How can pets deal with moving stress?

Moving is often a source of excitement and a fresh start for people, but for our pets, it is a major event that turns their whole world upside down. In 2026, we understand better than ever that dogs, cats and other pets are highly dependent on their territory and established routines. The smells, sounds and familiar layout of the old house offer them a sense of security. When boxes suddenly appear everywhere and their familiar surroundings are broken down, animals can show signs of deep anxiety and stress. In modern veterinary behavioral science from 2026, the focus is on preventive care to minimize the emotional burden on the animal.

Successfully guiding a pet through a move requires an empathetic approach that focuses on their sensory experience. In this article, we analyze how you can physically and mentally support your pet during preparation, the moving day itself and the adjustment period in the new home.

Preparation: Routine in chaos

Animals are masters at picking up on non-verbal signals and changes in their environment. In the weeks leading up to the move, most people start packing. For a pet, this is the beginning of uncertainty.

To limit stress in 2026, it is essential to maintain their daily routine as tightly as possible. Feed the animal at exactly the same times and stick to the usual walks or playtimes. Introduce moving boxes into the living space gradually so that they are not perceived as a sudden threat, but as new “furniture”. Let your pet browse the boxes and occasionally put treats on them to create a positive association. Avoid packing the animal's favorite basket or toys until the very last minute; these items contain their familiar scent and act as an emotional anchor in a changing environment.

The role of pheromones and natural sedatives

In 2026, the use of pheromone nebulizers and natural supplements became the standard for helping pets through stressful transitions. These products mimic the comforting fragrances that mother animals release, which have an immediate calming effect on the nervous system of dogs and cats.

Start placing atomizers in both the old and new homes at least two weeks before the moving day. For cats, which are extremely territorial, this can mean the difference between an animal that hides for weeks or an animal that curiously explores the new rooms. In 2026, veterinarians also often recommend short-term natural supplements based on L-theanine or milk protein, which reduce anxiety without slacking the animal. Creating a “chemical blanket” of safety helps the animal to better process the physical changes.

Moving day: Safety above all else

The moving day itself is the riskiest moment. The front door is often open all day, strange people (movers) walk in and out, and there is a lot of noise. In 2026, the safest strategy is to keep your pet completely out of the hustle and bustle.

• Pension or babysitting: If possible, bring your dog or cat to a trusted guest house or a familiar sitter for one or two nights. This prevents them from experiencing the panic of the moving day.
• The “safe room”: If the animal stays home, set up one room that will be emptied last. Place the basket, water, food and litter box here. Lock the door and hang a note for the movers: “DO NOT OPEN - PET INSIDE”.
• Transport: Always transport the animal in a familiar crate or carrier in your own car, not in the moving van. The proximity to the owner and their voice is the main source of comfort during the ride.

First encounter with the new house

Upon arrival at the new home in 2026, there is a temptation to let the animal explore the entire house immediately. For many animals, however, this is overwhelming. The abundance of new fragrances and the absence of their own scent can lead to uncleanliness or obsessive behavior.

Apply the 'room-by-room' method. Start in one central room where you put their familiar stuff. Let the animal relax here first. For dogs, it's essential to take a short walk in the new neighborhood right away; the new smells outside help them mentally map out the new location. For cats, it is advisable not to let them go to other rooms until they eat leisurely and relieve themselves in the first room. By expanding their territory in a controlled manner, you give them the opportunity to make each new space “their own” by leaving their scent behind via their flanks or cushions.

Behavioral changes and when to seek help

It is normal for a pet to behave differently in the first weeks after moving in 2026. Dogs may bark more often to unfamiliar noises in the street and cats may temporarily have less appetite. This is an expression of heightened vigilance.

Give your pet extra attention and positive reinforcement, but don't try to over-comfort unwanted anxiety, as this can confirm the anxiety. Do not force the animal to get out of a shelter. However, if the animal still does not eat after two weeks, is extremely apathetic or shows aggression that was not there before, it is advisable to consult a licensed behavioral therapist or the new veterinarian in 2026. Sometimes there is a medical cause for the stress sensitivity triggered by the move, and timely intervention prevents the behavior from becoming chronic.

Update records and identification

An often forgotten aspect of pet moving stress is the risk of running away. A disoriented animal will try to return to the old house in 2026 or may be panicked by a strange environment.

Before moving, make sure your pet's chip registration is up to date with your new address and phone number. In the Netherlands, this is a legal obligation, but it is also a crucial safety measure during a move. Make sure the collar has a badge with the new address. In 2026, cats that are used to going outside are urged to keep them strictly indoors for at least four to six weeks. Their internal compass must recalibrate at the new location; if they go out too early, there is a good chance that they will not find their way back to the new home.

Pets need time and patience to make the emotional transition from moving. By taking their needs seriously in 2026 and gradually adapting the environment, you will create a stable basis for their new life in your shared home.

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