Moving with animals

Moving house with pets

Moving day can be unsettling for pets. Arrange suitable pet transport separately from the furniture load. Plan a quiet, secure place for them on moving day, and tell the crew which doors and gates need to stay closed.

Ask about your furniture move Open the moving checklist

Before moving day

Plan your pet’s day before packing takes over.

RSPCA Australia recommends planning ahead and checking the new property for risks.

Check the new property

Inspect doors, windows, fences, gates and enclosures before arrival. Identify nearby traffic or other escape risks and decide where your pet will settle first.

Choose moving-day care

Arrange a trusted friend, boarding provider or a quiet secured room away from open doors and the furniture path. Make sure everyone knows where the pet is.

Pack a pet essentials bag

Keep food, water, medication, leads, bedding, litter supplies and a suitable carrier with the person responsible for the pet. Do not pack these into the furniture load.

Plan suitable transport

Use a secure carrier and a suitable vehicle, or engage a specialist pet-transport provider. Ask your veterinarian for advice if your pet has health, medication or travel needs. Do not place an animal in the furniture load.

While furniture is moving

Keep your pet safely away from the moving activity.

RSPCA Australia says a pet kept at the property should not be left unattended and should be secured in a quiet place with enough food and water. A trusted friend or boarding arrangement can also remove the pet from the activity.

Let our team know in advance if a room, door or gate must stay closed, and remind the crew when they arrive. Keep the secured area out of the crew’s carrying path and place a clear sign on the door. The person responsible for the animal should manage feeding, supervision and transport.

At the new property, wait until the main moving activity has finished before introducing the pet to the home. Check doors, windows, fences and gates again before release.

Read RSPCA Australia’s moving guidance ↗

After the move

Let pets settle at their own pace.

For cats, the RSPCA recommends starting in one prepared room for a couple of days with familiar bedding, food, water, litter and enrichment, then gradually making more areas available. Keep doors, windows and other escape routes secure while the cat learns the new environment.

Supervise dogs while they explore and recheck gates and fences. Keep routines as steady as practical and contact a veterinarian if you have concerns about your animal’s health, behaviour or travel needs.

See the RSPCA cat settling guide ↗

Victorian records

Update two separate records.

Animal Welfare Victoria says contact details should be current with both the microchip registry and the local council. If you move to a new council area, transfer the pet’s council registration. Updating council registration does not update the microchip registry.

Use your pet’s microchip number to identify the registry and update the address and phone details. Check the new council’s registration and permit requirements for your household.

Check Victorian pet identification guidance ↗

Common questions

Should my pet stay at the property while furniture is moved?

RSPCA Australia says many people use a trusted friend or boarding on moving day. If the pet remains at the property, keep it supervised and secured in a quiet place away from open doors and the furniture path.

Can you arrange pet transport?

Pet transport is not included by this guide or by a furniture-moving enquiry. Make suitable arrangements for the animal separately. If any related help is discussed, rely on the written quote and confirmation for your particular move.

What records should I update in Victoria?

Update the microchip registry and the local council record separately. If you move to a different council area, check how to transfer the pet registration.

How should a cat enter the new home?

RSPCA guidance recommends starting a cat in one prepared room for a couple of days, then gradually opening more areas while keeping escape routes secure.

Coordinate the furniture move

Share any access rules that protect your pet.

Send us your move details