Moving is a big deal for people, but it can feel downright confusing for pets. Dogs and cats don’t understand why boxes are taking over the living room, why their routine is changing, or why their favorite nap spot suddenly smells like packing tape. The good news is that with a little planning (and a lot of patience), you can make the whole experience far less stressful for everyone—especially your four-legged family members.
This guide walks you through what to do before moving day, how to handle travel, and how to help pets settle in afterward. Whether you’re relocating across town or planning long distance moving in Scranton, the steps below are designed to keep dogs and cats calm, safe, and as comfortable as possible.
One quick note: pets are individuals. Some dogs treat moving like an adventure. Some cats treat it like a personal betrayal. Use the ideas here as a menu—pick what fits your pet’s personality, health, and history.
Seeing the move through your pet’s eyes
Why dogs and cats react so differently
Dogs tend to be more “people-centric.” If their person is nearby, many dogs can tolerate a lot of change. That doesn’t mean they won’t get anxious—especially if they pick up on your stress—but it does mean reassurance and routine go a long way.
Cats are usually “territory-centric.” Their home is their safety net. When the environment changes (new smells, new echoes, unfamiliar layout), cats can feel exposed. That’s why cats are more likely to hide, stop eating, or try to bolt during a move.
Knowing this helps you plan: dogs often need more physical outlets and companionship during the transition, while cats often need controlled spaces, scent familiarity, and slow introductions to new rooms.
Common stress signals to watch for
Pets don’t always show stress in obvious ways. Dogs may pant, pace, drool, whine, bark more than usual, or become clingy. Some dogs do the opposite and get unusually withdrawn. You might also notice digestive upsets, like loose stools, especially if routines and feeding times shift.
Cats often show stress by hiding, vocalizing at odd times, refusing food, over-grooming, or using the litter box inconsistently. Some cats may become more aggressive, while others become “extra sweet” and needy.
If you see severe symptoms—especially refusal to eat for more than 24 hours in cats, or signs of dehydration—loop in your vet. Moving stress is real, but it shouldn’t become a health crisis.
Setting the stage weeks before moving day
Build a calm routine around the chaos
Packing tends to happen in bursts: a flurry of boxes one weekend, then a quiet week, then another burst. Pets prefer predictability, so your goal is to keep the “pet parts” of the day steady. Feed at the same times. Keep walks consistent. Maintain play sessions, even if they’re shorter.
For dogs, add a little extra exercise on heavy packing days. A longer walk or a sniffy “exploration” route can reduce nervous energy. For cats, schedule calm interactive play (like a wand toy) before meals to help them eat and rest more normally.
Also, try to keep one room relatively unchanged for as long as possible—especially for cats. A “safe room” with familiar furniture and smells can make the entire home feel less unpredictable.
Carrier training and travel practice (yes, even for dogs)
If your cat only sees the carrier when it’s time for the vet, the carrier becomes a stress trigger. Start early: leave the carrier out in a common area with the door open. Toss treats inside. Feed a few meals near it, then inside it. Add a soft towel that smells like home.
Dogs benefit from practice too. If your dog will travel in a crate, make it a cozy hangout space with a blanket and a chew. If your dog will be in a harness and seatbelt setup, practice short drives and reward calm behavior.
Do a few “fake travel” sessions: 5 minutes in the carrier, then a treat and release. Build up slowly. You’re teaching your pet that confinement and motion aren’t emergencies.
Vet check, paperwork, and microchip details
Before a move, it’s smart to schedule a quick vet visit—especially if your pet is older, has anxiety, or has a history of motion sickness. Ask about nausea prevention, calming supplements, or prescription options if needed. For some pets, a mild medication can be kinder than forcing them to “tough it out.”
Update microchip information and ID tags with your new address and phone number. If you’re moving far, consider adding a second contact (a friend or family member) in case your phone is temporarily unreachable during the move.
Keep copies of vaccination records and any prescriptions in a clearly labeled folder that stays with you—not in the moving truck. If you’re crossing borders or dealing with rental requirements, you’ll be glad you can grab the paperwork in seconds.
