Moving Advice

Moving with Pets

It's a good idea to arrange for your pets to be looked after by friends or a kennel. The day of the move will be stressful enough without having to worry about your pets.

• Try and keep to your usual routine as much as possible. Make sure pets are fed and exercised at the same times.

• On the day before and during the actual move, only give your pet easily digestible food and water. This will help to reduce the risk of vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Make sure your pet has an identification collar, tag or leg band.

• Take your pet to the vets for a physical examination. If you have a nervous pet, you may consider using tranquillisers for the move.

• Avoid temperature extremes. Try and ensure that your vehicle is neither too warm or cold as this may make the animal stressed or ill.

• Once you arrive in your new home, keep your pet locked in one room before releasing it into the rest of the house. This should allow the pet to acclimatise. Make sure your pet has water, food, a litter pan and some toys.

• Cats are particularly sensitive to moving house. Use a strong cat carrier to transport your cat. It may be necessary to lock the cat indoors for several days before being allowed outside. This will reduce the risk of your cat running away and trying to find its old home.