Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions — and if you have a dog, cat, or other animal at home, the process comes with an extra layer of responsibility. Moving with pets takes careful planning, patience, and a few smart strategies to keep your furry family members calm and safe throughout the process. The good news is that with the right preparation, both you and your pets can settle into your new home without too much stress.
At All Star Movers & Storage, we’ve helped Bay Area, Sacramento, and Central Valley families relocate for over 20 years. We understand that pets are part of the family. This guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your move to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved — including the four-legged members of your household.
Whether you’re moving across Dublin, relocating from San Francisco to Sacramento, or making a longer haul from the Bay Area to the Central Valley, these tips will help you stay organized and keep your pets comfortable every step of the way.
Before the Move: Preparation Is Everything
The weeks leading up to moving day are critical. A little preparation goes a long way in reducing anxiety for your pets — and for you. Animals are highly sensitive to change. They notice when furniture disappears, boxes start stacking up, and routines shift. Starting early helps them adjust gradually rather than all at once.
Visit Your Veterinarian
Schedule a vet appointment before your move. This is especially important if you’re relocating to a new city, such as from Livermore to Sacramento or from Modesto to San Jose. Your vet can:
- Update vaccinations and health records
- Provide a health certificate if required for travel
- Recommend calming aids or mild sedatives for anxious animals
- Help you find a trusted veterinarian in your new area
Additionally, make sure your pet’s microchip information is current. Update your contact details well before moving day so there’s no gap in identification if your pet gets loose during the transition.
Introduce Moving Supplies Gradually
Don’t wait until the last minute to bring out boxes and packing tape. Instead, introduce moving supplies a few weeks early. Let your pets sniff and explore the boxes while they’re still empty. This helps normalize the new sights and smells in their environment. Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to changes in their surroundings, so the earlier you start, the better they’ll cope.
Maintain Your Pet’s Routine
Try to keep feeding, walking, and playtime on their normal schedule throughout the packing process. Consistency is one of the most powerful tools for keeping animals calm during disruption. Even if your living space looks completely different, a familiar routine signals safety and stability to your pet.
Moving Day: Keeping Pets Safe and Calm
Moving day is loud, unpredictable, and full of open doors — which can be dangerous for curious or anxious animals. Planning ahead for this specific day is one of the most important things you can do.
Designate a Safe Room
On moving day, set aside one room in your current home as a pet sanctuary. Keep your pet in that room with their bed, food, water, and a favorite toy. Place a sign on the door so movers know not to open it. This keeps your pet out of harm’s way and reduces their exposure to the chaos of loading and unloading.
Meanwhile, if possible, arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or pet sitter to watch your animals away from the home entirely. This is often the least stressful option for sensitive pets, particularly cats, who tend to hide when overwhelmed.
Prepare a Pet Travel Kit
Pack a dedicated bag for your pet that travels with you — not in the moving truck. Include:
- Food and water (enough for 24–48 hours)
- Portable food and water bowls
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Medications and vet records
- Familiar toys or a worn piece of your clothing for comfort
- Waste bags, litter, or disposable puppy pads
- A recent photo in case your pet gets lost
Having everything in one place saves time and ensures nothing gets accidentally packed in a box that ends up in a storage unit or at the bottom of a truck.
Secure Pets During Transport
Never let pets roam freely in a moving vehicle. Dogs should be harnessed or crated. Cats travel best in a secure, well-ventilated carrier. For longer trips — such as moving from the Bay Area to Sacramento or across the Central Valley — plan for regular rest stops where your dog can stretch and relieve themselves. Keep the car cool and never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle, especially during warm California summers.
Arriving at Your New Home
The first few days in a new home are a big adjustment for animals. Everything smells different, sounds different, and feels unfamiliar. Your job is to help your pet build positive associations with the new space as quickly as possible.
Set Up a Familiar Space First
Before letting your pet explore the whole house, set up one room with their familiar items — bed, blanket, toys, food bowls, and litter box. This gives them a safe base to return to while they slowly acclimate to the rest of the home. Because of this gradual approach, pets tend to feel more secure and settle in faster.
For dogs, start with short supervised explorations of each room. For cats, expect it to take a few days before they’re comfortable enough to venture out on their own. Don’t rush the process — patience goes a long way.
Update Identification and Registration
Once you’re settled, update your pet’s ID tags with your new address and phone number. If you’ve moved to a new city — such as from Pleasanton to Walnut Creek or from Tracy to Turlock — check local licensing requirements. Many cities in California require dog registration with the local animal services department. Getting this done early avoids any issues and ensures your pet is legally covered in their new home city.
Reestablish Routine Immediately
As soon as you move in, resume your pet’s normal routine. Feed them at the same times, walk them on the same schedule, and give them plenty of attention. The familiar rhythm of their day provides emotional comfort during a confusing time. Furthermore, regular exercise — especially for dogs — helps burn off anxiety and stress.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Pets
Not all pets experience moving the same way. Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles each have unique needs during relocation. Here’s a quick look at what to keep in mind for a few common types.
Dogs
Dogs are social animals and tend to take their emotional cues from their owners. If you stay calm and positive, your dog is more likely to follow suit. Introduce them to the new neighborhood gradually with short, calm walks. Let them sniff and explore at their own pace. Avoid scolding anxious behaviors — instead, reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
Cats
Cats are territorial by nature, which makes moving particularly stressful for them. However, most cats adjust within a few weeks given time and patience. Keep them indoors for at least two to four weeks after the move. This allows them to fully imprint on the new home before venturing outside. Use a synthetic calming pheromone spray or diffuser in key areas to help ease the transition.
Birds and Small Animals
Birds are sensitive to temperature changes, drafts, and loud noises. Keep their cage covered during transport and avoid leaving them in a hot car. Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs are also stress-sensitive. Minimize handling during the move itself and get them into their enclosure in a quiet room as quickly as possible after arrival.
How All Star Movers & Storage Can Help
Managing a move is already a big job. Add pets to the mix, and the logistics can feel overwhelming. That’s where a professional moving company can make a real difference. When you hire experienced movers, you free up your time and mental energy to focus on your pets and family — not on hauling furniture and managing logistics.
All Star Movers & Storage is a locally owned, BBB accredited moving company based in Dublin, California. We’ve been helping families across the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley move safely and efficiently for more than 20 years. Our movers are fully licensed and insured, continuously trained in the latest safety practices, and committed to treating your belongings with the same care they’d give their own.
We offer a full range of services — residential moving, packing and unpacking, short-term storage, and more — so you can customize your move to fit your needs. We provide free moving quotes at competitive rates and friendly service available seven days a week. When your hands are full (sometimes literally, with a pet carrier), let us handle the heavy lifting.
Ready to make your next move easier on you and your pets? All Star Movers & Storage is here to help you plan a stress-free relocation from start to finish. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation moving quote and let our experienced team take the weight off your shoulders.