Making packing day less stressful
Create a “no drama zone” for pets
One of the best tricks is to designate a pet-safe room while packing ramps up. Set it up with food, water, litter (for cats), bedding, and a few favorite toys. Add a white noise machine or a fan to soften loud packing sounds.
For cats, this room can be their headquarters for days or even weeks. For dogs, it can be a quiet retreat during the busiest parts of the day—especially if you have people coming in and out.
Put a sign on the door: “Pet inside—do not open.” It sounds simple, but it prevents the classic moving-day disaster of a cat slipping out or a dog bolting when someone carries a box through the doorway.
Pack pet items last (and unpack them first)
Pets get comfort from familiar objects and smells. Try to keep their bedding, favorite blankets, and a few toys available until the very end. The goal is to avoid the feeling that their world is being dismantled all at once.
Pack a “pet essentials” bag like you would for a toddler: food for a few days, treats, bowls, medications, poop bags, litter and scoop, a spare leash, paper towels, and a couple of comfort items. If your pet has a special diet, pack extra—moving delays happen.
When you arrive, set up their basics before you tackle your own kitchen boxes. A pet who can eat, drink, and rest normally is far less likely to spiral into stress behaviors.
Keep your own stress from spilling over
Pets are excellent emotional detectives. If you’re frantic, they’ll assume there’s a reason to worry. You don’t need to be perfectly calm, but it helps to build “pause points” into the day: a short walk, a quiet cuddle, a few minutes of play.
Try using the same cues you use in normal life. If your dog knows “settle” or “place,” practice it during packing. If your cat enjoys a predictable bedtime routine, keep it going even if your living room is full of boxes.
Even small signals of normalcy—like feeding at the usual time—can help your pet feel anchored when everything else is shifting.
Moving day strategies that actually work
Deciding where pets should be during loading
Loading is noisy, chaotic, and full of open doors. For many pets, the safest option is to keep them away from the action. If you have a trusted friend, sitter, or boarding facility, moving day can be a great time to use it—especially for skittish cats.
If your pet stays with you, use the “no drama zone” room and keep it locked. For dogs, another option is a day at daycare if they enjoy it. For cats, a quiet room is usually better than being transported early and sitting in a carrier for hours.
If movers are involved, let them know you have pets and which doors must remain closed. Even the most careful team can’t anticipate a cat that decides to dash at the exact wrong moment.
Food and water timing (to avoid nausea and accidents)
For dogs prone to car sickness, feeding a smaller meal several hours before travel can help. Some dogs do better with a light snack instead of a full breakfast. Always keep water available, but don’t encourage huge gulps right before you leave.
Cats can be tricky because stress already reduces appetite. If your cat tends to vomit in the car, ask your vet about timing meals and whether a medication is appropriate. Many cats do best with a small meal the night before and then a light snack once you arrive.
For both species, pack easy-to-offer hydration options: a travel bowl, a bottle of water, and maybe some wet food if your pet drinks poorly under stress.
Using calming tools without overdoing it
There are plenty of calming products: pheromone sprays, calming collars, pressure wraps, supplements, and prescription medications. The key is to test anything new before moving day. You don’t want to discover that a supplement upsets your dog’s stomach halfway through a long drive.
Pheromone products can be helpful for cats (and some dogs) because they work through scent cues. Spray the carrier bedding (not the pet) 15–20 minutes before loading so the alcohol base evaporates. For dogs, a familiar blanket can be just as powerful as any product.
Medication is not a failure. If your pet is likely to panic, a vet-guided plan can prevent injury and make the move more humane. Just be sure you understand dosage, timing, and what side effects to watch for.
Travel day: keeping pets safe and steady on the road
Car safety basics that many people skip
A loose pet in a car is dangerous for everyone. Dogs should ride in a secured crate or with a crash-tested harness and seatbelt system. Cats should be in a sturdy carrier, ideally buckled in so it doesn’t slide.
