Moving with Pets: A Complete Guide for Animal Lovers

Our furry (and scaly, and feathered) family members don’t understand what’s happening on moving day. All they know is that their world is being turned upside down — boxes everywhere, strangers in the house, furniture disappearing, and their humans acting stressed.

At iHaul iMove, we’re animal lovers ourselves, and over 17+ years of moving Colorado Springs families, we’ve learned a lot about keeping pets safe and comfortable during a move. Here’s your complete guide.

Before the Move: Preparing Your Pet

Visit the Vet

Schedule a veterinary visit 2-4 weeks before your move:

• Ensure vaccinations are current (required for Colorado licensing)
• Get a copy of your pet’s complete medical records for transfer
• Discuss anxiety management options for moving day
• Stock up on any medications your pet needs
• If moving from out of state, ask about a health certificate (required by some states for travel)

Update Identification

Moving is the number-one time pets go missing. Before moving day:

• Update microchip information with your new address and phone number
• Get a new ID tag with your new address and current phone number
• Take a current photo of your pet — in case you need to create a “lost pet” flyer
• Consider a GPS collar for dogs during the transition period

Gradual Introduction to Boxes

Start packing early so your pet can get used to the sight and smell of boxes gradually. If you pack everything at the last minute, the sudden change can spike anxiety levels.

Moving Day: Keeping Pets Safe

The Safe Room Strategy

The single best thing you can do for your pet on moving day is create a safe room — one room that stays closed and undisturbed while movers work.

Set up the safe room with:

• Their bed, blanket, or crate
• Fresh water and food bowls
• Favorite toys and treats
• Litter box (for cats)
• A sign on the door: “DO NOT OPEN — Pet Inside”

Even Better: Off-Site Care

If possible, arrange for your pet to spend moving day somewhere else entirely:

• A trusted friend or family member’s home
• A pet daycare facility
• A boarding kennel for the day

This eliminates any risk of your pet escaping through an open door, getting underfoot with movers carrying heavy furniture, or being overwhelmed by the chaos.

During Transport

• Dogs — Transport in your personal vehicle, not the moving truck. Use a crate or seat belt harness. Never leave them in a parked car, even briefly.
• Cats — Always transport in a secure carrier. Cats are notorious escape artists when stressed. Place a familiar blanket or worn t-shirt in the carrier for comfort.
• Small animals (hamsters, birds, reptiles) — Transport in their regular cage/habitat if possible. Cover bird cages partially to reduce stimulation. Keep reptile habitats warm.

Settling Into Your New Home

The First 24 Hours

• Start small — Don’t let your pet roam the entire house immediately. Start with one room (ideally the safe room setup) and gradually expand access
• Maintain routine — Feed, walk, and play at the same times as usual
• Be present — Your pet needs reassurance. Extra attention and calm energy go a long way
• Check the yard — Before letting dogs outside, walk the perimeter to check for gaps in fencing, toxic plants, or hazards

The First Week

• Expect adjustment behaviors — Dogs may pace, whine, or regress on house training. Cats may hide for several days. This is normal and temporary.
• Keep familiar items accessible — Same food bowls, same bed, same toys. Familiarity is comforting.
• Explore the neighborhood together — Take your dog on walks around the new area to build familiarity with scents and surroundings
• Keep cats indoors — For at least 2-4 weeks, outdoor cats should stay inside to establish the new home as “home base” before exploring outside

Colorado Springs: A Great Place for Pets

Good news — Colorado Springs is incredibly pet-friendly. Here’s what your animal companion has to look forward to:

Dog-Friendly Destinations

• Bear Creek Dog Park — One of the best off-leash parks in the region
• Palmer Park — Miles of trails for on-leash hiking with your dog
• Garden of the Gods — Dogs welcome on-leash on all trails
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park — On-leash trails with stunning views
• Red Rock Canyon Open Space — Open space with dog-friendly trails

Pet Services

• Multiple veterinary clinics and emergency animal hospitals
• Pet supply stores throughout the city
• Dog daycare and boarding facilities
• Professional grooming services
• The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for adoption, licensing, and resources

Pet Registration

Colorado Springs requires all dogs and cats to be licensed:

• Visit the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region website
• Proof of current rabies vaccination required
• Licenses can be purchased online or in person
• Licenses must be renewed annually

Special Considerations for Different Pets

Dogs

• Altitude adjustment — Dogs feel the altitude too. At 6,035 feet, your dog may tire faster on walks, drink more water, and need extra rest during the first 1-2 weeks
• Wildlife awareness — Colorado is home to bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Keep dogs on-leash in unfamiliar areas and be aware of your surroundings
• Foxtails and goatheads — These native plant seeds can embed in paws. Check your dog’s feet after outdoor walks

Cats

• Indoor transition period — Keep cats indoors for at least 2-4 weeks after moving to prevent them from trying to “return” to the old home
• Hiding behavior — Expect cats to hide for 1-3 days. This is normal. Leave food, water, and litter accessible and let them emerge on their own schedule
• Vertical space — Set up cat trees and shelving early so cats can observe their new environment from a safe height

Exotic Pets

• Reptiles — Colorado’s dry climate may require humidity adjustments. Ensure habitats maintain proper temperature and humidity levels
• Birds — Altitude can affect birds. Consult an avian vet about acclimation
• Fish — Transport fish in bags with original tank water. Set up the tank immediately at your new home and let it stabilize before reintroducing fish

Pet Moving Essentials Packing List

Pack a dedicated “pet essentials” bag for moving day:

• Food (enough for 3-5 days) and treats
• Water bowl and bottled water
• Leash, collar, and ID tags (with new address)
• Medications
• Favorite toy and comfort item
• Waste bags or litter box supplies
• Pet first aid kit
• Veterinary records and contact info
• Crate or carrier
• Blanket or bed

Ready to Plan Your Pet-Friendly Move?

At iHaul iMove, we understand that pets are family. Our 700+ 5-star reviews reflect the care and attention we bring to every move — including making sure your four-legged family members transition safely.

Call us at 719-357-5865 or request your free estimate today. We’ll help you plan a move that works for every member of your family.

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iHaul iMove has been helping Colorado Springs families — and their pets — move for over 17 years. Explore our residential moving services or browse all service areas we cover across the Pikes Peak region.