Welfare of Companion Animals During Moves and Relocation

Moving home is one of the most stressful events for companion animals, requiring specific management to minimize welfare impacts.

Key Facts

Cats are particularly territorial and find home moves extremely disorienting
Dogs may show anxiety behaviors after a move including destructive behavior
Birds and small mammals show stress-related behaviors during moves
Establishing familiar scents and routines quickly helps animals adapt
Lost pets peak during moves as animals attempt to return to previous territories

Welfare Considerations

Companion animals during household moves experience acute stress from disrupted territory, familiar scents, and routines. Cats may hide for days refusing food after a move. Dogs show separation anxiety more acutely in unfamiliar environments. Birds may feather-pluck in response to major environmental change. Animals lost during moves face dangerous exposure in unfamiliar areas. Careful management including microchipping, gradual introduction to new spaces, and maintaining familiar routines significantly reduces the welfare impact of relocation.

What You Can Do

Update microchip and ID tag information before any move
Introduce pets to new homes gradually starting with a single room
Maintain familiar feeding and exercise routines through the transition period
Keep cats strictly indoors for at least 2 weeks after a move before any outdoor access