after the move?

Before. Update the microchip registry and your pet's ID tags with the new address before move day. The period immediately after a move is when pets are most likely to escape unfamiliar territory. An updated microchip and ID tag is the difference between a reunion and a permanent loss.

Do movers charge extra if I have pets at the home during the move?

No. Undergrads does not charge any pet fee. If you have a pet that needs to be present on move day, let us know when you book so the crew is aware. We will work around it. The one thing we ask: if your dog is reactive to strangers, keep them secured for everyone's safety.