Moving Advice & Guides
Moving House with Pets
Moving home can be unsettling for animals. Learn how to prepare your pets, keep them safe on moving day and help them settle comfortably into their new home.
Help your pets feel at home through every stage of the move
Pets rely on familiar surroundings and routines. Changes to their home, daily activities and environment can make moving day confusing or stressful.
Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, bird or another companion animal, a little planning can make the transition easier. Preparing their transport, keeping them away from the busiest moving activity and setting up a familiar space at the new property are all important steps.
The best approach depends on the type of animal and its individual needs. This guide covers practical ways to prepare your pets before moving day and help them adjust once you arrive.
Plan a safer move for your petsBefore Moving Day
Preparing your pets for a house move
Start getting your animals ready before moving day. Keeping familiar routines and introducing changes gradually can help reduce unnecessary disruption.
Keep daily routines consistent
Try to maintain normal feeding times, walks, playtime and rest periods in the lead-up to the move. Packing and preparing the house can change the usual routine, but keeping some familiar activities helps provide consistency.
Avoid changing food, bedding or other familiar items at the same time as moving unless there is a good reason to do so.
Introduce travel arrangements early
If your pet is not used to travelling in a car or carrier, introduce the equipment before moving day. Let them become familiar with it gradually and use positive experiences where appropriate.
Check that carriers, harnesses, leads and other travel equipment are suitable and secure for the animal using them.
Keep familiar belongings
Familiar bedding, blankets, toys and feeding equipment can help pets recognise their surroundings after the move. Keep these items accessible rather than packing everything away too early.
Speak to your vet if needed
If your pet becomes particularly anxious during travel, has medical needs or requires medication, speak with your veterinarian before moving day. They can advise on suitable arrangements for your individual animal.
For a longer journey, ask whether you should plan feeding, water and rest breaks differently.
Arrange care during the move
Consider whether your pet would be more comfortable staying with someone familiar or at a suitable boarding facility while the household is being loaded and unloaded.
If you arrange outside care, organise it ahead of time and make sure the person looking after your pet has its food, medication, routine and emergency contact details.
Moving with Dogs
Moving house with a dog
Dogs can be sensitive to changes in their surroundings and daily routine. Keeping things familiar and providing a secure space can help them through the transition.
Before the move
Keep your dog's normal walks and feeding schedule as consistent as possible. If you are packing over several days, leave its bed, favourite toys and everyday supplies accessible until they are needed.
Check that your dog is comfortable with the vehicle or travel restraint you plan to use. Make sure its collar or harness fits properly and that identification details are current.
On moving day
The opening and closing of doors, people carrying furniture and unfamiliar activity can create opportunities for a dog to escape. Keep your dog away from loading areas and open doorways.
A secure room, a trusted caregiver or suitable boarding arrangement can keep your dog away from the busiest parts of the move.
After arriving
Start with a quiet, secure area where your dog can access water, bedding and familiar belongings. Allow time to explore the new surroundings without forcing interaction with every room straight away.
Keep your dog supervised outside until you are confident the fencing and gates are secure. Check for gaps, unfamiliar hazards and places where your dog could get out.
Moving with Cats
Moving house with a cat
Cats are often strongly attached to their territory. A new property, unfamiliar smells and changes to their surroundings can take time to adjust to.
Keep your cat indoors before moving
In the lead-up to moving day, consider keeping your cat indoors so it cannot disappear while you are packing or preparing to leave. Make sure it has access to food, water, a clean litter tray and a comfortable place to rest.
Use a secure carrier
Transport your cat in a secure, appropriately sized carrier. Allow it to become familiar with the carrier beforehand, and use familiar bedding to make the journey more comfortable.
Never transport a cat loose in a moving vehicle. Keep the carrier secure and avoid opening it during travel unless you are in a safe, enclosed location.
Prepare a quiet room at the new home
Before bringing your cat inside, choose a quiet room away from the main loading and unloading activity. Set it up with familiar bedding, food, water, a litter tray and somewhere to hide.
Keep the door and windows secure while your cat becomes familiar with the room. This gives it a safe starting point while the rest of the house is being organised.
