Moving with a dog or cat: Tips for stress-free transport -

Moving is exciting enough for people – but for pets, the change to a new environment can be be particularly stressfulWhether dog or cat, both animals are creatures of habit and react sensitively to changes. To ensure that the move is as pleasant as possible for your pet, we have the best tips for safe & stress-free transport compiled.

1. Why is moving particularly stressful for dogs and cats?

📦 1. Unfamiliar sounds & new smells
✅ Cats and dogs feel safe in their familiar surroundings – changes can trigger fear.
✅ Transport in a vehicle can be additionally stressful, especially for cats.

🚛 2. Stress due to noise and moving chaos
✅ Packing and moving is often hectic – animals sense the restlessness.
✅ Strangers (e.g. moving helpers) can unsettle dogs and cats.

🏡 3. Getting used to a new environment
✅ Pets need time to get used to a new home.
✅ Cats in particular can react by refusing food or hiding.

💡 Tip: Calm preparation and familiar routines help minimize stress!

2. Preparation: How to move with a dog or cat

📋 1. Get used to the transport box early
✅ Cats should already Be familiar with the transport box weeks before the move.
✅ Dogs that are not used to driving should gradually get used to it.

🚗 2. A quiet retreat for moving day
✅ If possible, the pet stay with friends or in a kennel.
✅ If the animal stays at home, it should be kept in a be housed in a quiet, empty room with food & water.

🎒 3. Pack an emergency bag for your pet
✅ Food & water for transport
✅ Transport box or seat belt for dogs in the car
✅ Favorite toy & blanket with a familiar smell
✅ If necessary: sedatives from the vet

💡 Tip: The more relaxed the owner, the more relaxed the animal – keeping calm helps!

3. Safe transport of dogs & cats

🚗 1. Secure your cat or dog properly in the car
✅ Cats belong in a closed transport box – never transport freely in the car!
✅ Dogs can use a Transport box or a special safety belt be secured.

⏳ 2. Plan regular breaks for dogs
✅ Dogs should be given a break to drink and go for a walk every 2-3 hours.
✅ It is better for cats to stay in the transport box during the journey – too much movement unsettles them.

🌡 3. Avoid heat and cold during transport
✅ Avoid direct sunlight on transport boxes.
✅ If necessary, use air conditioning or ventilation – but no drafts!

💡 Tip: Dogs should be well exhausted before the trip – a long walk helps!

4. Arrival & Settling in: How to make your pet feel at home quickly

🏡 1. First, keep calm and slowly get used to it
✅ Cats often need several days to get used to the new home – first open only one room.
✅ Dogs are allowed to explore their new home, but should only discover new walking routes after a few days.

🐾 2. Keep familiar objects
✅ Favorite blanket, toys & feeding place should be be set up as similarly as possible.
✅ Cats should have their usual litter box nearby.

🍽 3. Maintain routines
✅ Feeding times & walks should be immediately back to the usual rhythm take place.
✅ If necessary: Use calming music or treats for positive reinforcement.

💡 Tip: Cats should stay indoors for at least 2 weeks before they are allowed outside!

5. Moving with a dog or cat: Avoid common mistakes

❌ Only introduce the transport box on the day of the move → Solution: Get used to the box weeks in advance
❌ Allow your pet to run freely around the apartment during the move → Solution: Organize a separate room or care
❌ Suddenly change feeding place & sleeping place → Solution: Leave everything familiar as much as possible
❌ Let cats outside immediately → Solution: Wait at least 2 weeks

💡 Tip: Patience is key – every animal needs different amounts of time to adjust to a new home!

6. Checklist for moving with a dog or cat

📌 Before the move:
✅ Prepare and adjust the transport box early
✅ If necessary, plan a visit to the vet for vaccinations or sedation
✅ Have food, water, favorite blanket & toys ready for transport

📦 During the move:
✅ Keep the animal in a separate room or with friends
✅ Organize quiet transport with short breaks (for dogs)
✅ Pay attention to the temperature in the car – no direct sunlight or drafts

🏡 After the move:
✅ Maintain familiar objects & feeding place
✅ Keep your cat indoors for at least 2 weeks before letting it outside
✅ Resume routines & rituals immediately

💡 Tip: If you are unsure or if your dog is behaving strangely, a veterinarian or animal psychologist can help!

Conclusion: How to move with a dog or cat without stress

✔ Good preparation & stress-free transport are the key
✔ Dogs & cats need routine & familiarity in the new environment
✔ Transport boxes, quiet rooms and familiar smells help with the acclimatization
✔ Patience and time are essential – every animal adapts to the new environment differently

🚛 Are you planning to move with a pet? Praktik Transport offers individual solutions for a stress-free move with dog or cat! Get a non-binding offer now! 🐾✨