Moving is hard enough for people. Moving with pets makes it even harder. Your dog or cat doesn’t know what “new chapter” means. All they see are boxes, strangers, and a home that smells and feels different all of a sudden.
The good news? You can make moving with dogs and cats in Melbourne much less stressful for both you and your pets if you plan ahead.
Why Moving is So Hard on Animals
Dogs and cats make their world out of routine, scent, and territory. It’s normal to feel anxious when all three things change at once. Pet experts say that to keep stress levels down, you should plan ahead, stick to your normal routines, and make changes slowly.
In Australia, groups like the RSPCA stress the importance of giving pets a safe space, using familiar bedding and toys, and slowly introducing them to their new home, especially for cats.
Get Your Pet Ready for Success Before Moving Day
1. Go to the vet, get a microchip, and fill out the paperwork.
- Make an appointment with the vet a few weeks before you move.
- Make sure your vet recommends any vaccinations, parasite prevention, or anxiety support.
- Change the information on your microchip and council registration to reflect your new address. This is very important if you’re moving with pets in Australia, where many councils require pet registration to be up to date.
2. Training with a crate or carrier
Moving will seem like a disaster if your dog or cat only sees the carrier on vet day.
- Leave the crate or carrier open at home with food and bedding so it becomes a safe place to sleep, not a trap.
- Before the big day, take your dogs on short practice drives to help them feel less anxious in the car.
3. Put together an “overnight bag” for your pet
If you’re moving with dogs or cats, make sure to pack a clearly labelled box or bag with:
- food and treats for a few days
- bowls, a leash, waste bags, a litter tray, and litter
- their favourite toys, blankets, and scratching post
- and any medications and vet records
Don’t leave this bag on the truck; keep it with you so that nothing important gets lost in the mess.
On Moving Day, Keep Your Pets Calm, Safe, and Contained.
4. Make a “safe room” where you can get away from the noise
Letting your pets roam around through open doors while the movers are working is the worst thing you can do when you move.
Instead:
- Pick a quiet room in the old house
- Put their bed, water, litter box (for cats), and toys in it.
- Put a clear sign on the door that says “Do Not Open—Pet Inside.”
A lot of Australian moving guides say to keep pets apart like this, or even to find a trusted friend or pet daycare to watch them until the truck is full.
5. Work with your movers to plan.
Tell Big Stuff Movers ahead of time that you have pets and are moving to Melbourne. The crew can:
- Plan the load so that your pet’s room is the last one to be done
- Don’t leave doors open near your safe room.
- Plan your work around planned breaks for feeding, walking, or cleaning up after your pet.
Big Stuff Movers already focuses on careful packing, quick local moves, and stress-free logistics, so you can spend all of your time on moving day with your dog or cat.
Dogs and Cats On The First Day in Their New Home
6. Taking dogs with you when you move
Dogs usually get very attached to you, so they tend to adjust faster than cats when you’re calm and present. Still:
- Right away, put their bed, bowls, and toys in a quiet corner.
- Keep your regular times for feeding and walking. Everything is about routine.
- Begin with short, quiet walks around the new neighbourhood so they can get used to the smells and sounds.
- Don’t leave them alone in the yard until you’ve checked the fences and gates carefully. Keep them on a leash.
7. Moving with cats
Cats are more territorial, so most experts say to keep them inside at first:
- Start with just one room that has a bed, litter box, food, water, scratching post, and places to hide.
- Let them look around that room for a few days, then slowly open new ones.
- Use bedding and blankets that smell like “home” so the new house does too.
- If they will eventually be able to go outside, keep them inside for at least 2 to 4 weeks and watch them as they explore.
Moving House with Pets in Australia: A Quick Checklist
Along with your main house moving checklist, use this small one:
✅ Check that the new address’s lease, strata, or body corporate rules allow pets.
✅ Make an appointment with the vet, update the microchip, and register the pet.
✅ Training in a crate or carrier and short practice drives
✅ Make a bag of pet necessities and keep it with you.
✅ Plan for a safe room or off-site care for the day you move.
✅ First, make sure the dogs’ and cats’ areas are ready in the new home. Then, slowly show them the rest of the house.
Why Pet Owners in Melbourne Choose Big Stuff Movers
You need a removalist who doesn’t add drama when you’re trying to keep track of keys, kids, cleaners, and pets while moving. Big Stuff Movers has:
- Local movers in Melbourne who know how to deal with tight streets, apartments in the city, and problems that are unique to each suburb.
- We will pack and unpack for you so you can focus on your dog or cat instead of bubble wrap.
- Honest quotes and clear communication so you know what’s going on and when.
When you’re ready, get in touch for a quote and let us know that you’re moving with pets. Our team will help you plan a move that keeps tails wagging and whiskers relaxed.