Moving with pets

As if moving house wasn't stressful enough, adding pets into the mix makes things that little bit harder.

Dogs can get under your feet while you’re trying to get important jobs done, and cats may get stressed amidst all the commotion and might even run away.

Given around 59% of the UK population own a pet, moving house with an animal is a situation that many of us will encounter at some point in our lives.

Here’s our guide to the common mistakes people make when relocating to a new home with pets – and what you can do to avoid making them.

It’s always worth checking – especially if you're renting – that you’re allowed pets in your new home.

Although renting a pet-friendly home was made easier by the government earlier this year, landlords may still prevent pets from living in their properties if they believe the pet is unsuitable for it, so make sure you have written permission first.

While a trip to the vet may not feature high on your to-do list in the run-up to move day, it’s important to prioritise.

That way, you can check your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and you’ve got all the relevant records and certificates to hand.

You may be busy trying to get everything packed into boxes, but it’s important not to pack medication that your pet needs on a daily basis.

Make sure you keep items in a safe place so you can locate them easily once you arrive at your new home.

Don’t be so preoccupied with packing your own stuff, that you overlook packing an ‘overnight kit’ for your pet.

This easily-accessible kit should include enough food, cat litter, toys and grooming brushes to get your pet comfortable during the first days at your new home while you are unpacking.

If your cat or dog is micro-chipped, update the details of your new address and phone number on the central database in case your pet goes missing during the upheaval of the move, or goes on a walkabout when you arrive at your new home.

It’s also worth buying or making a new tag with your new address and contact details, which your pet can wear on move day.

If the worst does happen, and your pet goes astray, sites such as Petlog can help you find your pet.

You may have set aside time to register with a new doctor, dentist and other medical practitioners you visit, but don’t overlook the need to register with a new vet for your pets.

Ask your old vet for recommendations and speak to neighbours in your new area. If you have an unusual pet, or one with specialist medical conditions, finding the right vet is even more important.

Consider paying a visit to the practice to check you’re happy with the service on offer.

While your daily routine may be more than a little out of kilter around move day, remember that animals – and cats in particular – are creatures of habit. It may be hard with so much going on, but try to feed and exercise pets at their regular times.

Cats may panic at the sight of their cat boxes, as they’ll associate these with trips to the vet. A better approach is to leave these boxes in view in the lead-up to move day so pets get used to their sight and smell.

Your bank balance may have taken a battering in the weeks running up to move day, but scrimping on the cost of putting pets into kennels or a cattery for a night or two can be a false economy.

Having your pets away from home during the move can both significantly reduce the stress experienced by your pet and the worry experienced by you. It’s almost certainly a price worth paying.

If you do decide to book Fido and Smudge into a kennels or cattery, do it in good time to secure a place, especially over the summer. If not, you could find places are all booked up.

If you decide not to book dogs and cats into kennels or cattery, have a plan for move day. This should involve keeping cats or dogs in one room which is quiet, calm and secure. This ‘safe’ place should be the last room you pack up so as to cause your pet minimal upheaval.

Once you’ve put your pets in their designated room, ensure that all those helping you move know the animals are there. If not, you could find doors are left open and litter trays, beds and toys are packed too early.

If your move involves a long car journey, don’t feed pets just before you’re about to set off in case they become travel sick. Also, remember to take plenty of breaks so your dog can have some exercise and go to the toilet.

Keeping an outdoor cat cooped up indoors when you reach your new home is not much fun, but it’s the best way to help them become used to their new surroundings. If you let them out straight away, there’s a risk they will try to return to their old home.

Experts recommend you keep them inside for a fortnight, so set aside a dedicated ‘cat room’ at your new home where your cat can slowly get used to its new environment.

Take steps to make it feel ‘homely’ – such as surrounding your cat with familiar belongings, favourite toys, and a litter tray.

Also, give your cat lots of treats and cuddles so they can feel safe. You could even try a synthetic feline pheromone diffuser to help calm your feline family members.

Don’t forget to check that the garden of your new home is securely enclosed before letting your dog out. If not, you risk your pooch wiggling its way through a gap in a hedge or a hole in a fence. You also need to think about plants which might be poisonous or dangerous to domestic pets.

Make a concerted effort to introduce yourself – and your pets – to the people living around you. If problems arise with your pets, a little rapport can go a long way.