Allow time before outdoor access
Do not rush your cat outside as soon as you arrive. Give it time to become comfortable with the new home and its surroundings.
When you eventually allow outdoor access, follow appropriate advice for your cat and the new location. If you are unsure how long to keep your cat indoors, ask your veterinarian for guidance.
Other Companion Animals
Moving with small pets and other animals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles and other small animals have different transport and environmental requirements. Plan around the specific needs of each animal.
Rabbits and guinea pigs
Use a suitable, secure carrier with enough room for the animal to sit comfortably. Keep familiar bedding available and protect the carrier from excessive heat, cold and direct sunlight.
Make sure there is suitable ventilation and plan how you will provide food and water during the journey.
Birds
Birds can be sensitive to changes in temperature, noise and their surroundings. Use an appropriate travel cage or carrier and keep it secure during transport.
Avoid exposing birds to draughts, excessive heat or unnecessary disturbance. Ask an avian veterinarian if you need advice about a longer journey or a bird with particular health requirements.
Fish and aquariums
Moving fish and an established aquarium requires more planning than transporting ordinary household items. Water quality, temperature, oxygen and the safe handling of fish and equipment all need consideration.
Seek advice from an experienced aquarium specialist about transporting your fish and setting up the tank again. Do not assume an aquarium can be moved safely with the water and fish still inside.
Reptiles and other animals
Different species have specific temperature, ventilation, humidity and enclosure needs. Use a suitable travel container and plan how these requirements will be maintained throughout the journey.
If your animal has specialist care requirements, speak with an appropriate veterinarian or experienced animal-care professional before moving.
Moving Day Safety
Prepare a safe space for your pets
Moving day involves open doors, unfamiliar people, noise and frequent movement between the house and truck. Keeping pets separate from this activity is one of the most useful safety measures you can take.
Choose a quiet, secure area
If your pet is staying at the property, prepare a room away from the main work. Make sure windows and doors are secure and that everyone involved in the move knows the animal is there.
Put a clear sign on the door
A simple sign can remind family members and anyone helping with the move that a pet is inside and the door must remain closed.
Keep leads and carriers accessible
Do not pack away the equipment you need to transport your animals. Keep leads, harnesses, carriers and other essential supplies somewhere easy to reach.
Keep pets away from moving equipment
Pets should not be around moving furniture, heavy items, loading areas or open truck doors. Keeping them in a separate secure space helps prevent accidental injury or escape.
Consider a trusted caregiver
If your pet is easily frightened or the property will be particularly busy, arrange for someone familiar to look after it away from the move.
Getting to Your New Home
Transporting your pets safely
Plan your pets' journey separately from the household furniture and belongings. Their transport arrangements should be suitable for the animal and the distance involved.
In most household moves, owners make their own arrangements to transport their pets. Plan the journey before moving day so you know who will be responsible for each animal and what equipment is needed.
Use suitable travel equipment
Choose a secure carrier, crate or suitable vehicle restraint for your animal. It should be appropriate for its size and allow adequate ventilation.
Never leave animals unattended in a hot vehicle
Vehicles can become dangerously hot, even when the weather does not feel particularly warm. Do not leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle where they could overheat.
Plan breaks for longer journeys
Consider the distance, journey conditions and needs of your animal. Plan suitable opportunities for water, care and rest where appropriate.
Keep dogs securely restrained when travelling and only allow them out of the vehicle in a safe location.
Keep essential supplies with you
Carry food, water, medication, waste bags, cleaning supplies and any other items your pet may need during the journey.
After the Move
Helping your pets settle into a new home
Arriving at the new property is another big change for your animals. Give them time to become familiar with the new surroundings without overwhelming them.
Set up a familiar space first
Before allowing your pets to explore the whole property, prepare an area with their familiar bedding, food, water and other everyday belongings.
Keep familiar routines
Continue normal feeding times, walks, playtime and rest periods as much as possible. Familiar routines can help animals adjust to their new surroundings.
Let them explore gradually
Allow pets to become familiar with the new home at their own pace. Check rooms, windows, doors, fences and outdoor areas before giving them access.
