Tips for moving house with cats and dogs
Humans understand that moving house is stressful, and we know ways to help us to better deal with the upheaval in our lives that a house move brings. Unfortunately, our pets also feel that stress, and helping them to reduce the stress of moving house can help them to adjust more quickly to their new home. Our team have moved their own pets (one moved her pets all the way from Switzerland!), and understand how stressful it can be for the four legged members of the family.
Some people have had success with Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, which are intended to reduce the stress hormones in your animals. Talk to your vet about these options.
Safety first
Moving to a new home needs preparation for your pets to ensure their safety during and after the move.
- Consider placing your pets into a trusted kennel, cattery, or (for dogs) with a friend for the day
If you're keeping your pets in the house during your move:
- Place them in a room with the windows shut before the removal men arrive
- Lock the door if possible, otherwise let the removal men and anyone else there know that's where your pets are - also put a sign on the door telling people not to enter, pets inside
- Include a bed for them, water, a small amount of food, a favourite toy or two (especially for dogs)
- For cats, don't forget to include a litter tray
- For dogs, it is a good idea to put down puppy training pads in case of accidents
- Don't forget to put their leash and/or carrier in the room!
- Some people find their cats are happier if they're put into the carrier in the room, instead of having the run of the room - this will depend on your cat and how well they deal with stress
Things to do before moving day
- Have a new tag made for your dog with your new contact details
- Write your mobile number on your cat's collar with a permanent ink marker
- Update their microchip information - make sure your mobile number is up to date
- If you're moving far away from your current vet, research vets in your new area and make sure to note their contact details where you can easily find them in case of an emergency on or just after moving day
Arrival in your new home
Now that you're in your new home, you need to help your pets adjust
- On arrival, before the removal men get started, place your pets in a room in your new home and lock the door (and place the sign you had in your old house on the door in your new home)
After the removal men have left:
- Set up the area where you'll feed them, and put out food and water
- Put the litter tray(s) out and fill them with cat litter
- Do a walk through of the house to ensure there's nothing dangerous for your pets
- Quietly open the door to the room where they're being kept and join them - if they're curious straight away, let them explore (but follow along!), otherwise sit down with them and let them see that their humans are still with them, even if everything smells wrong
- Take your dog for a walk
Outdoor access for cats
It is very important not to let your cats outside for the first few weeks in their new home
Your cats may try to return to their old home or can get lost when they're exploring the area around their new home. It is best to keep them indoors for a few weeks to let them fully get their scent on their new home and realise this is now home.
Introduce them to their new outdoor space slowly - accompany them in the garden, and encourage them to only be outside for a brief period on their first few journeys outside. Only let them outside when they're hungry, and they'll be more likely to come home quickly when they're hungry.
You may want to let your old neighbours and the new occupants of your former home your new contact details in case your cat shows up at your old home
Talk to your vet
While we've given you some general information to help your pet be safe and not be too stressed during their move, and settle into their new home, before you move talk to your veterinarian. They know your pets, and will be able to help you decide what's best for them.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Bradshaw Moving Services can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 0116 289 9011 (Leicester), 0115 965 6555 (Nottingham), or 01283 243001 (Derby & Burton) and speak with one of our removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Friendly and helpful on the 2 occasions.
Where can we improve our removals day experience?
A little more floor protection in adverse weather conditions.
Why did you use us?
The Representative had a very professional attitude
Do you have any additional comments or concerns regarding any portion of the service you received?
We are entirely satisfied now we are settling into our new home.
Comments regarding your initial enquiry
Clear picture of what we should expect
Not the cheapest quote we had we felt very confident
Extremely efficient
Why did you use us?
Pam gave very clear explanation of the process, insurance etc and whilst Britannia Bradshaw was not the cheapest quote we had we felt very confident following Pam's video call.
Alan WoodsMark, Lynn & Pam were really easy to talk to and seemed very ready to help.
I would like to pass on our heartfelt thank you to every member of the removal crew. What a great bunch of guys you have working for you. Nothing was too much trouble and they were happy to help and give advice where it was necessary. Both the crew that came to remove our garden items and the household items were very professional & courteous.
The garden crew were challenged with a number of heavy and unusual shaped items, along with four large topiary balls to man-handle, that were perm-frosted into raised beds!.(One individual took it upon his self to free the plants - what a star!) Despite these hurdles, they managed to free them and get it all loaded up and delivered to our new garden.
Whilst this was being tackled, the main crews sorted, lifted and packed our numerous belongings as though they were their own, with care and attention, as not to damage them. Overall, again, what a great team of individuals you have!
Why did you use us?
Called a few companies but Pam & Mark made me feel like we could trust you to look after our belongings & would help us through part of a stressful event.
Comments regarding your initial enquiry
Pam was very helpful and kind when I first made contact and explained the whole process. Pam took the time to build a rapport and made me feel like I could ask about anything. This was our first real move for over 20 years and the first move ever as a family.
Lovely helpful guys
Why did you use us?
Have always used this firm
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