How to Make Your Pet Feel at Home in a New Place

21 May 2025

Moving to a new place is both exciting and nerve-wracking—not just for you but for your furry companion too! Pets thrive on routine, familiarity, and comfort, and relocating can completely shake up their world. But don't worry! With a little planning and extra love, you can help your pet settle into their new home smoothly.

Whether you're moving across the country or just a few blocks away, making your pet feel secure, comfortable, and happy is crucial. In this guide, we'll walk through practical steps to ensure your pet feels right at home in no time.

1. Keep a Calm and Positive Attitude

Believe it or not, pets can pick up on your emotions. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, chances are, your pet will too. Try to stay as calm as possible throughout the moving process. Speak to them in a soothing tone, give them extra cuddles, and reassure them that everything is okay.

A relaxed pet parent leads to a relaxed pet!

2. Maintain Their Routine

Pets are creatures of habit. They find comfort in knowing when they’ll eat, go for walks, and get playtime. Try to keep their routine as normal as possible even in a new place.

- Feed them at their usual times.
- Stick to their regular bathroom breaks and walks.
- Keep bedtime and playtime consistent.

The more familiar their routine feels, the quicker they'll adjust to their new environment.

3. Set Up a Familiar Space Right Away

One of the best ways to help your pet settle in is by setting up a dedicated space just for them. Whether it’s a cozy corner or a full pet room, make sure it includes:

✔ Their bed or blanket (preferably unwashed, so it smells like home!)
✔ Their favorite toys
✔ Water and food bowls
✔ A scratching post (for cats) or chew toys (for dogs)

This familiar environment will provide them with a sense of security from day one.

4. Give Them Plenty of Attention

Your pet may feel overwhelmed in the new space, so be patient and give them extra attention. Spend quality time playing, petting, and talking to them. If your pet is feeling nervous, simply being near you can make a world of difference.

Think of it like having a best friend in a new school—just knowing someone familiar is there makes everything less scary.

5. Keep Some Things the Same

While your surroundings may have changed, not everything has to be brand new! Keep:

- Their old bed instead of buying a new one right away
- Their usual toys
- The same type of food they've always eaten
- The same leash and collar

Too many changes at once can be overwhelming. Keeping some things familiar will help them feel more secure.

6. Use Their Scent to Your Advantage

Scent plays a massive role in how pets understand their environment. If possible, rub a cloth on their old bed or favorite spots in the previous home and place it around the new house. This will make the space feel more familiar.

For cats, consider using pheromone sprays or diffusers, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

7. Let Them Explore at Their Own Pace

Some pets are naturally curious and will want to sniff out every corner as soon as they arrive. Others will be more hesitant and prefer to take their time. Let them explore at their own pace.

For nervous pets, start by confining them to one room and gradually introduce them to the rest of the house. This prevents them from feeling overwhelmed all at once.

8. Stick Around for the First Few Days

If possible, take a few days off or work from home when you first move in. Pets can feel abandoned in a strange place, so having you around will help them feel more secure.

During this time, reassure them with cuddles, treats, and calming words. Your presence is the best comfort they can get!

9. Keep Outdoor Pets Secure

If your pet is used to roaming outside, resist the urge to let them out immediately. They may feel disoriented and could even try to run back to their previous home.

Instead, introduce outdoor time gradually:

- Start with supervised visits in the new yard.
- Walk them on a leash instead of letting them run free.
- Ensure the new environment is safe and escape-proof before allowing them more freedom.

For cats, consider keeping them indoors for a few weeks before slowly introducing them to the outdoors.

10. Address Anxiety with Calming Techniques

Moving can be stressful for pets, and some may experience anxiety. Signs include excessive pacing, whining, hiding, or decreased appetite. If your pet seems overly anxious, try these calming techniques:

- Calming treats – Look for natural, vet-approved calming treats.
- Soothing music – Soft classical or white noise can help relax them.
- Weighted blankets or anxiety vests – These can provide a comforting pressure.
- Extra playtime – A tired pet is a happy pet! More exercise can reduce stress.

If anxiety persists, consult your vet for additional support.

11. Introduce New Surroundings Gradually

A sudden change in environment can be overwhelming, so introduce new sights, sounds, and smells slowly.

- Allow them to sniff around the yard or balcony before opening up a bigger space.
- Gradually introduce them to upstairs or different rooms if you have a multi-level home.
- If your pet is nervous around unfamiliar sounds (traffic, neighbors, etc.), stay close and offer reassurance.

Small steps can make a big difference!

12. Update Their Tags and Microchip

With all the excitement of moving, don't forget to update your pet's identification! Make sure:

- Their collar tags have your new address and phone number.
- Their microchip information is updated in case they get lost.

A new neighborhood means new risks, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

13. Be Patient and Give It Time

Adjusting to a new home doesn’t happen overnight. Some pets might settle in quickly, while others may take weeks to feel comfortable. Stay patient, be consistent, and give them love and reassurance along the way.

At the end of the day, home isn’t just a place—it’s where they feel safe, loved, and cared for. With your support, they’ll feel right at home before you know it!

Final Thoughts

Moving with a pet requires extra care, but with love, patience, and a little preparation, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. Remember, your furry friend trusts you, and as long as you’re there, they’ll feel safe and secure in their new home.

So, go ahead—unpack those boxes, snuggle up with your pet, and make beautiful new memories together!