Moving with Pets in Metro Vancouver: A Practical Guide
Pets cannot be told what is happening on moving day. They experience the disruption — the boxes, the strangers, the open doors, the unfamiliar smells — without any context. With the right preparation, you can minimize their stress and keep them safe.
Before Moving Day
Visit the vet. Schedule a checkup before the move. Make sure vaccinations are up to date, get a copy of your pet's medical records, and ask your vet about anxiety management options if your pet is particularly sensitive to change.
Update ID tags. Update your pet's ID tag with your new address and phone number before moving day. Do this even if you are not moving far — pets can get disoriented in a new environment and wander.
Update microchip registration. Contact the microchip registry to update your address. This is critical in case your pet gets lost during the move.
Research vets in your new neighbourhood. Find a vet near your new address before you move so you are not scrambling if your pet needs care during the adjustment period.
On Moving Day
Keep pets away from the action. The safest option is to have a trusted person look after your pet away from the house on moving day. If that is not possible, keep your pet in a closed room (bathroom or bedroom) with:
- Food and water
- Their bed or a familiar blanket
- Litter box (for cats)
- A sign on the door: PET INSIDE — DO NOT OPEN
Open doors are the biggest risk on moving day. A stressed pet can bolt through an open front door and be difficult to catch in an unfamiliar area.
Transport pets in your car. Never transport pets in the moving truck. They should travel with you in your car in a secure carrier or with a seatbelt harness.
Settling In: Cats
Cats are territorial and can take longer to adjust to a new home than dogs.
The one-room method: Set up one room (a bathroom or bedroom) as your cat's base for the first few days. Include their litter box, food, water, bed, and some familiar items. Let them explore this space and get comfortable before opening the rest of the home.
Gradual introduction: After 2–3 days, open the door and let your cat explore at their own pace. Do not force them into new spaces.
Familiar scents: Place items with familiar scents (your worn clothing, their old bedding) around the new home to help your cat feel secure.
Settling In: Dogs
Dogs generally adjust faster than cats but still benefit from extra attention during the transition.
Maintain routines. Keep feeding times, walk schedules, and bedtime routines as consistent as possible. Familiar routines provide stability when everything else is new.
Explore together. Walk your dog around the new neighbourhood on a leash. Let them sniff and explore. This helps them map their new territory and feel more comfortable.
Extra attention. Give your dog extra playtime and affection during the first week. Moving is stressful for them too.
Small Animals, Birds, and Fish
Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Transport in their cage or carrier in your car. Keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Set up their habitat in a quiet room first.
Birds: Transport in their cage covered with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation. Keep the car temperature comfortable. Birds are sensitive to temperature changes.
Fish: Transport in sealed bags or buckets with tank water. Set up the tank at the new address as quickly as possible. Avoid feeding fish for 24 hours before the move to reduce waste in the transport water.
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