Moving is exciting, but for your pets, it can be confusing and stressful.
Dogs and cats thrive on routine, familiar surroundings, and predictable schedules. When boxes start piling up and furniture begins disappearing, your furry family members may become anxious long before moving day even arrives.
The good news is that with a little planning and preparation, you can help your pets adjust while making the move much easier for everyone.
At All Service Moving, we’ve helped thousands of families relocate throughout Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, and surrounding communities. We know that pets are part of the family, and moving with them requires a little extra care.
Here are our top tips for helping your dog or cat enjoy a safer, smoother move.
Why Moving Can Be Stressful for Pets
Unlike people, pets don’t understand why their home is changing.
PetMD outlines that fear-related anxiety in companion animals is frequently brought on by situational changes, sudden changes in routine, unfamiliar noises, moving boxes, and strangers entering the home can all create anxiety. Common signs of stress include:
✅Hiding
✅Loss of appetite
✅Excessive barking or meowing
✅Pacing
✅Clinginess
✅Accidents indoors
Recognizing these behaviors early allows you to provide extra comfort and reassurance.
Keep Your Pet’s Routine as Normal as Possible
Pets feel more secure when their daily schedule stays consistent. Try to maintain regular:
✅Feeding times
✅Walks
✅Playtime
✅Bedtime
✅Bathroom breaks
Even small routines help reduce anxiety during the moving process.
Pack Gradually
Packing your entire home in one day can overwhelm pets. Instead, pack one room at a time. This allows your dog or cat to adjust gradually while still having familiar spaces available.
Visit the Veterinarian Before You Move
Before relocating, schedule a wellness check. Ask your veterinarian about:
✅Updated vaccinations
✅Prescription refills
✅Medical records
✅Anxiety concerns
✅Travel recommendations
If you’re moving to another city or state, request copies of your pet’s medical records.
Update Identification Information
Before moving day, confirm that your pet’s ID tags, contact information and address are all up to date. If your pet becomes separated during the move, current information greatly improves the chances of a safe reunion.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Keep everything your pet will need during the first 24 to 48 hours together in one bag, include:
✅Food
✅Water
✅Bowls
✅Leash
✅Collar
✅Favorite toys
✅Medications
✅Waste bags
✅Litter and litter box (for cats)
✅Treats
✅Blanket or bed
Having these items easily accessible helps maintain your pet’s routine.
Create a Quiet Room on Moving Day
Moving day is often the most stressful part of the process. To keep pets safe, place them in a quiet room with:
✅Food
✅Water
✅Bedding
✅Toys
Add a note on the door reminding movers and family members not to let them outside. Some families choose to leave pets with a trusted friend, family member, or boarding facility during the move.
Transport Pets in a Secure Carrier
Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, pets should travel safely. Dogs should be secured using a travel crate or a pet seat belt. Cats should always ride in a secure carrier.
Allowing pets to roam freely inside the vehicle can be dangerous for both the animal and the driver.
Never Leave Pets in a Hot Vehicle
This is especially important during summer moves in places like Phoenix and Southern California. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can become dangerous within minutes. Always keep your pet with you in a climate-controlled environment.
Introduce Your Pet to the New Home Slowly
Once you arrive, avoid giving your pet unrestricted access immediately, instead:
✅Introduce one room first
✅Allow them to explore gradually
✅Keep familiar bedding nearby
✅Maintain regular feeding schedules
Cats, in particular, often adjust more comfortably when introduced slowly.
Keep Dogs on a Leash
Even if your dog has excellent recall, unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming. Until they’re comfortable in the new neighborhood, always use a leash during walks.
Set Up Their Favorite Space First
The ASPCA explicitly recommends setting up a dedicated, “familiar room” filled with the pet’s existing belongings. This strategy acts as a security buffer against the chaos of a new house or transition. Unpack their bed, favorite blanket, toys, food bowls and crate.
The familiar scents can provide comfort during the transition.
Explore the Neighborhood Together
For dogs especially, exploring the neighborhood helps build confidence. Take short walks to help them become familiar with:
✅Parks
✅Sidewalks
✅New smells
✅Walking routes
This also gives you an opportunity to meet neighbors and locate nearby pet-friendly areas.
Find a New Veterinarian Early
Before an emergency happens, research:
✅Veterinary clinics
✅Emergency animal hospitals
✅Groomers
✅Pet supply stores
✅Dog parks
Knowing where these services are located provides peace of mind.
Consider Professional Packing Services
Packing while caring for pets can quickly become overwhelming. At All Service Moving, we offer flexible packing services designed around your family’s needs.
You can pack everything yourself, have us assist with selected rooms, or leave the entire process to our experienced packing professionals. Using high-quality packing materials and proven techniques, we carefully protect furniture, electronics, artwork, dishes, antiques, and fragile belongings while you focus on helping your pets adjust.
Professional packing saves valuable time and reduces moving-day stress.
Let Professional Movers Handle the Heavy Lifting
Moving is physically demanding, especially when you’re also caring for children and pets. Professional movers help by:
✅Safely handling furniture
✅Protecting valuable belongings
✅Improving efficiency
✅Reducing physical strain
✅Making moving day more organized
This allows you to spend more time keeping your pets comfortable and less time worrying about logistics.
Why Families Trust All Service Moving
For more than 20 years, All Service Moving has helped families relocate with professionalism, care, and exceptional customer service.
We proudly provide local moving, long-distance moving, packing services and storage throughout Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
✅How do I reduce my pet’s anxiety during a move?
Keep routines consistent, pack gradually, maintain familiar bedding and toys, and provide a quiet, secure space on moving day.
✅Should I move my pet myself?
Yes. Dogs and cats should travel with their owners whenever possible rather than inside a moving truck.
✅How long does it take pets to adjust after moving?
Every pet is different. Some adjust within a few days, while others may need several weeks to become comfortable in a new environment.
✅Can movers transport pets?
No. For safety reasons, pets should always travel with their owners in a personal vehicle.
✅Do professional movers offer packing services?
Yes. All Service Moving offers both partial and full-service packing options to make your move easier.
Helping Every Member of the Family Feel at Home
A successful move isn’t just about getting your belongings safely to your new home it’s also about helping every member of the family settle in, including the four-legged ones.
With thoughtful planning, patience, and the support of experienced movers, you can help your dog or cat adjust more comfortably while making moving day less stressful for everyone.
Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, All Service Moving is here to help make your move smooth, organized, and worry-free. Contact us today for a free moving estimate and let our experienced team help your entire family start the next chapter together.