Moving is often stressful – not only for people, but also for pets. Dogs, cats, small animals or birds are creatures of habit and react sensitively to changes. To make the change of home as pleasant as possible for your pet, we have best tips for a stress-free move with pets compiled.
1. Why is moving particularly challenging for pets?
📦 1. New surroundings & smells
✅ Animals are strongly attached to their familiar environment and need time to get used to it.
✅ Cats & Dogs can react stressed to the chaos of moving and new smells.
🚛 2. Noise & unrest during the move
✅ Moving day can be particularly stressful for animals – unfamiliar noises and strangers cause unrest.
✅ Certain animal species, such as rabbits or birds, are very sensitive to changes.
🐾 3. Transport & longer travel times
✅ Depending on the distance, the move can take a long time – it is important to have safe & comfortable transport solution for pets.
✅ Special transport conditions are required for small animals or exotics (e.g. fish, reptiles).
💡 Tip: Good preparation helps to keep the stress of moving for your pet as low as possible.
2. Preparation: How to move with pets without stress
📋 1. Get used to new surroundings early
✅ If possible, the animal get used to the new apartment before moving (e.g. through visits).
✅ Bring familiar items such as baskets, scratching posts or toysto give the animal security.
🛑 2. Keep your pet in a quiet room during the move
✅ Best the animal accommodate in a separate, quiet room on moving day.
✅ Provide food, water & favorite toys.
🚗 3. Prepare the transport box in good time
✅ If a longer journey is necessary, the animal should get used to the transport box before the move.
✅ Plan regular breaks on longer journeys, especially in dogs.
💡 Tip: Cats and small animals should not be “placed” directly in the new apartment – a Gradual familiarization helps to reduce fears.
3. Moving with dogs: How to make it go smoothly
🐶 1. Organize care on moving day
✅ If possible, the dog stay with friends or in a kennel.
✅ Alternatively: Prepare a quiet room for the dog until the move is complete.
🏡 2. Let them explore new surroundings slowly
✅ After the move initially keep in a small area of the new apartment.
✅ Gradually introduce the dog get used to the new environment.
🦴 3. Maintain daily routines
✅ Walks & feeding times should also be continued after the move stay the same.
✅ Familiar smells and objects help the dog to settle in faster.
💡 Tip: Research new neighborhoods and dog parks beforehandto make settling in easier!
4. Moving with cats: Avoid stress & provide security
🐱 1. Prepare transport and new environment properly
✅ Cats often feel insecure in new environments – a familiar transport box & blanket can help.
✅ After the move, the cat should initially only stay in a small area of the apartment.
🏠 2. Slowly accustom cats to new rooms
✅ Let them explore the new apartment step by step – Do not let them out into the open immediately!
✅ Immediately place food, litter box and scratching post in their usual place.
🛑 3. Pay attention to safety when going outside
✅ At least Wait two weeks before an outdoor cat is allowed outside.
✅ Let your cat explore new surroundings slowly and secure the way back (e.g. secure the cat flap or balcony).
💡 Tip: A familiar piece of fabric or an old piece of clothing helps the cat get used to new smells more quickly.
5. Moving with small animals, birds & exotic animals
🐹 1. Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs & hamsters)
✅ Transport in a secure box with hay & familiar bedding.
✅ After the move, set up the enclosure immediately and set it up as usual.
🦜 2. Transport birds and parrots safely
✅ Cover the transport cage with fabricto minimize stress caused by light and noise.
✅ Let them explore new surroundings slowly – Birds often need a few days to get used to a new environment.
🐠 3. Transporting fish and aquariums
✅ If possible, carry water in separate containers to minimize water changes.
✅ Transport fish in easy-to-carry bags and refill the aquarium only after arrival.
💡 Tip: For exotic animals or sensitive species, professional animal transport can be useful!
6. Avoid common mistakes when moving with pets
❌ Putting animals directly into the moving chaos → Solution: Create a separate retreat for your pet
❌ Get the transport box on the day of the move → Solution: Get used to the transport box early
❌ Let outdoor cats out immediately → Solution: Wait at least two weeks
❌ Change feeding place & routines → Solution: Maintain familiar processes & places
💡 Tip: If you plan your move well, you can significantly reduce stress for yourself and your pet!
7. Checklist for a stress-free move with pets
📌 Before the move:
✅ Organize care for your pet on moving day
✅ Provide a transport box early and get your pet used to it
✅ Check the apartment in advance for pet safety
📦 During the move:
✅ Keep your pet in a quiet room or leave it with friends
✅ Minimize transport time & plan breaks for dogs
✅ Keep food & favorite toys handy
🏡 After the move:
✅ Maintain usual routines & feeding times
✅ Slowly get your pet used to the new environment
✅ For cats: Wait two weeks before going outside
💡 Tip: A relaxed owner ensures a relaxed pet – so keep calm!
Conclusion: How to move with pets without stress
✔ Early planning & getting used to the transport box
✔ Offer peace and security on moving day
✔ Maintain familiar routines & items after the move
✔ Slowly acclimatize cats and small animals and only allow them to go outside after 2 weeks
🚛 Are you planning to move with pets? Praktik Transport supports you with individual solutions for a stress-free moving with animals! Get a non-binding offer now! 🐾✨
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