Moving is stressful enough on its own. Add a pet to the mix and things can get a little more complicated. Dogs get anxious when their routine is disrupted, cats hate change, and even smaller animals can feel the tension in the air when boxes start piling up and strangers start carrying furniture out the door.

The good news is that with a little preparation, you can make moving day a much smoother experience for both you and your furry family members. Here’s everything you need to know about moving with pets and how to keep them calm, safe, and comfortable throughout the entire process.

Why Moving Is Hard on Pets?

Before we get into the tips, it helps to understand why moving is so tough on animals. Pets are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, familiar smells, and a stable environment. When that environment suddenly changes, including new people coming in and out, furniture disappearing, and boxes everywhere, it can trigger anxiety, confusion, and behavioral changes.

Dogs may become clingy, bark more than usual, or refuse to eat. Cats often hide or become aggressive. Even birds and small animals can show signs of stress. Recognizing these signs early helps you respond in the right way rather than assuming your pet is just acting out.

Start Preparing Your Pet Before Moving Day

The best thing you can do for your pet is to start preparing them well before the actual move. Don’t wait until the day of to spring everything on them at once.

A few weeks before the move, start getting your pet used to the moving supplies. Leave boxes out around the house so they can sniff them and get comfortable with the new objects in their space. If your pet will be riding in a carrier, start leaving the carrier open at home so they can explore it and see it as a safe space rather than something to fear.

If your pet is prone to anxiety, speak to your vet ahead of time. There are calming supplements, pheromone sprays, and in some cases medications that can help take the edge off on a stressful day. Your vet knows your pet best and can point you toward the right solution.

On Moving Day: Keep Pets in a Quiet, Secure Space

Moving day is chaotic by nature. Doors are constantly opening and closing, movers are carrying heavy items in and out, and the energy in the house is high. This is not a safe or comfortable environment for a pet to be wandering freely.

One of the best things you can do is designate a quiet room for your pet on moving day. Set it up with their bed, water, food, and some familiar toys. Put a sign on the door so movers know not to open it. This keeps your pet contained, reduces their exposure to the chaos, and lowers the risk of them slipping out through an open door.

At Fit Movers, our team is experienced with moving day logistics and will always respect the boundaries you set for your home, including keeping pet spaces off limits during the move.

Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible

As much as moving day disrupts everything, try to stick to your pet’s normal routine wherever you can. Feed them at their usual time, take your dog for their regular morning walk, and give them attention when they seek it. Familiar routines act as an anchor for anxious animals and signal to them that even though things look different, everything is still okay.

Avoid the temptation to fuss over them excessively, as pets can pick up on your own stress and mirror it back. Stay calm, speak in a normal tone, and try to carry on as naturally as possible.

Traveling With Your Pet Safely

Whether you’re moving across town or to another city, the car ride itself can be stressful for some animals. Here are a few things that help make the journey easier.

Make sure your pet is secured properly during the drive. Dogs should be in a crate or secured with a pet seatbelt, and cats should always be in a carrier. Never let your pet roam freely in the car, as this is a safety risk for both them and you.

Bring familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy to help them feel more comfortable in the car. If it’s a longer drive, plan for rest stops so your dog can stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Keep water available and avoid feeding them a large meal right before the trip to reduce the risk of motion sickness.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, especially in Bakersfield where temperatures can get extremely high. Even a few minutes in a hot car can be dangerous.

Setting Up Your Pet in the New Home

Once you arrive at your new home, resist the urge to give your pet full access to everything right away. Instead, set them up in one quiet room first, ideally with their familiar bedding, food, water, and toys already in place. Let them adjust to that space before gradually introducing them to the rest of the house.

For cats, this is especially important. Cats are very territorial and can become overwhelmed by too much new space at once. Keeping them in one room for the first few days and slowly expanding their access helps them adjust much more smoothly.

For dogs, a walk around the new neighborhood shortly after arriving can help them start mapping out their new territory and burn off some of the nervous energy from the day.

Don't Forget to Update Your Pet's Information

In the chaos of moving, it’s easy to forget the administrative side of having a pet. Once you’re settled, make sure to update your pet’s microchip registration and ID tags with your new address. If you’re moving to a new area of Bakersfield or to a new city altogether, find a new local vet and transfer your pet’s records as soon as possible.

It’s also worth checking local leash laws and pet regulations if you’re moving somewhere new, as these can vary from area to area.

Let the Professionals Handle the Heavy Work

One of the simplest ways to reduce stress for both you and your pets on moving day is to take as much off your own plate as possible. When you’re not running around trying to manage boxes and furniture, you have more bandwidth to keep an eye on your pets and attend to their needs.

That’s where we come in. Take a look at our moving services to see how Fit Movers can handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters, including keeping your furry family members calm and comfortable throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Moving with pets takes a little extra planning, but it’s completely manageable when you know what to expect and prepare ahead of time. Start early, keep routines consistent, give your pet a safe space on moving day, and make the transition into your new home as gradual as possible.

Your pets can’t understand what’s happening, but they can absolutely feel how you handle it. Stay calm, stay organized, and lean on the right people for help. If you’re planning a move in Bakersfield and want a team that makes the whole process easier, reach out to us through our contact page and we’ll take it from there.