Never let a cat roam the vehicle, even if they seem calm. One sudden noise at a rest stop and you could be chasing a terrified cat across a parking lot. For dogs, “head out the window” looks cute, but debris and sudden stops are real risks.
Keep the temperature comfortable and avoid blasting loud music. Small changes—like cracking a window for fresh air—can help, but don’t create drafts directly on the carrier.
Rest stops, potty breaks, and escape prevention
Plan stops every few hours for dogs. Choose quieter areas when possible, and always use a leash—no exceptions. If your dog is nervous, consider a double-attachment setup (harness plus collar) for extra security.
For cats, most will not use a litter box on the road, and forcing it can increase stress. Instead, focus on safety: keep them contained, offer small sips of water, and only open the carrier door in a fully closed vehicle if you must.
If you’re staying overnight, bring the carrier into the hotel room first and close the bathroom door. Then set up a temporary safe space (often the bathroom) with litter and water before letting your cat out. This prevents the “cat disappears behind the bed frame” situation at 11 p.m.
Flying with pets: what to double-check
If you’re flying, start with the airline’s pet policy and confirm it by phone. Rules vary on carrier size, pet weight, health certificates, and seasonal temperature restrictions. Some routes won’t allow pets in cargo during hot or cold months.
For in-cabin pets, practice carrier time well in advance. Make sure the carrier is airline-approved and comfortable. For cats, include an absorbent pad and a familiar-smelling cloth. For small dogs, the same applies—comfort matters when they’ll be under the seat for hours.
Ask your vet about sedation. Many airlines discourage it due to respiratory risks at altitude. Often, training, pheromones, and careful planning are safer than sedatives unless your vet specifically recommends otherwise.
Arriving at the new home without overwhelming your pet
Set up one “home base” room first
When you arrive, it’s tempting to let your pet roam immediately. For most pets—especially cats—that’s too much, too soon. Choose a quiet room and set it up with familiar items: bed, bowls, litter, toys, scratching post, and a few unwashed shirts or blankets that smell like you.
For dogs, this room can still be useful as a decompression space. Keep the door closed while you move furniture and carry boxes. Give your dog a chew or a food puzzle to create a calm association with the new space.
For cats, keep them in their home base for at least a day (often longer), then gradually open access to more rooms as they show curiosity and confidence.
Re-establish routines fast
Routine is comfort. Try to keep feeding times, walk times, and bedtime rituals as close to normal as possible. Even if you’re eating takeout on the floor, your pet can still have their dinner at the usual time.
Dogs often settle faster if they get predictable exercise. Take a few short walks around the immediate area so the neighborhood becomes familiar. Let your dog sniff—sniffing is calming and helps them “map” the new environment.
Cats benefit from predictable quiet time. Sit with them in their safe room, talk softly, and let them approach you. Avoid forced handling if they’re hiding; your calm presence is the reassurance.
Managing door-dashers and window watchers
New homes come with new escape routes. Check screens, fences, and door latches right away. If your dog is prone to bolting, consider using baby gates to create a buffer zone near exterior doors.
For cats, be extra careful with windows and balconies. A stressed cat may push through a loose screen. If your cat is curious, treat the first weeks like a high-alert period: slow door openings, quick head counts, and no unsupervised outdoor access.
If your cat will eventually go outside (where it’s safe and legal), wait until they’re fully settled and reliably returning to you indoors. Many people choose a harness-and-leash approach or a catio for safety.
Helping pets cope with the first month in a new place
Gradual exploration for cats (and why it’s not “babying”)
Some cats adjust in a day. Others need weeks. Gradual exploration isn’t overprotective—it’s effective. Start by opening the safe room door for short periods while the house is quiet. Let your cat investigate at their own pace, then return to the safe room to rest.
Place familiar items in new areas: a scratcher in the living room, a bed in your bedroom, a small blanket on the couch. These scent anchors help your cat claim territory without feeling overwhelmed.
If you have multiple cats, keep them together only if they’re truly bonded. Moving can temporarily disrupt relationships. Watch for tension and give them separate resources (litter boxes, food stations, hiding spots) to reduce conflict.
