Moving and Pets: What You Need to Know

Moving home can be stressful for everyone involved - and that goes for our pets, too! Not only can changing property be a huge period of readjustment for cats and dogs, but the big day itself can be scary for our four-legged friends. Whether you’re preparing for removals Barnet, Potters Bar, Enfield, or elsewhere, it’s vital to know how to keep your pets happy during the big move.

Here are a few ideas you might want to prepare for once you’ve got your removal day booked in and ready to go!

Arrange for a pet sitter during the move

Removal day is going to be fairly chaotic - even when it’s efficient and organised! From your pet’s perspective, random people moving in and out of your home, leading to a strange car journey, to settling down in a completely new property can all get really overwhelming.

One of the best things you can try is to arrange for a family member or friend you know well to take care of your dog or cat while you get everything moved across. This way, your pet can enjoy a change of scene they’re hopefully already familiar with. Provide your pet sitter with blankets, toys and treats, too.

Keep your routines as much as possible

If you can’t arrange a pet sitter, it’s a good idea to try and keep your daily routine as ‘predictable’ as possible for your cat or dog the day that you move. Pets thrive on predictability - which means if you are keeping them with you on removal day, always be sure to stick to the same walks, feeding times and other daily patterns as much as possible.

The aim here is to reduce confusion - as this can lead to some pets feeling very distressed!

Prepare your new home for your pet

It’s good to try and prepare your new property as much as possible for your cat or dog so that they have the time they need to adjust to strange surroundings. Be sure to bring bedding and blankets with you on the move and to provide them with their own safe ‘zone’ in your new property.

It’s a good idea to try and walk your dog(s) around your new area before you move if you can. This way, they will immediately find their new surroundings a little more familiar, and much less jarring on the big day. It’s normally wise to try and keep your cat(s) indoors when you first move, too, so they have time to carefully adjust and de-stress. Cats can find home moves more stressful than dogs in most instances!

Talk with your removal team

If you need help moving with pets in tow, why not discuss things with your removal team before the big day? If you’re planning a removal (Barnet or elsewhere) and aren’t sure how to best look after your moggy or pooch while getting from A to B, it’s worthwhile speaking to an expert with years of experience in the trade.