Adapting Pets to New Homes: How to Avoid Stress During Moving?

THE adaptation of pets in new homes It is a process that requires attention to minimize stress and ensure the well-being of our companions.

In a dynamic world like 2025, with families moving to another city for work, quality of life, or even choosing a more sustainable home, animals face the impact of this transition.

Dogs can become disoriented with the loss of olfactory references, while cats, creatures of ingrained habit, can reject the new space for days.

It is not uncommon to hear reports of guardians who underestimated this phase and dealt with behaviors such as apathy or destruction.

With the increase in urbanization and the popularity of compact apartments, understanding how to prepare pets for this change has become an urgent need.

This article dives deep into practical strategies, providing real-world examples and tested solutions to ensure your new home is synonymous with comfort, not stress.

Strategies for a Smooth and Trauma-Free Transition

Moving house is an event fraught with expectations, but for pets, it means leaving behind a sensory map built over time.

Dogs, guided by their sense of smell, miss marked posts and familiar corners. Cats, in turn, lose the hiding places that once made them kings of their territory.

Bringing familiar items—like a blanket that smells like your old house or your usual bowl of water—helps create familiarity.

Place these objects in the new environment before your pet even arrives, giving them an anchor point.

Planning your arrival is a step you can't afford to miss. Don't leave your pet amidst the chaos of boxes and shouting delivery drivers.

Choose a quiet corner, like a bedroom or laundry room, and equip it with the essentials: water, food, and a place to rest.

Read also: Pet-Friendly Homes: How to Adapt Your Home for a Pet?

Attention and respect to the rhythm

Pets adapting to new homes flourishes when we respect their pace.

A common case is that of anxious owners who open all the doors at once, only to find their cat huddled under the sofa for hours. Patience is key here—and it prevents stress spikes.

A consistent feeding routine is essential to avoid further problems. Environmental changes can affect appetite, so stick to feeding schedules and food brands.

If your pet is hesitant to eat, offer something light, such as unseasoned cooked chicken, but never force it.

A Labrador named Max, for example, refused food for two days after moving from São Paulo to Florianópolis in 2024, until his owners used treats to rekindle his interest.

Adapting pets to new homes requires these simple but effective adjustments.

Cats find the carrier an often-overlooked form of security. After moving, leave it open with a soft cloth inside, making it a safe haven.

Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) from 2023 shows that 62% of felines adapt faster with access to hiding places.

A practical example: Mariana, from Belo Horizonte, noticed that her Persian cat, Léo, only came out of isolation when she placed the box near the window – a success after three tense days.

Dogs need action to connect with a new space. Before opening the front door, take your dog for a short walk around the block.

This not only burns off travel energy but also allows your pet to experience new smells. Pets' adaptation to new homes benefits from this initial exploration.

+ 10 Tips for Living with a Dog and a Cat in the Same House

Table:

Species	First Step	Top Tip
Dog	Tour of the new area	Fixed feeding routine
Cat	Space with open box	Elevated places to explore
Bird	Cage in a quiet place	Partial coverage for security
Rodent	Cage with familiar items	Avoid loud noises

The case of a stray dog named Thor, in Curitiba, illustrates this well: after a walk, he stopped crying at night and began to recognize the yard as his.

Synthetic pheromones are modern allies that evolved in 2025. Available in diffusers or sprays, they mimic natural calming signals, especially for cats.

For dogs, collars with this technology reduce anxious barking. I tested this with my dog, Luna, during a recent move: the diffuser in her bedroom cut her restlessness episodes in half.

Combining this with soft sounds, like a piano playlist, amplifies the effect.

The owner's presence is the heart of the transition. Animals pick up on our moods—if we're nervous, they are too.

Speak softly, play gently, and avoid fighting in front of them. Pets' adjustment to new homes reflects our efforts.

According to University of Liverpool (2022), 20 minutes of playful interaction daily in the first week reduces 40% of anxiety signs – a fact I saw in practice with a client whose Beagle stopped chewing furniture after this care.

Multiple pets complicate the equation, but it's not impossible. Separate them into separate rooms initially to avoid territorial disputes.

A friend in Porto Alegre moved in with two cats and a dog: he introduced them gradually, with visual barriers, and within a week they were living together.

Technology in 2025 brought AI-powered cameras that remotely monitor pets. I saw this save a fortune: a hamster's owner noticed he only came out of his burrow at night, adjusting the bedroom light.

Pets' adaptation to new homes benefits from these innovations, but the owner's watchful eye still decides the game.

Regional changes require climate adjustments. A Siberian Husky traveling from Porto Alegre to Salvador requires air conditioning and cold water.

Indoor cats, less impacted, still enjoy screened windows to peer out at the world. My colleague Carla adapted her Siamese cat this way in Recife, and the incessant meowing stopped within two days.

See also: How to Throw a Birthday Party for Your Cat

Warning Signs and How to Act Quickly

Not every transition is perfect, and pets give clear clues when something is wrong. Dogs that bark incessantly or lick their paws obsessively are crying for help.

Cats that hide for more than 72 hours or stop using their litter box also raise alarm bells. Recognizing these signs prevents stress from becoming chronic—and, yes, it can if ignored.

Swift action is essential when faced with unusual behavior. If your pet destroys furniture or refuses water, don't wait: consult a veterinarian.

A case in São José dos Campos showed a Golden Retriever, Buddy, who only returned to normal after a mild sedative prescribed by a professional.

Adapting pets to new homes requires a balance between prevention and intervention.

Prolonged changes, such as renovations to a new home, exacerbate the problem. Drill noises or paint smells confuse animals' senses.

Keep them out of reach of this – temporary housing with a relative may be the solution.

I know a family who did this with their parrot during a construction project in 2024, and it came back singing, not stressed.

Conclusion: A New Beginning Made of Care and Attention

THE adaptation of pets in new homes It goes beyond unpacking boxes – it’s about building a home where they feel like they belong.

In 2025, with more families moving and the pet market offering everything from advanced pheromones to monitoring apps, we have tools to make this transition easier.

But nothing replaces dedicated time, paying close attention to the signs and respecting each animal's time.

It can take a dog days to stop sniffing every corner; a cat weeks to climb up onto the windowsill with confidence.

Stories like those of Max, Thor, and Luna show that, with planning and affection, a new address becomes a happy chapter.

Stress arises, but it doesn't have to dominate – it's up to us to transform change into a welcoming new beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a pet to adapt?
It depends on the species and personality – dogs can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks; cats, up to a month.

My pet won't eat in its new home, what should I do?
Continue with your regular diet and offer treats. If the condition persists for 48 hours, consult a veterinarian.

Can I move all the pets together?
No. Separate them initially to avoid conflicts and introduce them gradually, with supervision.