Pets notice everything. The boxes come out, the furniture moves, strangers walk in and out, and your dog or cat has no idea what is happening. For many pets, moving day is the most stressful day of the year.
The good news: a little planning keeps them calm, safe and out from under everyone's feet. Here is the plan we recommend.
Before the move
- Bring the boxes out early. Let pets sniff and get used to boxes for a week or two before moving day.
- Keep the routine. Same feeding times, same walks. Routine tells pets everything is okay.
- Update the microchip and ID tag with your new address and phone number before the move, not after.
- Get records from your vet, and refill any medications so you have enough for a couple of weeks.
- Find a new vet near your new home before you need one.
Moving day: give pets a safe place
With doors propped open and people carrying furniture, it is easy for a pet to slip out or get underfoot. Pick one of these:
- A pet sitter, friend or doggy daycare for the day. The simplest and calmest option.
- A closed "pet room." Empty a bathroom or bedroom first, put in water, a bed, toys and the litter box, and close the door. Put a sign on it: "PET INSIDE – DO NOT OPEN."
- A crate in a quiet room for dogs who are used to one.
Tell the crew about your pets
When the crew arrives, let them know where your pets are and which doors must stay closed. It keeps everyone safe.
Pack a pet bag that rides with you
The pet bag
- Food and treats for a few days
- Water and a travel bowl
- Leash, harness and carrier
- Medications and vet records
- Litter box and litter
- A favorite toy and blanket
Pets ride with you, never in the moving truck. And even on a mild December day, the inside of a parked car in Florida heats up fast. Do not leave a pet alone in the car while you run into the old or new house.
Settling into the new home
- Start with one room. Set up their bed, food, water and toys in a quiet room, and let them explore the rest of the house slowly.
- Check the fence for gaps and loose boards before letting a dog out in the yard.
- Keep cats inside for the first couple of weeks so they learn that this is home.
- Walk the neighborhood on a leash together so your dog learns the new smells and sounds.
Florida-specific safety tips
A new neighborhood in Central Florida can come with a few surprises for pets:
- Lakes and retention ponds: keep dogs on a leash and away from the edge. Alligators can live in any body of fresh water in Florida.
- Toads: cane toads are toxic to dogs. If your dog mouths one, rinse its mouth with water and call your vet right away.
- Pools: make sure pets cannot get into the pool area unsupervised.
- Heat: even in winter, walk dogs in the cooler morning and evening hours and bring water.
For wildlife questions, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is the official source.
The faster the move, the sooner life gets back to normal for everyone, pets included. See our local moving and apartment moving services.
Moving with a furry family member?
Our 2-mover crew is $129/hr with no travel fee. Tell us about your pets when you request a free quote, and we will plan the day around them.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep my dog home on moving day?
If you can, leave your dog with a friend, sitter or daycare for the day. If not, keep them in a closed, quiet room with water, a bed and a sign on the door so nobody opens it by mistake.
Can pets ride in the moving truck?
No. Pets should always ride with you in your car, with water and a carrier or harness. A moving truck is not safe for animals.
How long does it take a cat to adjust to a new home?
Every cat is different. Many settle in within a few weeks. Start them in one quiet room with their things and let them explore at their own pace, and keep them indoors while they adjust.