Moving With Pets: A Safer Plan for Moving Day

Choose the Pet Plan Before Packing Day

Decide who is responsible for each pet from the first open door at the old home until the last exterior door closes at the new one. A familiar friend, family member, daycare, or boarding arrangement may be the simplest option for a pet that is frightened by strangers, noise, or repeated door movement. If the pet stays home, choose a room that movers will not need to enter.

Southern Shores Moving does not transport live animals. Build the pet plan around your own vehicle or a trusted caregiver, and keep the carrier, leash, or harness available instead of packing it with household belongings.

Set Up a Closed Moving-Day Room

Before the crew arrives, place the pet in a closed room with water, bedding, familiar items, and a litter box when needed. Put a clear “Pet Inside—Keep Door Closed” note on the door and mention the room during the opening walkthrough. Do not use a room that contains furniture or boxes the crew must remove.

The ASPCA recommends a quiet closed room or an off-site stay on moving day to reduce the chance of a frightened pet escaping. Keep the routine as familiar as the day allows, and have one person—not several—responsible for checking the room and moving the pet.

Keep the Pet Travel Kit With You

Pack pet supplies in your vehicle so they remain reachable during loading, travel, and the first hours after arrival. The moving truck is not the place for anything your pet may need before unloading is finished.

• Carrier, leash, harness, and current identification tags
• Food, water, bowls, medications, waste bags, and litter supplies
• Vaccination or medical records and your veterinarian’s contact information
• A familiar blanket, bed, or toy and a recent photo of the pet

The American Veterinary Medical Association advises keeping identification information current and helping pets become comfortable with their travel carrier or restraint before a trip. Update the microchip registry when your address or phone number changes.

Prepare One Safe Room at the New Home First

Before bringing the pet inside, close windows and exterior doors, remove loose cords and accessible chemicals, and check for pest-control products or small spaces where an animal could become trapped. Set up food, water, bedding, and the litter box in one quiet room away from the unloading path.

Bring the pet directly into that room while the carrier or leash is still secure. Keep the door closed until unloading is complete and the home is quiet. The ASPCA recommends using one room as a home base, then introducing the rest of the home gradually as the pet becomes comfortable.

Use This Five-Point Pet Check

Before the first box moves, confirm the five details that prevent most last-minute confusion:

• One named person is responsible for the pet throughout the move
• The origin safe room is closed, labeled, and outside the crew’s work area
• The pet’s identification and microchip registration are current
• The travel kit and carrier or restraint are in your vehicle
• The destination safe room is ready before the pet enters the home

Treat the pet move as a separate handoff from the household move. One responsible person, two secure rooms, and an accessible travel kit create a clear plan while the moving crew handles the belongings.

Sources

• ASPCA: Moving With Your Pet
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Microchipping FAQs