Guide

How to Help a Pet Adjust to a New Home

Moving is a big change for a dog or cat. A few simple steps in the first days and weeks make it much easier. Here is what works, what to expect, and when to call a vet.

A dog relaxing in a new home between moving boxes

Before your pet arrives

If you can, get the new home ready before your pet walks in. Choose one quiet room, away from the front door and the boxes, and set it up with your pet's bed, food and water bowls, a few toys and, for a cat, the litter box. Close the windows and check for gaps where a small pet could hide or slip out.

Bring the things that smell like home: the old bed, a blanket, a worn t-shirt. Do not wash them before the move. Familiar smells calm pets more than anything new you can buy.

The first day

Your pet has had a long day too. Keep the welcome quiet.

Offer water first, then a small meal of the usual food. Do not switch food during a move.
Dogs: a short walk on leash around the block, so they can sniff and toilet. Then home to their room.
Cats: carry the carrier or crate into the quiet room, close the door and open it. Let your cat come out when it is ready, even if that takes hours.
Keep visitors away for now. The neighbours can meet your pet next week.
Stay close. Sit in the room, read, talk quietly. Your calm voice helps.

Expect some odd behaviour: hiding, pacing, a small appetite, or not sleeping much the first night. That is normal.

The first week

Keep the old routine. Feed, walk and go to bed at the same times as before the move. Pets cope with a new place much better when the day still feels the same.

Open up the home slowly. Once your pet eats and rests normally in the first room, let them explore one more room at a time, with you nearby.

Use a leash and a secure harness outside. Even a dog that was fine off leash before does not know these streets. A frightened pet can bolt.

Do not leave them alone for long. If you can, stay home for the first few days, then leave for short spells and build up.

Check the ID. Put your current cell number on the collar tag and update the microchip record with your new address.

Cats and dogs settle in differently

Dogs

Dogs attach to people and routines more than places. Most settle once walks, meals and bedtime are back to normal. Explore the new area together on short walks, and find a quiet park before trying a busy one. Some dogs bark more at first because every sound is new. That usually fades within a couple of weeks.

Cats

Cats attach to territory, so a move hits them harder. Give your cat its own room for a few days, or longer if it is still hiding. Put the litter box as far from the food as the room allows. Add places to hide and places up high, like a shelf or the top of a box. Keep your cat indoors for at least the first few weeks, even if it went outside before. More on moving cats on our cat transport page.

More than one pet

Pets who got along before may squabble for a few days in a new space. Give each one its own bowl, bed and, for cats, litter box, and keep an eye on them at mealtimes.

Find a new vet

Choose a vet near your new home in the first few weeks, before you need one. Ask your old vet to send your pet's records, including vaccines and any medication. Book a short check-up so the clinic knows your pet, and write down the nearest emergency clinic.

Pet licence in your new city

Pet licences are run by each city, so the licence from your old city does not move with you. Check soon after you arrive:

Toronto: The City of Toronto requires a licence for dogs and cats. Mississauga, Brampton and the other GTA cities have their own rules.
Calgary: Calgary licenses pets. Check calgary.ca for the current rules and fees.
Vancouver: Vancouver requires a dog licence. Check vancouver.ca for the current rules and fees.
Edmonton: Edmonton licenses pets. Check edmonton.ca for the current rules and fees.
Winnipeg: Winnipeg requires a dog licence. Check winnipeg.ca for the current rules for dogs and cats.
Halifax: Halifax Regional Municipality requires a dog licence. Check halifax.ca for the current rules.
Regina: Check regina.ca for pet licence rules.
Saskatoon: Check saskatoon.ca for pet licence rules.
St. John's: Check stjohns.ca for pet licence rules.
Montreal: Montreal licenses pets. Check montreal.ca for the current rules and fees.
Ottawa: Check ottawa.ca for pet licence rules.
Kelowna: Check kelowna.ca for pet licence rules.
Victoria: Check victoria.ca for pet licence rules.
Quebec City: Check ville.quebec.qc.ca for pet licence rules.
Thunder Bay: Check thunderbay.ca for pet licence rules.
Charlottetown: Check charlottetown.ca for pet licence rules.
Deer Lake: Check with the Town of Deer Lake (deerlake.ca) for pet rules.
Fort McMurray: The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo licenses pets. Check rmwb.ca for the current rules.

In a condo or rental, check the building's pet rules too, such as leash rules in common areas and elevator use.

Signs of stress to watch for

Some stress after a move is normal. These are the common signs:

Hiding, or following you from room to room
Eating less than usual for a day or two
Toilet accidents in a pet that is house trained
Pacing, panting, whining or more meowing than usual, especially at night
Licking or grooming too much
Mild, short-lived upset stomach

Most of this fades within days as your pet learns the new home. Keep the routine steady, do not scold accidents, and give your pet a quiet place to go.

Still planning the move?

Our guide to moving pets across Canada covers flying vs driving, crate training, health certificates and a timeline that starts 8 weeks before the move. If your pet is flying with us, we send arrival details to whoever collects your pet, so the first hours in the new city go smoothly.

Settling in: questions

How long does it take a pet to adjust to a new home?

Most dogs feel at home within a few days to two weeks. Cats often take longer, from two weeks to a couple of months. Nervous pets, older pets and pets who have moved a long way may need more time. A steady routine is the best thing you can give them.

Should I keep my cat indoors after moving?

Yes, for at least the first few weeks, even if your cat went outside before. A cat that goes out too early may try to find its way back to the old home or get lost in a place it does not know.

Why is my dog acting differently since the move?

New sounds, smells and routines are a lot to take in. Clinginess, barking at new noises, a small appetite or a toilet accident in the first days are common and usually pass. If it lasts more than a week or two, or your dog stops eating or seems unwell, call a vet.

Do I need a new pet licence after moving?

Usually, yes. Pet licences are run by each city, so a licence from your old city does not carry over. Check your new city's website soon after you arrive.

When should I find a new vet?

Before you need one. Pick a vet near your new home in the first few weeks, ask your old vet to send the records, and book a check-up so the clinic knows your pet. Note the nearest emergency clinic too.

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