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We love our pets like family, so when it comes to moving house, their comfort is a top priority. However, the disruption of routine can lead to "moving day anxiety" for even the most laid-back labradors or courageous calicos. At YourPorter, we know that if your pets are happy, you’re happy.

Here is how to ensure your four-legged friends have a smooth transition to their new backyard.

1. Pre-Move: The Logistics of "Paws and Claws"

Before the first box is taped shut, there are a few administrative tasks to tick off:

• Update the Microchip: This is the most important step. If your pet wanders off in the confusion of a new neighborhood, an up-to-date microchip is their ticket home.

• Vet Records: If you are moving to a new suburb, grab a copy of your pet’s medical history and check that vaccinations are current.

• Check Local Council Rules: Every Australian council has different regulations regarding pet registration and "cat curfews." Check your new council’s website early.

2. Packing Without the Panic

Pets are sensitive to change. To keep their stress levels low:

• Keep Routines Sacred: Try to keep feeding and walking times exactly the same, even when the house is in disarray.

• The "Safe Room": Designate one room as a "no-box zone." Keep their bed and toys there so they have a familiar retreat while the rest of the house is being packed.

• Pheromones and Comfort: For anxious cats or dogs, consider using calming sprays or diffusers (like Feliway or Adaptil) a few days before the move.

3. Moving Day: Security is Key

On the big day, the front door will be opening and closing constantly. This is the highest risk time for a pet to bolt.

• Book a Pet Sitter: If possible, have your pet stay with a friend or at a kennel/cattery for the day.

• The Travel Kit: Pack a bag with enough food for two days, bowls, a leash, waste bags, and their favorite "comfort toy."

• Vehicle Safety: Ensure your pet is secured in a harness or crate during transit. Never leave a pet in a hot car, especially during an Australian summer move.

4. Settling In: The New Territory

Once you arrive, resist the urge to let them roam immediately.

• The Slow Reveal: For cats, start them in one room with their litter box and food. Gradually let them explore the rest of the house over a few days.

• Boundary Check: Before letting a dog into the backyard, check the entire fence line for gaps, loose palings, or toxic plants.

• Update the Tag: Ensure their collar tag has your new address and current mobile number.

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Conclusion Moving with pets takes a little extra planning, but seeing them curled up in their favorite spot in the new house makes it all worth it. The less time you spend on the phone with utility companies, the more time you have to take your dog for a walk in your new local park.

Let YourPorter handle the "human" admin. We’ll get your electricity, gas, and internet sorted so you can focus on the furrier members of the family. Click here to connect your new home today.