Moving with Pets? Here’s How to Make It Easier on You and Them

Moving can be stressful — not just for you, but for your pets too. While you’re busy boxing up your life and coordinating logistics, your furry companions may sense the disruption and become anxious or confused. Pets thrive on routine and familiar environments, so a big change like moving can be overwhelming if not handled carefully.

Whether you’re relocating to the city or settling down in the best suburb in Minneapolis, preparing ahead can make the transition easier for both you and your pets. In this guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips to help ensure a smooth, pet-friendly move — from packing to settling into your new home. And if you’re hiring professionals like Affinity Moving, you can focus more on your pets while the heavy lifting is handled for you.

Start Preparing Your Pets Early

Just like humans, pets pick up on changes in their environment. Boxes stacking up, furniture disappearing, and increased human stress levels can make them feel uneasy. Starting early helps desensitize your pet to the moving process.

Preparation steps

• Bring moving boxes into your home early, allowing your pets to sniff and explore.
• Stick to routines like feeding and walks, even when your schedule gets hectic.
• Begin crate training (if needed) for pets that will travel in carriers.
• Visit your veterinarian for a health check-up, updated records, and medications.
• Ask for recommendations for vets in your new neighborhood, especially if moving to a different city.

Pro tip: Pack a “pet essentials” bag with their food, toys, bed, and comfort items to keep with you on moving day.

Create a Calm and Safe Moving Day Plan

On moving day, your home will be full of noise, strangers (like movers), and open doors — all of which can overwhelm your pets or even lead to them escaping.

Options for pet safety on moving day

• Keep them in a quiet, closed room with food, water, and their favorite toys.
• Place a sign on the door to prevent accidental opening.
• Ask a friend or pet sitter to take your pet for the day.
• Board them at a trusted kennel or daycare until the move is complete.

Companies like Affinity Moving understand the importance of pet safety and can coordinate with you to ensure minimal disruption for your pets during loading and unloading.

Traveling: Making the Journey Comfortable

Whether you’re driving across Minneapolis or relocating long-distance, travel is a critical part of the moving process for your pets. How you transport them depends on the species, distance, and their temperament.

For dogs and cats

• Use a secure, ventilated carrier for travel.
• Keep pets restrained with harnesses or seatbelt clips — never let them roam freely in a moving vehicle.
• Provide water and small snacks, and plan for frequent potty breaks during long drives.
• Avoid feeding right before the journey to reduce motion sickness.

For smaller animals

• Keep cages covered to reduce stress.
• Secure them to avoid tipping during movement.
• Maintain proper temperature during travel.

Avoid leaving pets in vehicles during breaks — cars can quickly become unsafe in hot or cold weather, even with the windows cracked.

Settling In: Help Pets Acclimate to Their New Home

Once you arrive, don’t expect your pet to feel at home immediately. New smells, sounds, and layouts can make them nervous. Take time to help them adjust gradually.

How to help your pet settle

• Set up a designated area with familiar items like their bed, toys, and food bowls.
• Keep them confined to one room at first to prevent overwhelming them.
• Let them explore the new home slowly, room by room.
• Stick to the same feeding and walking schedule they had before the move.

If you’ve moved to the best suburb in Minneapolis, such as Edina or St. Louis Park, explore local dog parks, pet-friendly cafes, and trails together to establish positive associations with the new neighborhood.

Update Tags, Microchips, and Records

One of the most crucial — and often forgotten — steps is updating your pet’s information after a move. If they get lost during or after the move, up-to-date ID can be life-saving.

Checklist

• Update microchip registration with your new address and contact info.
• Order new ID tags with your current phone number and address.
• Notify your new city’s licensing office if pet registration is required.
• Transfer vet records or find a new provider if you’ve moved out of the service area.

Affinity Moving’s relocation experts often recommend handling this step during your packing phase so it doesn’t get lost in the post-move chaos.

Watch for Signs of Pet Stress

Even after a smooth move, some pets may show signs of stress or anxiety. It’s important to monitor your animals for behavior changes and respond appropriately.

Common signs of stress in pets

• Hiding, whining, or excessive grooming
• Loss of appetite or change in bathroom habits
• Destructive behaviors like chewing or scratching
• Aggression or withdrawal

Help them adjust by offering plenty of attention, maintaining a calm home environment, and consulting your vet if the behavior persists.

You can also try calming aids like pheromone diffusers, anxiety vests, or natural supplements recommended by your veterinarian.

Explore the New Neighborhood Together

Once your pet feels comfortable indoors, it’s time to explore your new neighborhood. Go for walks, visit local parks, and establish new routines. If you’ve moved to a pet-friendly area like Eden Prairie — often considered the best suburb in Minneapolis for families and pet owners — you’ll have access to trails, open spaces, and welcoming community amenities.

Make sure to

• Keep your dog leashed until they’re familiar with the area
• Look for nearby vets, groomers, and pet supply stores
• Meet neighbors and other pet owners for socialization
• Scout out any hazards like busy roads or unfenced yards

Establishing a regular walking route will help your pet feel secure and start building a sense of “home.”

Conclusion

Moving with pets doesn’t have to be stressful — for them or for you. With early planning, consistent routines, and patience, you can help your furry friend adjust quickly and comfortably. From packing their favorite toys to exploring the neighborhood together, it’s all about building familiarity and minimizing anxiety.

Whether you’re moving solo or with the help of professionals like Affinity Moving, being mindful of your pet’s emotional and physical well-being makes a huge difference. And when you’re settling into a welcoming community — like one of the best suburbs in Minneapolis — you’ll both find it easier to feel right at home.

With the right preparation, your pet will not only survive the move but thrive in their new environment — tail wags and purrs included.