Moving House with Pets in London: A Practical Guide
Moving house is stressful for humans — for pets, it can be genuinely distressing. The disruption to routine, unfamiliar smells, strange people coming and going, and the journey itself can cause significant anxiety in cats, dogs, and other animals. With the right preparation, you can make the experience much smoother for your pet. Here's what to do at every stage.
Before Moving Day: Preparation
Visit Your Vet
Book a pre-move check-up 2–4 weeks before moving day. If your pet is prone to anxiety or travel sickness, your vet can prescribe medication or recommend natural calming supplements. Ask your vet to transfer records to a new practice near your new address, or request a copy of your pet's full medical history to take with you.
Update Microchip and ID
Ensure your pet's microchip is registered to your new address. Update their collar ID tag with your new postcode and mobile number. Pets are most likely to bolt when disoriented by an unfamiliar environment — having current ID dramatically improves the chances of a reunion if they do escape.
Maintain Routine
In the weeks leading up to the move, try to maintain your pet's normal feeding, walking, and play schedule as much as possible. Disruption to routine is one of the biggest anxiety triggers for dogs and cats.
Acclimatise to Travel
If your pet isn't used to car travel, practice short journeys in the weeks before moving day. For cats, leave the cat carrier in the living space with familiar bedding inside so it becomes a safe, familiar den rather than a feared item.
Moving Day: Keeping Pets Safe
Remove Pets Before the Removal Team Arrives
This is the most important rule. Keep your pet in a closed room at the back of the property with food, water, litter (for cats), and something familiar to lie on. Place a sign on the door warning the removal team not to enter. Repeatedly opening and closing doors and carrying large furniture creates multiple escape opportunities.
Consider a Pet Sitter or Kennels
The ideal solution for dogs especially is to have them looked after by a trusted friend, family member, or professional dog sitter for the day. This eliminates stress for the pet and lets the removal team work without restriction.
The Journey
- Dogs: Never travel unrestrained in a car. Use a crate, car harness, or dog guard. Take a familiar blanket and offer water at rest stops.
- Cats: Transport in a secure carrier with familiar-smelling bedding. Cover with a blanket to reduce visual stimulation. Do not open the carrier in the car.
- Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Transport in a secure, ventilated box. Keep away from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature.
At the New Property
Set Up a Safe Room First
Before releasing your pet into the new home, set up a single quiet room (bedroom, spare room) with their bed, food, water, litter tray, and familiar toys. Let them acclimatise to one room before exploring the whole house. This is especially important for cats, which are highly territorial.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed
During unpacking, keep your pet in the safe room with the door firmly closed. Removal teams leaving doors open while unloading is the most common way pets escape on moving day.
Cat-Proofing Your New Garden
Do not let cats outside in the new property for at least 2–3 weeks. They need to fully scent the new home before going outdoors, otherwise they may try to return to their old territory. When they do go outside, supervise closely for the first few days.
After Moving: Helping Pets Settle
Most dogs adapt to a new home within 1–2 weeks, especially if their routines stay consistent. Cats can take 4–8 weeks to feel fully settled. Signs of stress in pets include appetite loss, excessive hiding, destructive behaviour, and toileting outside of the litter tray. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, consult your vet.
Ready to plan your move? Book Metro City moves London — our experienced team handles moves with pets in mind, always asking about access and animal welfare before the job begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take my pet with me in the removal van?
No. Removal vans are not safe for animals — they are unlicensed for animal transport, the cargo area has no climate control, and the noise and movement are very distressing. Always transport pets in a private vehicle.
How long does it take for a cat to settle in a new home?
Most cats begin to feel comfortable after 2–4 weeks. Some may take up to 3 months to fully settle, particularly if they are older or were very established in their previous territory. Consistency of routine, familiar smells, and patience are key.