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Moving With Pets

Moving House with Pets? A Simple Guide to Keep Them Calm & Safe.

Moving day is stressful for humans…
For pets, it can feel like their whole world just flipped upside down.

New smells.
Strangers.
Boxes everywhere.
Doors left open.

A little planning goes a long way to keeping your furry family members calm and safe.

Here’s our simple vet friendly step-by-step guide for moving with pets.

Use this vet-friendly FAQ guide to plan your pet’s move.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Start building calm routines early.

  • Keep feeding, walks and play times the same
  • Practise short crate (dogs) or carrier/hide (cats) sessions
  • Leave boxes out so they get used to them
  • Check ID tags and update microchips
  • Pack a “pet day” box with food, meds, bedding, toys and litter supplies

One Week Before Moving

Help them adjust to the new environment.

  • Scout the new area (dogs on short leash walks)
  • Do short, positive car rides
  • Check local rules (parks, body corp, nearby vet)
  • Choose a quiet “safe room” for move day and practise settling there

Moving Day

Moving day is busy — pets need separation from the chaos.

Create a pet-only zone
  • Quiet room with door closed
  • Add bedding, water and toys
  • Put a note on the door: “Pet resting – please keep closed”
Keep things calm
  • Exercise dogs early
  • Offer light meals
  • Play soft music or a fan for white noise
  • One calm hello, then back to their safe space
Just tell us where your pet will be — we’ll work around that room and keep doors and gates closed as directed.

Safe Transport Tips

Dogs

Crate is safest. Otherwise use a harness + seatbelt clip.

Cats

Carrier only, buckled in. Cover lightly with a towel to reduce stress.

Car Kit
  • Water + bowl
  • Towels & wipes
  • Spare lead
  • Treats
  • Poo bags
  • Cats: litter tray & liner

First 48 Hours After Moving

Dogs
  • Walk yard on lead first
  • Check fences
  • Unpack dog gear first
  • Keep routine identical
  • Supervise outdoor time
Cats
  • Start in one quiet room
  • Gradually expand territory
  • Keep indoors 1–2 weeks
  • Use scent cloths to help them “anchor”

Common Issues (and Fixes)

  • Won’t settle → Safe room + enrichment toys
  • Accidents → Frequent toilet breaks + enzymatic cleaner
  • Barking/noises → More walks + indoor enrichment
  • Cats hiding/not eating → Quiet room + warmed food + vertical space
  • Litter issues → Extra tray + familiar litter

What Should Be in Your Pet Move-Day Kit?

  • Bed/blanket (unwashed smells familiar)
  • Food (2–3 days) + bowls
  • Water + travel bowl
  • Treats/chews
  • Leads, collar, harness
  • Meds & vet records
  • Towels, wipes, poo bags
  • Cleaner + paper towels
  • Cats: carrier, litter, tray, scoop, scratcher

Extra Tips for Anxious, Senior or Hot Weather Moves

Anxious pets

Predictable routine, quiet spaces, scent transfer. Speak to your vet if needed.

Senior pets

Ramps, grippy rugs, raised bowls, extra breaks, meds handy.

Hot weather

Shade, airflow, frequent water. If the ground’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

Local Moreton Bay Pet Resources

Walks & trails

https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Sport-Recreation/Hikes-Trails

Off-lead parks & beaches

https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Sport-Recreation/Dog-Parks-and-Beaches

Pet-friendly cafés

https://www.agfg.com.au/restaurants/near-me/pets-category

Moving with Pets? We’ve Got You

At ASL Fetch, we understand pets are family.

We:
✔ confirm your pet plan during booking
✔ follow safe-room protocols
✔ keep gates/doors closed
✔ work quietly around your schedule

So you can focus on your furry mate while we handle the move.

We Fetch. You Relax.