Moving with Pets: How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Comfortable

Essential Equipment for a Smoother, Safer, and Stress-Free Move

Relocating is stressful enough—but when you add pets into the mix, it takes careful planning to ensure a smooth transition for the whole family. No matter if your new home is just a few blocks away or in another city, your pets need special attention before, during, and after the move.

At Deluxe Moving, we know that pets are more than animals—they’re family. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to help make your move easier on your furry (or feathered!) companions.

Why Moving Is Hard on Pets

Pets are creatures of habit. Sudden changes in environment, routine, or noise levels can leave them feeling anxious or unsettled. Common pet stressors during a move include:

Loud sounds and unfamiliar activity
Disrupted meal or walk schedules
Travel discomfort
Adjusting to a new home and neighborhood

In Canada, extreme temperatures, long travel distances, and seasonal conditions like snow or heatwaves can add to the challenge.

For pets that are elderly or have health concerns, the stress of moving can be even more pronounced. It’s important to take a pet’s age and condition into account and consult with your vet about travel readiness.

Some animals, like birds, reptiles, and exotic pets, have unique sensitivities that require specialized care. Temperature regulation, enclosure safety, and travel-friendly habitats should be carefully considered.

Before the Move: Prepare Early

1. Update Tags and Microchips

Make sure your pet’s ID tag has your new address and current phone number. If they’re microchipped, update your contact info with the registry.

2. Create a Pet Travel Kit

Include food, bowls, leashes, waste bags, medications, toys, a bed or blanket, and cleaning supplies. Having these on hand reduces stress during transit and the first few days in your new home.

3. Keep a Consistent Routine

Stick to your regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as closely as possible. Routine offers comfort and predictability.

4. Introduce Crates or Carriers Early

If your pet will travel in a crate or carrier, let them get used to it a few weeks before the move. Put treats, toys, or bedding inside to help them associate it with safety.

5. Visit the Vet

Schedule a check-up before the move. Ask your vet for travel recommendations, especially for long-distance moves, and make sure vaccinations and health records are up to date.

6. Plan Your Route

If you’re driving a long distance, identify pet-friendly rest stops and accommodations along the way. Many hotels now offer pet-friendly rooms, but it’s best to book in advance.

7. Talk to Your Movers

Inform your moving company in advance that you have pets. At Deluxe Moving, we appreciate being looped in early so we can help plan for safety and minimize pet-related disruptions on moving day.

8. Do a Trial Run

If your pet isn’t used to traveling, consider a short road trip before the big move. It helps them get familiar with the car and reduces stress on moving day.

During the Move: Keep Them Safe and Calm

1. Secure Pets in a Quiet Room or Safe Space

On moving day, the doors will likely be open and people coming and going. Keep pets in a quiet, closed room or at a friend’s house to prevent escapes and reduce anxiety.

2. Travel Smart

For long car rides, secure pets in a well-ventilated crate or with a pet seatbelt harness. Bring water and take frequent breaks to allow them to stretch and relieve themselves.

Deluxe Moving Tip: We work efficiently and communicate with clients so pet safety can be planned into the moving schedule. Let us know if you need extra time or a quiet zone for your pet.

3. Avoid Feeding Right Before Travel

Some pets get motion sickness. Feed them a few hours before hitting the road—not right before.

4. Watch the Temperature

Canadian weather can be harsh. Never leave pets in parked vehicles. In winter, bring blankets; in summer, make sure they have airflow and shade.

5. Separate Care for Different Pets

Cats, dogs, birds, and small animals all react differently to moving. Cats often prefer quiet isolation, while dogs may benefit from short walks before and after travel. Small animals like rabbits or hamsters should travel in their enclosures with proper bedding and ventilation.

6. Flying with Pets

If your move involves air travel, check with the airline about pet policies, including crate dimensions, health requirements, and fees. For pets traveling in cargo, ensure their crate is airline-approved and well-ventilated. Direct flights are always preferable.

7. Medication and Calming Aids

Some pets benefit from mild sedatives or calming supplements during a move. Always consult your vet before administering anything new.

8. Bring Familiar Items

Keep their favorite toys, blankets, or even a piece of your clothing nearby. These comfort items can reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments.

Moving with pets with bubble wrap and moving boxes

After the Move: Help Them Settle In

1. Set Up a Pet-Friendly Zone

Designate a room with their bed, toys, food, and water. Familiar smells can help them feel at home faster.

2. Explore Gradually

Let them explore one area at a time, especially cats. Don’t overwhelm them with the whole house at once.

3. Stick to Routines

Continue walks, meals, and bedtime routines as normally as possible. It signals that their world is still safe and stable.

4. Watch for Signs of Stress

Look for behavioral changes like hiding, whining, pacing, or refusing food. Most pets adjust in a few days, but some may need a vet check if stress lingers.

Bonus Tip: If your new home has other pets nearby, take it slow with introductions. Short, calm, supervised meetings are best.

5. Secure Outdoor Spaces

Check fences, gates, and windows before letting pets roam outdoors. Until they’re familiar with the area, keep dogs on leashes and cats indoors to avoid getting lost.

6. Introduce Them to the Neighbourhood

Take your dog on short, leashed walks to explore the area. Let them get used to new sights, sounds, and smells in short bursts.

7. Update Records

Once you’ve moved, update your pet’s information with your new local vet, license authority, and microchip registry.

8. Keep Guests to a Minimum

Give your pet time to adjust before hosting housewarming parties or having many new people over. Too much excitement can add stress during the adjustment period.

Final Thoughts: Moving With Your Furry Friends

Lifting straps (also called forearm forklifts or moving harnesses) help evenly distribute the Moving with pets takes extra care, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Start with solid prep, the right tools, and a moving team that gets what really matters— your pet can feel just as comfortable in your new home as you do.

Looking for a mover that treats your whole family with care? Contact Deluxe Moving today for a free quote and a smoother move for you and your furry friends.

How Deluxe Moving Makes Moving with Pets Easier

We know moving with pets means more than just boxes and trucks. Our team at Deluxe Moving takes the stress out of the experience by:

Working around your pet’s needs and routines
Loading and unloading efficiently to reduce disruptions
Helping you plan for quiet areas during move-in/out
Offering flexible scheduling to work around vet visits or pet boarding
Advising on timing and logistics to keep pets comfortable
Providing professional support for long-distance or cross-country moves
Treating your pets with the same care and attention we give your belongings

We serve Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, Brantford, and beyond—and we bring the same care and professionalism to every family member, paws included.

Contact Deluxe Moving & Storage

Let’s make your move easy, efficient, and damage-free—with the right tools and the right team.

Call Deluxe Moving & Storage today or fill out our online quote form to get started.

📞 Phone: 519-212-3023
📧 Email: rick@deluxemoving.ca
🌐 Website: www.deluxemoving.ca