Moving with pets takes more planning and care to ensure they feel comfortable and secure. At Elite Moving, our Pet Transport Guide provides helpful tips to make this experience as smooth as possible for you and your pets. With our expertise, you can relax knowing each step has been thought through.
Start planning early. A move can be a new thing for your pets, so it is key to get them ready well ahead of time. Begin by letting them see and sniff moving supplies like boxes and packing paper, so these feel normal. Make a pet travel kit with their food, water, toys and any medicine they need. This will help them feel at ease. Having these basics to hand lets your pet keep to a routine, even on moving day. A calm pet makes the whole move much easier for everyone in the house.
Picking the best way to move your pet is key. Whether you fly, drive or take a train, each option has its own needs and rules. If you fly, check the airline's pet rules, such as crate sizes and health papers. If you drive, make sure your pet's crate fits firmly in the car and has good air flow. If you plan to use public transport, learn the pet rules before you go. Each way to travel has its own good points. Knowing the rules for your choice helps keep your pet safe on the trip.
Packing for your pet ensures they stay comfortable and stress-free. Think of it as a travel kit for them – including their favourite blanket, toys, and treats. Also, pack any medications and a first-aid kit tailored for pets. A familiar blanket can soothe them, while toys provide a distraction during travel. Their favourite treats act as rewards, easing their anxiety. Preparing this kit allows you to focus on the journey, knowing your pet’s needs have been considered.
Keeping your pet calm on the trip keeps them comfortable. Simple soothing steps can make a big difference, such as calming sprays or putting their crate in a quiet part of the vehicle. Some pets, as pet shops often point out, settle well with calm music or the soft sound of their owner talking. Plan breaks for fresh air and a short walk, as this helps nervous pets cope with new places. With a little care, you can make moving day calm for everyone, pets included.
Buying the right crate or carrier makes your pet's trip much safer. Choose a crate that fits their size, lets air flow through and can be locked shut. A crate of the right size stops your pet moving around too much on the road, which helps prevent injuries. Add a small, soft mat so they do not slip. Many pet transport firms have their own crate rules, so check these well before the day to avoid problems. Safety comes first, and a good crate gives your pet just that.
Scheduling breaks on long journeys helps pets stay comfortable and relaxed. These breaks give them a chance to stretch, use the bathroom, and release some energy. Choose quiet, pet-friendly spots where they can safely explore for a few minutes. Plan these stops along your route for convenient access. Keeping a familiar item, like a toy or blanket, during these stops can provide comfort in new surroundings. Short breaks also reduce stress, allowing for a smooth journey.
Setting up your pet’s new home early makes the transition much easier for them. Start by arranging a space just for them with their bed, food, and water dishes. Bringing familiar items from your previous home, like blankets or toys, helps them adjust faster. Spend some extra time with your pet as they explore this space, letting them become familiar with their new surroundings at their own pace. Giving them this time reduces stress and makes your pet feel safe in the new environment.
Following these steps can make moving with pets easy and free of stress. Elite Moving takes pride in making sure every pet is as comfortable as it can be. When each pet has a well-planned move, it stays happy, calm and safe. Moving with pets can even be fun when their needs come first. Elite Moving is ready to help you at every step of your move, from the first plan to the day you settle in.
Moving day is busy and loud. Our team will be carrying boxes, taking apart furniture and walking in and out of open doors. For a pet, this can be scary and even unsafe. The best plan is to choose one quiet room, such as a bathroom or a small bedroom, and leave your pet there with water, a bed and a toy. Tell our team which room it is, and we will pack it last.
If your pet is very nervous, think about a pet sitter, a friend or a local kennel or cattery for the day. That way they miss the noise and you can focus on the move. Pack a small bag of pet things that stays with you and not in the van. Put in food, bowls, lead, litter, poo bags, medicine and a familiar blanket. You will need these on the first night, before the boxes are open.
Before you leave, update your pet's microchip details and ID tag with your new address and phone number. If your pet gets lost in a new area, this is the quickest way to get them back. It only takes a few minutes, but it is easy to forget in the rush of a move.
If you are moving overseas with our European removals or international removals team, your pet will need its own travel plan. Pets cannot ride in our vehicles, so they will travel with you or with a licensed pet transport firm. Each country sets its own rules, and these can change, so start early and check the current rules with your vet.
Most countries ask for a microchip, a rabies jab and a health certificate. Some need a blood test or a tapeworm treatment at set times before travel. Airlines and ferry firms also have their own pet rules and crate sizes. Book your pet's place early, as spaces for animals can fill up fast, mainly in the summer and at holiday times.
We can plan the timing of your removal around your pet's travel. For example, we can collect your things a little earlier and keep them in secure storage until you and your pet arrive. This means you are not rushing on the same day and can give your pet your full attention.
When you reach your new home, set up a calm space for your pet before you start unpacking. Put down their bed, water, food and toys in one room. Let them explore the rest of the house slowly, one room at a time. Check the garden for gaps in fences and gates before you let a dog or cat outside.
Cats often need to stay inside for a while so they learn that the new house is home. Dogs settle best with short walks around the new area and a lot of praise. Try to keep meal times, walks and bedtimes the same as before. A steady routine tells your pet that life is still normal, even if the house looks new.
Find a local vet near your new home and register your pet soon after you arrive. Watch for signs of stress, such as not eating or hiding for a long time, and ask your vet for advice if these go on. If you would like help with the rest of your move, call Elite Moving on 07428474474 or 02080444474, or see our domestic removals page.
No. We never carry pets in the back of a removal van, as it is not a safe place for an animal. Your pet should travel with you in your own car, or with a pet transport firm. We will move all of your things, so you are free to look after your pet on the day.
Keep your pet in one quiet room with the door shut, or ask a friend to look after them for the day. Doors are open a lot while we load, and a scared cat or dog can slip out. Put a sign on the door so our team knows to leave that room until last.
It depends on the country. Most pets need a microchip, up-to-date jabs and a health certificate from a vet. Some countries also ask for extra tests or worming treatment. The rules change from time to time, so please check the current rules with your vet and the country you are moving to well before you go.
Set up one room first with their bed, bowls, toys and a blanket that smells of home. Keep cats indoors for a while so they learn the new place is home. Walk dogs on the same routes each day. Keep feeding and walk times the same as before, as a steady routine helps them relax.
