Moving is loud, the doors stay open and the furniture disappears. Pets notice all of it. This is a common-sense guide to keeping your dog or cat safe and out of the way on moving day, keeping the work area clean for your crew, and helping your pet settle in afterward.
Two to four weeks before
- Line up a sitter, a friend, daycare or a boarding kennel for moving day. Book early.
- Call your vet. Ask for a copy of your pet’s records and refill any medication so you are not hunting for a pharmacy the week you move.
- Update the address and phone number on your pet’s ID tag and microchip registration.
- Leave the carrier or crate out with the door open so it becomes a normal part of the room.
- Keep feeding and walk times the same while the boxes pile up.
- Tell us you have pets when you book, so the crew knows what to expect.
Moving to another state? Some states ask for a health certificate or proof of rabies vaccination. Ask your vet and check the USDA pet travel page for your destination.
Staying in Pennsylvania? Dogs here need a license from the county treasurer. If you are changing counties, ask the new county treasurer about transferring it. The state dog license page has the details.
The day before: clean and clear the work area
Movers lift, carry and breathe hard in your home for hours, and some people on a crew may have pet allergies. A quick clean makes the job safer and faster for everyone.
- Vacuum floors, rugs and upholstered furniture to pick up hair and dander.
- Wipe down or shake out pet beds, blankets and crates before they are packed.
- Empty and bag the litter box. Move it, along with food and water bowls, out of hallways and doorways.
- Pick up the yard along the path from the door to the truck.
- Pick up toys, leashes and gates from stairs and walkways.
Pack a pet bag
Pack it last and keep it in your car, not on the truck.
- Food for a few days, plus bowls and water
- Leash, harness and waste bags, or a litter box and litter
- Medication and vet records
- A bed or blanket that smells like home
- A favorite toy
- A recent photo, in case your pet gets out
Moving day: out of the way and secure
Doors are propped open for hours while a crew carries furniture in and out. That is when pets slip outside or end up underfoot on the stairs.
- The best plan is to have your pet out of the house with a sitter, friend, family member, daycare or boarding kennel for the day.
- If your pet stays home, pick one room, empty it first, and put your pet in it with food, water and a bed. Close the door and tape a sign on it so nobody opens it.
- Tell your crew lead which room it is, and mention any other animals in the home.
- Keep even friendly pets away from the crew while they work. A dog underfoot on a staircase is a risk to the dog and to the person carrying your dresser.
- Load your pet into your own car last. MoversForMe does not transport pets. They ride with you, not in the moving truck.
On the road
- Cats and small dogs travel in a carrier. Larger dogs do best in a secured crate or a car harness.
- Stop every few hours for water and a leashed walk.
- Never leave a pet alone in a parked car.
The first week in the new home
- Keep your pet in one closed room, or with the sitter, until the crew has finished unloading.
- Set up that room first with the bed, bowls and toys your pet already knows.
- Walk the yard and check the fence and gates before you let a dog off the leash.
- Keep cats indoors for the first couple of weeks while they learn the new place.
- Go back to the old feeding and walk schedule right away.
- Find a vet nearby and confirm your microchip record shows the new address.
Frequently asked questions
Where should my dog or cat be while the movers work?
Out of the house with a sitter or someone you trust. If that is not possible, in one closed room with a sign on the door.
Why should I clean up pet hair before the movers arrive?
Some movers have pet allergies, and hair and dander get stirred up when furniture is lifted. Vacuuming the day before helps the crew work comfortably.
Can movers transport my pet?
No. MoversForMe does not transport pets. Your pet travels with you in your own vehicle. The truck is for your household goods.
When should I update my pet’s microchip?
Before moving day. Update the ID tag at the same time.
Plan the rest of the move
Add these steps to your moving timeline, see who to notify when you move, and request a free quote or call 717-500-MOVE.