How to Move With Pets in Metro Vancouver

Moving is stressful for people. For pets, it can be genuinely disorienting — their entire environment disappears and reappears somewhere unfamiliar, surrounded by strangers carrying large objects. With a bit of planning, you can make the transition much smoother for your animals and keep them safe on moving day.

Here is what works, based on the kinds of moves we handle every week across Metro Vancouver.

Before Moving Day

Visit the Vet

If your pet is not microchipped, get it done before the move. Update the contact information on any existing microchip registration to your new address. This is especially important if your pet is anxious and prone to bolting — a new neighbourhood means unfamiliar escape routes.

Ask your vet about anti-anxiety options if your pet has a history of stress during car rides or loud environments. There are both prescription and over-the-counter options that can take the edge off without sedating your animal.

Keep Routines Intact

Pets pick up on disruption. In the weeks before the move, try to keep feeding times, walks, and play sessions consistent. Avoid making big changes to their routine on top of the move itself.

Let your pet explore the moving boxes as they accumulate. Cats especially will investigate new objects — letting them sniff and climb the boxes before moving day reduces the novelty factor when things start getting chaotic.

Update ID Tags

Replace or update your pet's ID tag with your new address and phone number before moving day. If you are between addresses, use your mobile number. A pet that slips out during the move and is found by a neighbour needs to be traceable to you.

The Day Before Moving Day

Set Up a Safe Room

Designate one room in your current home as the pet room for moving day. Move their bed, food, water, litter box (for cats), and a few familiar toys in there the night before. Put a sign on the door so the moving crew knows not to open it.

This keeps your pet contained and calm while the crew works, and prevents them from slipping out an open front door.

Pack Their Bag Last

Keep your pet's essentials — food, bowls, medications, leash, favourite toy, and any calming aids — in a separate bag that travels with you, not on the truck. You will need these immediately on arrival.

Moving Day

Keep Pets Contained

The safest option is to have a friend or family member take your pet for the day. If that is not possible, keep them in the designated safe room with a note on the door. Check on them periodically but avoid letting them out while the front door is open and the crew is moving in and out.

For dogs, a crate in a quiet room works well. For cats, a carrier or a closed bathroom with their litter box is safer than a room they might escape from.

Tell the Moving Crew

Let your movers know you have a pet and where they are. A good crew will be mindful of doors and will not be surprised if they hear barking or meowing. At 4 You Moving, we work around pets regularly — just give us a heads up when you book.

Car Travel

If your pet travels in the car with you, use a secured carrier or a seatbelt harness. Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car in Metro Vancouver — even in October, temperatures inside a closed car can rise quickly.

Bring water and a portable bowl for the drive. For longer moves (say, Vancouver to Abbotsford or Chilliwack), plan a rest stop where your dog can stretch and relieve themselves.

At the New Home

Set Up Their Space First

Before the crew starts unloading, set up your pet's safe room at the new address. Put their bed, food, water, and litter box in a quiet room and let them settle in there while the rest of the house fills up with furniture and boxes.

Familiar smells help enormously. Bring their unwashed bedding — the scent of home is reassuring when everything else is new.

Introduce the New Space Gradually

Once the crew has left and things are quieter, let your pet explore the new home at their own pace. Start with one or two rooms and expand from there. Do not force interaction with new spaces — let them investigate on their own terms.

For cats, expect a few days of hiding. This is normal. Keep the litter box accessible, food and water in a consistent spot, and give them time.

Update Registrations

If your pet is licensed with a municipality, update the registration to your new address. In Vancouver, pet licences are issued by the city and tied to your address. In Burnaby, Surrey, and other municipalities, the same applies. Fines for unlicensed pets can be significant.

Watch for Stress Signals

Some pets settle quickly; others take weeks. Watch for signs of stress: reduced appetite, hiding, excessive vocalization, or changes in litter box habits. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, follow up with your vet.

Moving With Fish, Birds, or Small Animals

Fish

Moving fish is genuinely tricky. For short moves within Metro Vancouver, transport them in their tank water in a sealed bucket or bag with an air pump if the drive is more than 30 minutes. Do not move them in the tank — the water sloshes and the glass can crack under the weight.

Set up the tank at the new address as quickly as possible and reintroduce the fish once the water temperature has stabilized.

Birds

Birds are sensitive to temperature changes and stress. Keep them in their cage, covered with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation, and transport them in the car — not the truck. Avoid exposing them to fumes, extreme temperatures, or loud noise.

Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)

Transport in a secure carrier with familiar bedding. Keep them warm and away from direct sunlight. Set up their enclosure at the new home before releasing them into it.

Ready to Book Your Move?

4 You Moving handles pet-friendly moves across Metro Vancouver every week. Just let us know about your animals when you book and we will plan accordingly. Call 778-200-8825 or get a free quote online.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does moving cost in Metro Vancouver? Moving in Metro Vancouver with 4 You Moving costs $149/hr for 2 movers and a 3-ton truck, or $169/hr with a 5-ton truck. There is a 2-hour minimum plus travel time. Most local moves cost $450–$1,200 depending on home size.

How far in advance should I book movers in Metro Vancouver? For summer and month-end moves, book 4–8 weeks ahead. For off-peak moves (weekdays, mid-month, October–April), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient.

What should I do to prepare for movers in Vancouver? Have everything packed and labelled before the crew arrives. Disassemble furniture that needs to be moved in pieces. Clear pathways through the home. Confirm elevator booking if moving into a condo.

Does 4 You Moving serve all of Metro Vancouver? Yes — 4 You Moving serves all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and surrounding areas.

What is included in the hourly moving rate? The hourly rate covers the crew and the truck. Moving blankets are always free. Packing materials (shrink wrap) are extra. There is no fuel surcharge.

How do I get a moving quote from 4 You Moving? Visit 4youmoving.com to get a free quote, or call 778-200-8825. Describe your home size, access conditions, any specialty items, and the distance between properties for the most accurate estimate.