How to Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Home

Moving is always chaotic. The boxes, the stress, the 14th trip to the new house with a coffee cup in hand. But, y’know, it’s also an emotional rollercoaster for your pet. And let’s face it, they can’t exactly tell you how they’re feeling. The challenge is, how do we help our pets adjust to a new home without making them think they’ve entered a parallel universe?

So, let’s dive into it—here’s how to help your pet adjust to a new home. No unnecessary fluff. Just real tips that actually work.

Why Pets Struggle with Change

Alright, first thing’s first: Pets. Hate. Change. I mean, I don’t love it either, but I can at least take a deep breath and power through it (maybe after 10 cups of coffee). But your dog, cat, or hamster? Not so much.

When you move to a new place, it’s like throwing your pet into a completely different world. The sights, the smells, the noises. Imagine if you were plopped in the middle of Times Square after living in a quiet cabin in the woods—yeah, no thanks.

Pets feel the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown of their common emotional responses when they move:

Anxiety: They may pace around, bark, or meow more than usual.
Loss of Appetite: Yeah, they’ll totally skip dinner. And breakfast. And lunch.
Hiding: Cats especially—my cat Lucy hid under the couch for days after I moved. Not sure if she was scared or just testing me.
Behavioral Issues: If your pet’s usually chill but suddenly starts marking their territory everywhere—well, they’re just adjusting to the chaos.

The point is, they’re probably not feeling too hot about it. But don’t worry; there are ways to help.

Preparing Before the Move

My first tip: prep like it’s a military operation. Seriously. I didn’t and paid the price. The first time I moved with my dog Charlie, I thought I could just toss him in the car and go. Nope. Three days of barking and whining at the new house later, I learned. Big time.

Here’s What You Should Do:

Visit the vet first: I mean, check-ups aren’t fun, but they’ll help rule out any health issues that might crop up during a stressful move.
Start packing early: It’s not fun for anyone, but letting your pet see you packing over the course of a few days or weeks helps them process the change.
Stick to routines: Keep their walks, meals, and playtime as consistent as possible. Trust me, I know this one’s hard. Moving means less sleep, more work—but for your pet’s sake, keep their schedule intact.

The less surprise, the better.

Moving Day: Make it As Smooth As Possible

On the big day, it’s gonna be a mess. It’s like a tornado with a dog on a leash and a cat in a carrier. But here’s how I’ve found to make it just a bit less wild:

Board your pet or get a pet sitter: I know, I know. It sounds like a luxury, but seriously, my sanity is worth it. Plus, pets do way better if they’re not stuck in the middle of the frenzy. Get a sitter if you can—your pet can relax while you do the heavy lifting.
Secure them in a quiet room: If you can’t board them, at least stick them in a room away from the chaos. I put Charlie in the bathroom with his favorite blanket, and while he wasn’t thrilled, he wasn’t overwhelmed, either.
Use a crate or carrier: When it’s time to travel, a crate is your best bet. My cat, Lucy, once managed to escape the crate, and I spent half an hour chasing her through my car like a maniac. Lesson learned.

And yeah, if you’re like me, the anxiety kicks in with the first packing box, but hang tight. Your pet will be just fine.

Settling Into the New Place

Fast forward past three failed attempts to get your pet to chill out… it’s finally time to get settled. Now, this is the fun part. I’ve been there—showing my dog Charlie his new backyard, watching him sniff everything like it’s a foreign planet. It’s important to keep things familiar, even if everything around them is new.

Here’s What I Did (And You Can Too):

Set up a “home base”: I always set up Charlie’s bed, toys, and food bowls in the quietest spot first. Familiarity = less stress.
Keep their routine: Walks, meals, playtime—make it all the same. I once dropped the ball and missed a couple of Charlie’s walks. Cue the sad face and extra zoomies around the living room.
Gradually introduce the house: If you can, let them explore slowly. No need to throw them into the deep end of the pool.

It’s a process, but with each passing hour, your pet will feel more and more at ease.

How Different Pets Adjust

Now, here’s the kicker: different pets have different ways of adjusting. I learned this the hard way. My first herb garden died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter—RIP, Gary—but animals are a whole different story.

For Dogs:

Dogs need structure, and they need a lot of exercise. A walk through the new neighborhood? Game-changer. Charlie did his usual sniff-everything routine, and it helped him so much.

Playtime and walks are key. They’ll love it.
If they start acting out, take a deep breath. Dogs sometimes get territorial. Go easy on them.

For Cats:

Oh boy, cats. Lucy hid under the couch for a week. Seriously. But eventually, she warmed up.

Create a safe space for them to hide, like a cozy bed or a box. Don’t force them out.
Once they’re ready, you can slowly show them the rest of the house. And yes, be prepared for them to give you that look of disdain, like, “Really? This is your idea of an upgrade?”

Small Critters:

This is a bit tricky, but honestly, the same rules apply. Pets like rabbits, hamsters, and birds thrive on routine. So, set up their habitats as close as possible to how they were before. And remember, their adjustment will be quieter, but still just as important.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

One of the biggest tricks I’ve learned in adjusting pets is this: make it a game. Rewards, treats, praise—it all helps. My dog Charlie? Treats are the key. The second he associates the new place with good things (and snacks), things start getting easier.

Common Issues You Might See

House soiling: If your pet has potty accidents, get back to basics with training. I remember Charlie’s “accident phase” after moving—he was marking every corner like it was a post office. It was frustrating, but we got through it.

Aggression: If your pet’s starting fights or being irritable, make sure there’s not something else going on—like illness. Sometimes it’s just the stress.

Patience is Key (Really)

Look, I’ll be real: your pet isn’t going to adjust overnight. I wish I could say that Charlie was a breeze, but no, it took time. Be patient. Stick to their routine. And trust me, the tail-wags or purrs at the end of the day? Totally worth it.

Final Checklist

Update IDs and microchips.
Keep their food, toys, and bed in the same spot.
Let them explore slowly.
Stay calm. Pets mirror your energy.
Seek professional help if needed.

Moving is stressful, but with the right mindset (and maybe a little patience), you’ll both get through it. Keep the routine intact, offer plenty of affection, and don’t forget to laugh through the mess. Because honestly? That’s what’s going to make your new home feel like home—both for you and your pet.