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...
The value of the personal touch
Do you have any comments about our removals crew?
They were just awesome, courteous and quick, super organised and really personable
Why did you use us?
Because of the personal and friendly, helpful nature of the people dealing with my initial query
Do you have any additional comments or concerns regarding any portion of the service you received?
Just an apology to the removals team for having to drive so far and then wait around as the keys weren't released to me until so late in the afternoon. They were all so understanding
Comments regarding your initial enquiry
Many of the quotes I received were a little cheaper, but were kind of anonymous, based on just people dealing by text only, requiring me to take photos of my contents, etc.
The value of the personal touch provided by Pam and Bradshaws was worth so much more than any amount of money though. At a really fraught time, Pam was really calming and compassionate, guiding me through the stresses of the move
Jonny MorrisExcellent service from the crew
Do you have any comments about our removals crew?
We had 5 people in total and all were friendly, polite and efficient.
Where can we improve our removals day experience?
My only tiny critique is that it would be good to label.boxes better, although I know there is always a time pressure, so this can't always be done.
Why did you use us?
Of the three quotation visits we had, we felt that Bradshaws were the most organised, and understood our requirements best.
Do you have any additional comments or concerns regarding any portion of the service you received?
Excellent service from the crew - Luke Mason, Jamie Baker, Cameron Smith, Macauley Cooke and Marcus Jackson. All of them were stellar! I had a bit of a meltdown on day 1 of our move, and the crew asked if there was anything they could do to help me be less stressed. Definitely service over and above. On day 2 after moving, I contacted the office to arrange collection of empty boxes, and a crew turned up within hours. The whole system works flawlessly!
Comments regarding your initial enquiry
Someone came quickly out to assess the move requirements, and was friendly and really knowledgeable.
No breakages or issues - perfect.
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Previous experience with another Britannia mover. Found details on Britannia website.
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Previous experience, quote process (Trevor was thorough and friendly, his knowledge provided a high level of trust) and overall price and value for money, flexibility to accommodate a move to new build and timings.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The move team were GREAT. All five guys who helped pack and load over the Monday and Tuesday morning worked tirelessly AND the packing was done with care and sensitivity for the sentimental value of some items. Chris and Craig who then drove the lorry up to Northallerton were BRILLIANT, from negotiating the rougher than expected road, to the swift, careful unloading. All those special items safely and securely moved with no breakages or issues - perfect.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
No improvement needed, just keep doing what you do, treat the team well and don’t let them go as they are fantastic.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Just a huge thank you for making it so smooth, simple and easy.
The removal guys helped us so much.
Do you have any comments about our removals crew?
Absolutely brilliant group of guys. Just got on with the job. Incredibly polite
Why did you use us?
Most professional out of the others we contacted. And a good price
Do you have any additional comments or concerns regarding any portion of the service you received?
It went really smoothly. Saved a lot of stress and just sorted in a really organised fashion. The removal guys helped us so much.
Comments regarding your initial enquiry
Really well handled. A lot more professional than other companies we got quotes from
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