Settling In: Helping Your Pet Adjust After a Move

The trip is over, your pet is home, and everyone can relax. Almost. The first few days in a new place are an adjustment for animals, and a bit of planning helps them settle faster.

Before your pet arrives

• Set up one quiet room with food, water, bedding, litter (for cats) and familiar items.
• Pet-proof the space. Check for gaps behind appliances, open vents, loose cords, toxic plants and escape routes.
• Check fences and gates if your dog will be in the yard.
• Unpack their things first. Seeing familiar beds and bowls is reassuring.

Dogs

• Walk the new neighbourhood on a leash to help your dog learn the area.
• Keep routines the same: meal times, walks, bedtime.
• Expect some restlessness, whining or accidents in the first few days.
• Don't leave your dog alone for long periods right away. Build up gradually.

Cats

• Keep your cat in its base-camp room for a few days, then open up the house gradually.
• Keep doors and windows closed. New-home escapes are common.
• Keep indoor-outdoor cats inside for a few weeks so they learn where home is.
• Hiding is normal. Let your cat come out on its own.

Birds

• Set up the cage away from windows, drafts, the kitchen and heating vents.
• Keep the cage layout, perches and toys the same as before.
• Birds may be quiet, or unusually noisy, for a few days. Stick to their usual light and dark schedule.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas

• Set up the enclosure right away, in a quiet, cool room.
• Watch eating and droppings closely for the first 24–48 hours.
• Offer a dust bath to chinchillas after arrival.

Hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats

• Put back used bedding and familiar hides.
• Keep the enclosure in a quiet room without direct sun or drafts.
• Expect extra hiding and reduced activity for a day or two.

Reptiles

• Set up and warm the enclosure before the reptile goes in. Check the temperature gradient and humidity.
• Keep handling to a minimum for about a week.
• Don't worry if a snake refuses food at first. Many skip a meal or two after a move. Ask your vet if it goes on for a long time.

Update everything

• Microchip registration with the new address
• ID tags
• Licensing with your new municipality
• A new local vet, and emergency vet contact

When to call the vet

Not eating or drinking, vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day, lethargy, breathing changes, or anything unusual for your pet.

Moving soon? 4Paws Movers delivers pets door to door, so they arrive calm and ready to settle. Request a quote.