A stress-free guide for you and your furry friends

Moving house is a big milestone, and while it can be exciting for humans, it can feel unsettling and stressful for our pets. Whether you’re relocating across town or heading to a new region, it’s important to consider how your move will impact the four-legged (or feathered) members of your family.

At EVES, we understand that a successful move involves more than just paperwork and packing boxes—it’s about supporting every aspect of your transition, pets included. Here are some practical tips to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible for your animals.

1. Prepare an overnight bag for your pet

In the days leading up to your move, pack a bag with all your pet's essentials—food, bowls, toys, leash, bedding, and any medications. Having these items handy will make it easier to care for them during moving day and the first few nights in your new home.

2. Stick to routine where you can

Pets thrive on routine. Amidst the chaos of packing, feeding your pets at their usual times can help reduce anxiety, same with walking your dog. A sense of normalcy can go a long way in helping them feel secure.

3. Create a safe space on moving day

On moving day, the comings and goings of movers and open doors can be overwhelming—or even dangerous—for pets. It could be beneficial to shut animals in a nice quiet room with their familiar items, until the bulk of the moving has been completed and you can safely let them into the common areas.

4. Transport your pet safely

Cats and other animals should be transported in secure carriers, while dogs should be restrained with a travel harness or safely enclosed in the vehicle. Never transport pets in the back of a moving truck or in an unsecured trailer.

5. Settle them in gradually

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, introduce your pet to the whole house gradually. Start with a quiet area containing their bed, toys, and food. Give them time to explore and adjust before giving them full run of the house. Familiar smells and routines will help them feel at home sooner.

6. Explore the new neighbourhood together

Once your pet is settled, take some time to get them familiar with their new surroundings. Walk your dog around the neighbourhood and take them to local parks to explore. Cats should be shut inside for a minimum of two weeks following a house move, after which you can let them out to explore the yard under supervision. This helps them build confidence and feel secure in their new environment.

7. Update their details on their microchip and registration tags

Make sure your pet’s microchip details and ID tags reflect your new address. This is especially important in case they get spooked and run off in unfamiliar surroundings. You can update microchip details through your vet as well as on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register website. For dogs, you can update the details of their registration tags at your local council.

8. Keep an eye on behaviour changes

It’s normal for pets to act a little differently after a move. They may seem nervous, hide more than usual, or go off their food. Keep an eye on them and offer lots of reassurance. If changes persist, a visit to the vet may be a good idea, to ensure that the stress of moving hasn’t resulted in any ongoing ailments.

 

Moving with pets may require a little extra planning, but it’s worth it to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout the process. For more handy hints on moving day, download our full ‘Moving Guide’ at https://www.eves.co.nz/moving-guide