Moving House with Pets in London: A Stress-Free Guide

Moving day is disruptive enough for humans — for pets, who have no idea what’s happening or why, it can be genuinely distressing. Cats and dogs rely heavily on routine and familiar scent cues, both of which disappear overnight during a house move. With a bit of planning, though, you can keep the disruption to a minimum and help your pet settle into their new London home far more quickly.

In the Weeks Before the Move

If your pet is microchipped, this is the moment to double-check the details are up to date, particularly your new address and phone number. It’s a legal requirement for dogs in the UK, and it’s the single most important thing that gets forgotten in the chaos of moving.

If you’re moving to a new borough, it’s also worth registering with a local vet in advance rather than leaving it until there’s an emergency. Ask your current vet for a copy of your pet’s records to hand over, including vaccination history.

For anxious pets, introducing moving boxes gradually in the weeks beforehand — rather than having them suddenly appear the day before — can reduce the shock when packing begins in earnest.

On Moving Day Itself

The safest approach for most pets is to keep them out of the way entirely while the move is happening. A few options that work well:

– Ask a friend or family member to look after them for the day
– Book them into a day of doggy daycare or a cattery, particularly for longer or more complicated moves
– If neither is possible, set them up in a quiet, closed-off room with familiar bedding, water, and toys, away from the main activity, with a clear sign on the door so movers know not to open it

Cats in particular are prone to bolting when startled by unfamiliar people and open doors, so this isn’t optional if you’re moving without professional help managing access.

Travelling to Your New Home

For car journeys, dogs should travel in a secured crate or with a harness attached to a seatbelt clip, both for their safety and yours. Cats should always travel in a secure carrier, even for short distances — a frightened cat loose in a moving car is a genuine safety risk.

If you’re moving a significant distance across London, or the move involves a lot of stop-start traffic, try to schedule the pet’s journey for the calmest part of the day and avoid feeding them a full meal beforehand to reduce the risk of travel sickness.

Settling In at the New Property

Once you arrive, set up one room first with your pet’s familiar items — bed, bowls, litter tray, favourite toys — before letting them explore the rest of the house gradually. For cats especially, a slow, room-by-room introduction over several days tends to work far better than free access to the whole property immediately.

Keep to your pet’s normal feeding and walking schedule as closely as possible in the first week. Consistency in routine does more to reduce stress than almost anything else during this transition period.

A Few London-Specific Considerations

If you’re moving to a flat, check the building’s pet policy before signing anything — some London blocks, particularly newer developments, have restrictions on pet ownership or specific rules around dog breeds and weight limits. It’s also worth researching nearby parks and green spaces in your new area in advance, since access to outdoor space varies considerably between boroughs and can make a real difference to a dog’s adjustment period.

Getting Help on Moving Day

If you’re managing a pet alongside a full house move, having a reliable removal team who understand the extra logistics involved makes a genuine difference. At VAN on the MOVE, we’re happy to work around your pet’s needs — whether that’s timing the move to fit around when they’re being looked after elsewhere, or simply being mindful of doors and access throughout the day. Get in touch to discuss your move and we’ll help you plan it properly.