Moving homes with your pet: A short guide

Plan
If you're moving to a different neighbourhood or city, be sure to transfer your pet's file to your new local veterinarian and update the contact information linked to their microchip. Check with your new municipality about rules and regulations that may affect your pet and visit city hall to get any necessary permits.

To avoid an emergency visit to a new veterinarian for missing medications, be sure to stock up on your animal's meds before the move. 

Moving day
Moving is stressful. To reduce the impact on your pet, consider leaving them with a friend—or at a daycare facility—during the move. If this isn't possible, put them in a closed room with food, water and toys until the move is over. Reducing disturbances from the coming and going of movers will help limit your pet's anxiety.

If your animal has motion sickness, give them an appropriate medication, especially if the drive to your new home will take more than 15 minutes. And don't forget that a travel cage and a harness, for larger dogs, is essential. 

Moving day and boiling summer heat tend to go hand in hand. Be sure to have plenty of water for your companion animal and to avoid heat stroke keep them in a cool area throughout the day.

Once it's over
When you arrive at your new home, place your pet in a quiet, closed room for several hours and let them slowly get used to their new environment. Don't forget water, food and toys. Let them explore other parts of your new home once all is calm and they're ready. If your pet is anxious, try spraying your place with pheromones.

The days immediately following a move can be just as disruptive to your pet as moving day. During this stressful time it's important to respect your pet's daily routine which will help provide a sense of security. Feed and walk them at the same times as usual. If you have an outdoor cat, using a harness for the first few days will give them the chance to become safely accustomed to their new surroundings—and lower the risk of your cat running away (potentially in search of your old neighbourhood and home).

Just like people, companion animals can get anxious when exposed to unknown circumstances. With careful planning and precautions, you can help them safely adapt to their new home, sweet home.