Moving house with pets: the complete preparation checklist

Moving is stressful for pets — and for their paperwork

Moving house ranks among the most stressful experiences for both humans and animals. For pets, the upheaval of routines, unfamiliar smells, and strange new spaces can trigger anxiety, and in some cases, escape attempts.

But there's a practical challenge that's easy to overlook in the chaos of moving: your pet's ID details need updating, and every day they're out of date is a day your contact information is wrong on every tag, database, and emergency record.

Before moving day

Update your microchip database entry. Log in to the database where your pet is registered (PETtrac, Petlog, Microchip Central, etc.) and update your address and contact details. This is easy to forget and takes less than five minutes. Do it before you move, not after.

Update your PawLink profile. Your owner contact details and address are stored on your pet's live profile. Update these in your dashboard and they take effect immediately — there's no need to replace the physical tag.

Brief your household members. If you've added household members to your pet's PawLink profile, make sure they know the new address and that notification settings are still correct.

Prepare a safe space at the new property. Identify a quiet room where your pet can be settled with familiar bedding, toys, and water during the move itself. Keep them confined here while doors are constantly opening and closing.

On moving day

Double-check ID before transport. Make sure your pet's collar is secure and the tag is attached. Check the PawLink tag is readable — give it a quick tap to confirm the profile loads.

Keep pets away from the door. The greatest escape risk during a move is the sustained period of open doors. Even calm pets can bolt when spooked by unfamiliar people and furniture.

Travel with familiar items. Their bed, a worn item of your clothing, and a favourite toy all carry familiar scents that reduce anxiety during the journey.

After moving

Register with a local vet. Even if you're continuing with your existing practice, if you've moved significantly, it's worth finding a local emergency vet. Update your vet details in PawLink's medical tab.

Walk the new neighbourhood. Before letting dogs off lead in unfamiliar areas, establish familiarity. Cats should ideally be kept indoors for two to four weeks before being allowed outside — enough time to associate the new property with home.

Set a microchip reminder. After updating your database entry, set a reminder in six months to check again. It's easy to change phone numbers or email addresses in the months after a move and forget to update the record.

The checklist summary

• Update microchip database record (address, phone, email)
• Update PawLink owner profile
• Register with a local vet and update PawLink medical tab
• Prepare a safe room for moving day
• Keep pets confined during door-open periods
• Walk the area before off-lead exercise
• Set a 6-month microchip reminder

Most pets settle into new homes within a few weeks. The administration takes less than 30 minutes. Getting it done before moving day means you're covered from the moment you arrive.