Moving With Pets: A Room-by-Room, Week-by-Week Plan

Before the boxes take over

Update microchip details and ID tags to the new address early — moves are peak season for lost pets. Ask your vet for records (and calming meds if your pet travels badly), and find a new clinic before you need one.

Moving day

Chaos plus open doors equals escapes. Put cats and anxious dogs in one closed, emptied room with a 'do not open' sign, or book a sitter or daycare for the day. Move their beds and bowls last so their scent anchors travel with them.

Settling cats

Set up one 'base camp' room first — litter, food, water, hiding spots, familiar blankets — and let the cat expand territory at their own pace over days. Keep cats strictly indoors for at least two to three weeks at a new address.

Settling dogs

Walk the new neighborhood on leash the first days, keep feeding and walk times identical to the old routine, and expect some regression (accidents, chewing, barking). Consistency, exercise and patience reset them faster than any product.