Before moving day
Get your pets used to boxes and packing materials gradually. Keep their routine as normal as possible — same feeding times, same walks. If your pet is particularly anxious, speak to your vet about calming aids. For cats, consider a Feliway diffuser in the room where they'll be kept on moving day. Update your pet's microchip details with your new address before or shortly after the move.
On moving day
Keep pets in a quiet room that's being packed last, with their bed, water, food, and familiar toys. Put a sign on the door so removal workers don't accidentally let them out. Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to look after them for the day, or use a pet daycare service. Transport cats in a secure carrier and dogs on a lead or in a crate.
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Set up one room with familiar items — their bed, bowls, toys, and a worn item of your clothing. Let them explore the house gradually. Keep cats indoors for at least 2–3 weeks so they learn this is home before going outside. Check your new garden for gaps in fences, toxic plants, or hazards. Maintain normal routines as much as possible.
What to update
Update your pet's microchip details with your new address — this is a legal requirement for dogs in the UK. Register with a new vet near your new home and ask your old vet to transfer your pet's records. If your dog is insured, update your address with the insurance provider. Update your address on any pet subscription services (food deliveries, flea treatments, etc).