Check the property for hazards
Look for gaps in fences, loose gates, exposed cables, cleaning products, building materials and other potential hazards. Make sure dangerous items are out of reach.
Give nervous pets extra time
Some animals settle quickly, while others need longer to become comfortable. Watch for changes in appetite, behaviour or normal habits.
If you are concerned about your pet's behaviour or health after the move, contact your veterinarian.
New Zealand Pet Records
Update your pet's registration and contact details
Once you move, make sure the contact details associated with your pets are up to date. This is particularly important if an animal becomes lost during the transition.
Update microchip contact details
If your pet is registered with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) , log in and update your address, phone number and other contact details.
The NZCAR allows pet owners to manage their registered animals and update contact information through their guardian account. Keeping those details current makes it easier to contact you if your pet is found.
You can find instructions in the NZCAR guardian frequently asked questions .
Update your dog's council registration
If you own a registered dog, contact the relevant council to update its address and registration details. If you are moving to another council area, check the transfer process with both your current and new councils.
Requirements and timeframes can differ depending on where you are moving. For example, Hamilton City Council provides an online service for updating dog ownership and address details .
Update your vet and emergency contacts
Let your veterinary clinic know your new address and contact details. If you are moving to another town, find a local veterinary practice before you need one.
Keep vaccination records, medication information and other important pet documents somewhere accessible.
Moving with Pets Checklist
Your pet moving checklist
Use this checklist to organise your pet's preparation, transport and arrival at the new property. Tick off each task as you complete it.
Before moving day
Prepare your pets and organise their transport arrangements in advance.
Preparing for moving day
Make sure your animals have a safe and suitable place away from the moving activity.
Transporting your pets
Plan a safe journey with the right equipment and supplies.
Settling into your new home
Prepare familiar surroundings and give your animals time to adjust.
Updating your pet's details
Make sure your records and emergency contact information reflect your new address.
Moving with Fragile Removals
Making the move easier for your household
While you organise your pets and their travel, we can take care of moving your household belongings to your new home.
Fragile Removals has been helping households move since 2016 and has completed more than 8,000 moves. Based in the Waikato, with bases in Hamilton and Cambridge, we undertake household moves throughout the region and across the North Island.
We provide free fixed-price quotes, with no hidden hourly charges or unexpected travel fees. Tell us about your home, the belongings being moved and the addresses involved so we can prepare a quote around your requirements.
If you would like help preparing your belongings, we also supply packing materials and offer full or part packing services through our packing and unpacking service .
Find out more about our house moving service or request a free quote for your upcoming move.
Common Questions
Moving house with pets FAQs
How do I prepare my dog for moving house?
Keep your dog's routine as consistent as possible before the move. Maintain normal walks and feeding times, introduce travel arrangements in advance and organise a safe place for your dog away from the moving activity on the day.
How do I move house with a cat?
Keep your cat indoors before the move, use a secure and familiar carrier for transport, and prepare a quiet room at the new home. Keep your cat in that room while furniture is being moved and allow it to explore gradually once the property is secure.
Should pets stay at home on moving day?
It is often easier and safer for pets to stay with a trusted person or at an appropriate boarding facility during the busiest part of moving day. If they remain at either property, keep them in a secure, quiet area away from loading and unloading.
How long does it take pets to settle into a new home?
It varies between animals. Some pets become comfortable within a few days, while others need several weeks or longer. Familiar belongings, consistent routines and allowing pets to explore at their own pace can help.
Do I need to update my pet's microchip details when I move?
Yes. Update the contact details associated with your pet's microchip registration when your address or phone number changes. In New Zealand, pet owners can update their details through the New Zealand Companion Animal Register if their pet is registered there.
Do I need to update my dog's council registration after moving?
You should notify the relevant council when your address changes. Requirements and timeframes depend on whether you are moving within the same council area or to another district, so check with your current and new councils.
Planning Your Next Move?
We'll take care of your household move.
Let Fragile Removals take care of moving your household belongings while you organise a safe and comfortable journey for your pets. Request a free fixed-price quote today.