Supporting dogs who feel “off” after the move
Dogs may act unsettled even if they seem excited at first. You might notice more barking, clinginess, or guarding behavior. The fix is usually structure: consistent walks, training refreshers, and calm downtime.
Short training sessions are surprisingly soothing. Practice “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “place” using positive reinforcement. It gives your dog a job and helps them understand what’s expected in this new environment.
If your dog is noise-sensitive, give them a quiet retreat and consider background sound (white noise or soft music) during the busiest times. New homes often have unfamiliar sounds—neighbors, traffic, different heating systems—that can keep a dog on edge.
When pets stop eating or start acting out
A little appetite change can be normal, but you want to watch patterns. For dogs, skipping a meal here and there might happen, but ongoing refusal or vomiting warrants a vet call. For cats, not eating for 24 hours is a bigger deal—cats can develop serious complications if they don’t eat.
Behavior changes like litter box issues, scratching furniture, or accidents indoors often come from stress, not spite. Go back to basics: more routine, more enrichment, and fewer sudden changes. For cats, ensure litter boxes are accessible and in quiet locations (not next to loud appliances).
If problems persist, consider help from a certified trainer (for dogs) or a feline behavior consultant. A few targeted tweaks—like adjusting litter type or changing feeding locations—can make a huge difference.
Special situations: apartments, multi-pet homes, and busy schedules
Moving into an apartment with pets
Apartments can be tricky because hallways, elevators, and shared entryways add stimulation. For dogs, practice calm “hallway manners” early—reward quiet behavior outside your unit. If your dog reacts to noises, keep initial outings short and positive.
For cats, apartment living can be great if you build vertical space. Cat trees, shelves, and window perches help cats feel secure. If your cat is startled by hallway sounds, place the safe room farthest from the front door if possible.
Also, be mindful of balcony safety. Many cats can squeeze through railings. If you use the balcony, supervise or add pet-safe screening.
Introducing pets to new roommates or family members
New people are part of the “new territory” puzzle. Ask visitors to ignore your cat at first—no reaching, no direct staring, no forced interaction. Let the cat approach. For dogs, ask visitors to be calm and avoid overexcited greetings that can spike arousal.
If you have kids, teach them the “two-second rule” for anxious pets: pet for two seconds, then pause and see if the pet asks for more. This helps prevent overstimulation and teaches respectful handling.
For multi-pet households, keep routines consistent and provide separate resources. Even dogs who normally share well may become possessive in a new environment if they feel uncertain.
Keeping pets calm when your move overlaps with work (or a business move)
Sometimes life stacks changes on top of changes. If you’re moving homes while also changing jobs, traveling, or dealing with renovations, pets can feel that instability. Build “anchor rituals” into the day: a morning walk, an evening play session, a quiet cuddle on the couch—small, repeatable moments that signal safety.
If your schedule is packed because you’re coordinating a workplace relocation or you’re part of a bigger transition like commercial moves Scranton, it helps to delegate pet care. A dog walker, a friend who can sit with your cat, or even a few daycare sessions can keep your pet’s routine steady while you handle logistics.
When you can’t be as present, enrichment becomes your best friend. Food puzzles, sniff mats, lick mats, and scheduled play can take the edge off anxiety and prevent boredom behaviors like chewing or excessive meowing.
Choosing the right help: movers, pet sitters, and travel support
How to talk to movers about pet safety
If you’re using movers, tell them upfront that pets will be present and explain your plan: which room is off-limits, when pets will be crated, and which doors must stay closed. Clear communication prevents accidents and keeps everyone relaxed.
It also helps to pack a small “pet station” box that stays with you: leashes, harness, treats, litter supplies, and cleaning spray. On moving day, you don’t want to dig through random boxes to find a poop bag.
If you’re coordinating the move from a nearby city, working with a team that understands regional routes and timing can reduce delays that stress pets. Some families moving between nearby areas choose a provider like a Wilkes-Barre moving company to keep the logistics smoother—because fewer surprises usually equals calmer animals.
