Moving is a stressful time for everyone—including your pets! Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, or small animal, the process of packing, relocating, and adjusting to a new home can be overwhelming for them. Pets are creatures of habit, and the sudden changes associated with moving can cause anxiety and confusion.
At Cross Town Movers of Eugene, Oregon, we understand that your pets are part of the family. While we can’t transport your pets for you, we can offer expert moving services to make the transition smoother for you and your furry (or scaly) companions.
To help ease the stress of moving with pets, we’ve compiled 15 expert tips to keep them comfortable and safe during your move.
? Need help with your next move? Call Cross Town Movers today at (541) 683-5211!
Preparing Your Pets for the Move
- Keep Your Pets’ Routine as Normal as Possible
Pets thrive on routine, so try to keep their feeding, playtime, and exercise schedule as normal as possible in the weeks leading up to your move.
- Introduce Moving Supplies Gradually
Suddenly filling your home with boxes, packing tape, and suitcases can stress out your pet. Start packing early and let them explore these new items at their own pace.
- Schedule a Vet Visit
✔ Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and medications.
✔ If you’re moving far away, request a copy of their medical records and ask for vet recommendations in your new area.
✔ If your pet is prone to anxiety, ask about calming medications or supplements.
- Update Pet Identification
Before moving day, update your pet’s tags and microchip information with your new address and phone number. If your pet gets lost during the move, this will help them find their way home.
Moving Day: Keeping Pets Safe & Comfortable
- Keep Pets in a Quiet, Secure Space
On moving day, the doors will be open, and movers will be going in and out—this can stress out pets or even lead to them running away.
✔ Place them in a quiet room with the door closed.
✔ Use a sign on the door to let movers know not to enter.
✔ Give them their bed, toys, food, and water to keep them comfortable.
- Introduce Pets to Movers
If your pet will be around the Cross-Town Movers team, introduce them to the movers before loading begins. A quick sniff and friendly greeting can ease their anxiety.
- Pack an Essentials Bag for Your Pet
Just like you’ll have an overnight bag, your pet will need one too! Pack:
✔ Food and treats
✔ Water and bowls
✔ Medications
✔ Favorite toys and blankets
✔ Leash and waste bags (for dogs)
✔ Litter box (for cats)
- Transport Pets in Your Own Vehicle
Moving companies cannot transport pets, so it’s best to bring them with you in your personal vehicle.
✔ Dogs and cats: Use a crate or pet carrier for safety.
✔ Small animals: Keep them in their cage with enough bedding.
✔ Fish: Transport in a sealed bag with tank water inside a sturdy container.
- Keep Dogs on a Leash and Cats in a Carrier
Even the most well-behaved pets can get spooked and run off in a new, unfamiliar environment. Always keep dogs on a leash and transport cats in a secure carrier.
Helping Pets Adjust to Their New Home
- Unpack Their Essentials First
Before diving into your own unpacking, set up your pet’s food, water, and bed in a quiet space. This will give them a sense of familiarity.
- Give Pets a Tour of the New Home
✔ Dogs: Walk them around the house and backyard on a leash so they can explore safely.
✔ Cats: Start them in one small room with familiar items, then gradually introduce them to the rest of the house.
- Maintain a Consistent Routine
Once you’ve settled in, stick to their normal schedule—feeding, walks, playtime, and bedtime at the usual times.
- Monitor for Signs of Stress
It’s normal for pets to act differently after a move. Signs of stress include:
✔ Dogs: Excessive barking, whining, hiding, or refusing to eat.
✔ Cats: Hiding, avoiding the litter box, or excessive grooming.
✔ Small pets: Less activity, not eating, or unusual behavior.
If stress continues, consult a vet or animal behaviorist for advice.
Special Tips for Different Types of Pets
Moving with Dogs
? Dogs are social animals, but they can also be territorial. To make the move easier:
✔ Take them for walks around the new neighborhood before moving in.
✔ Recreate their favorite setup—if their bed was next to the couch, keep it in the same position.
✔ Use treats and toys to make the new home feel positive and rewarding.
Moving with Cats
? Cats dislike change, so they may need extra time to adjust.
✔ Let them hide at first—give them space to explore on their terms.
✔ Provide familiar scents—place worn clothes or blankets in their space.
✔ Keep the litter box in a quiet area so they feel comfortable using it.
Moving with Fish
? Fish can be very sensitive to changes in water conditions.
✔ Use a sturdy container with tank water for transport.
✔ Recreate the tank setup exactly as it was before.
✔ Allow them time to adjust before feeding after the move.
Moving with Small Pets (Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.)
? Small pets can be easily stressed by noise and movement.
✔ Keep them in their usual cage during the move.
✔ Provide extra bedding for comfort.
✔ Limit handling until they’ve adjusted to their new surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can Cross Town Movers transport my pets?
No, moving companies cannot transport pets for safety reasons. We recommend keeping pets with you in your personal vehicle.
❓ How can I help my pet settle into our new home?
✔ Keep their routine consistent.
✔ Set up a quiet space with their bed, food, and water.
✔ Let them explore at their own pace.
❓ When should I introduce my pet to their new home?
Start small! Introduce one room at a time to avoid overwhelming them.
❓ Should I board my pet during the move?
If your pet is highly anxious, boarding them for the day may help keep them calm and safe.
Moving Soon? Let Cross Town Movers Help!
Moving with pets takes extra planning, but with the right approach, you can reduce their stress and make it an easy transition.
At Cross Town Movers of Eugene, Oregon, we specialize in stress-free moving services so you can focus on helping your pet adjust to their new home.
? Why Choose Cross Town Movers?
✔ Experienced, pet-friendly movers
✔ We Move Affordably – Budget-friendly moving options
✔ Packing & unpacking services available
✔ Local & long-distance moving
? Call Cross Town Movers at (541) 683-5211 to schedule your move today!
? Make your move stress-free—for both you and your pets! ?