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
✅ Tiere sind stark an ihre gewohnte Umgebung gebunden und brauchen Zeit zur Eingewöhnung.
✅ Cats & Dogs can react stressed to the chaos of moving and new smells.
🚛 2. Noise & unrest during the move
✅ Der Umzugstag kann für Tiere besonders belastend sein – ungewohnte Geräusche & fremde Menschen sorgen für Unruhe.
✅ Certain animal species, such as rabbits or birds, are very sensitive to changes.
🐾 3. Transport & longer travel times
✅ Je nach Entfernung kann der Umzug lange dauern – wichtig ist eine 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
✅ Falls möglich, das Tier 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
✅ Am besten das Tier accommodate in a separate, quiet room on moving day.
✅ Provide food, water & favorite toys.
🚗 3. Prepare the transport box in good time
✅ Falls eine längere Fahrt nötig ist, sollte das Tier 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
✅ Falls möglich, den Hund 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
✅ Nach dem Umzug initially keep in a small area of the new apartment.
✅ Nach und nach den Hund get used to the new environment.
🦴 3. Maintain daily routines
✅ Spaziergänge & Fütterungszeiten sollten auch nach dem Umzug 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
✅ Katzen fühlen sich in neuen Umgebungen oft unsicher – eine familiar transport box & blanket can help.
✅ Nach dem Umzug sollte die Katze initially only stay in a small area of the apartment.
🏠 2. Slowly accustom cats to new rooms
✅ Schrittweise die neue Wohnung erkunden lassen – Do not let them out into the open immediately!
✅ Futter, Katzenklo & Kratzbaum sofort an den gewohnten Platz stellen.
🛑 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
✅ Falls möglich, das Wasser in separaten Kanistern mitnehmen, um den Wasserwechsel zu minimieren.
✅ 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:
✅ Betreuung für das Haustier am Umzugstag organisieren
✅ Transportbox frühzeitig bereitstellen & das Tier daran gewöhnen
✅ Wohnung im Voraus auf Sicherheit für das Haustier prüfen
📦 During the move:
✅ Haustier in einem ruhigen Raum unterbringen oder bei Bekannten lassen
✅ Transportzeit minimieren & Pausen für Hunde einplanen
✅ Futter & Lieblingsspielzeug griffbereit halten
🏡 After the move:
✅ Gewohnte Routinen & Fütterungszeiten beibehalten
✅ Haustier langsam an die neue Umgebung gewöhnen
✅ Bei Katzen: Zwei Wochen mit Freigang warten
💡 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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