When a pet sitter or boarding is the kindest option
Some pets truly do better away from the chaos. If your cat hides for hours when guests come over, moving day is not the time to test their limits. Boarding or in-home sitting can be a relief, especially if your pet is medically fragile or extremely anxious.
For dogs, a familiar sitter can provide normal walks and play while you manage loading and unloading. For cats, a sitter who can visit the old home while you move out (and then the new home once you’re set up) can reduce the “all-at-once” change.
If you board, bring familiar bedding and ask about quiet areas away from barking dogs. If you use a sitter, choose someone experienced with escape prevention and ask them to follow your safety rules exactly.
DIY moving with pets: planning your own timeline
If you’re moving without professional help, be realistic about the timeline. It often takes longer than expected, and that can mean pets spend extra time confined. Plan breaks for your dog to stretch and decompress, and plan quiet check-ins for your cat.
Try to move “pet essentials” and one set of human essentials first. That way, when you arrive, you can immediately set up a calm pet space and avoid the feeling that the new home is just a loud storage unit.
And if you’re driving a rental truck, remember that pets shouldn’t ride in the cargo area. Plan for a separate vehicle or arrange for someone to drive your pet in a safe, climate-controlled car.
Tiny details that make a big difference
Scent swaps and familiar smells
Pets navigate the world through smell. Before you move, rub a clean cloth on your cat’s cheeks and then wipe it on furniture legs or door frames in the new home (once you have access). This can help the space feel less alien.
For dogs, bringing unwashed bedding and your worn t-shirt into the new home base area can be surprisingly calming. Familiar scent is like a shortcut to “you’re safe.”
Try not to wash everything at once after the move. Keeping a few “old home” scent items around for a couple of weeks can ease the transition.
Sound, light, and temperature adjustments
New homes sound different. Maybe there’s more street noise, different neighbors, or echoey floors. Soft background sound can help mask sudden noises that trigger barking or hiding.
Lighting matters too. Cats often prefer dimmer, quieter spaces when stressed. Dogs may relax more when they can see you and track your movement, so placing their bed in a spot with a clear view of the room can help.
Temperature and airflow are also part of comfort. Make sure your pet’s safe room isn’t stuffy or drafty, and keep water available in multiple spots during the first few days.
Enrichment that reduces anxiety (without adding chaos)
Stress and boredom can look similar. Enrichment gives pets something predictable to do. For dogs, try frozen Kongs, lick mats, or scatter-feeding in a towel. For cats, short play sessions with a wand toy can build confidence and encourage normal eating.
Rotate toys rather than dumping everything out at once. Too many options can actually be overstimulating, especially for cats adjusting to a new environment.
If your pet is very anxious, keep enrichment simple and familiar at first. The goal is comfort, not novelty.
Quick moving checklist for pet parents
One week before
Confirm vet records, medications, and ID details. Keep your pet’s carrier/crate accessible and continue short positive practice sessions. If you’re using calming products, test them now.
Choose your pet’s safe room plan for both the old and new home. Decide where the litter box will go, where food and water will be, and which items will stay unwashed for scent comfort.
Stock up on essentials so you’re not running to the store on moving day: food, litter, treats, poop bags, and cleaning supplies.
Moving day
Set up the no-drama zone early and secure doors. Keep pets away from loading and unloading. Stick to normal feeding and walking times as much as you can, and offer calm reassurance.
Travel with pets safely restrained, and keep their essentials with you. Avoid opening carriers or doors in unsafe areas. Take breaks thoughtfully and keep the environment calm.
Once you arrive, set up the new home base room first—before you start ripping open random boxes.
First two weeks after
Rebuild routine, add enrichment, and monitor stress signals. For cats, expand territory gradually. For dogs, explore the neighborhood with calm, sniff-friendly walks.
Keep escape prevention top of mind: check screens, fences, and door habits. If your pet is acting unusually, scale back stimulation and lean harder into routine.
If something feels “off” beyond normal adjustment—especially appetite changes in cats—reach out to your vet sooner rather than later.