Moving with Pets: Planning for a Safe Journey

Moving house is a big change for pets. While people understand what's happening, animals don't — they simply experience unfamiliar smells, noise and disruption. Without a plan, moving day can be stressful or even risky for them.

Because a removal van is designed for furniture, not living beings, it's standard (and recommended) practice for pets to travel separately. Below are the practical reasons why this approach keeps animals safer and calmer on moving day.

1. Van Safety and Environment

The back of a removal van is not a safe or suitable environment for pets.

It isn't climate-controlled, meaning temperatures can change quickly — becoming too hot in summer or very cold in winter. The noise of the engine, sudden braking, and movement of heavy furniture can also be extremely distressing for animals.

UK animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA, advise that pets should travel in secure, familiar, well-ventilated environments.

Best practice: Transport pets in your own car or arrange care with a trusted friend, family member, or boarding kennel. This keeps them in a quiet, temperature-controlled space with familiar smells.

2. Hygiene and Professional Standards

Removal teams use transit blankets, mattress covers and protective materials that must remain clean and allergen-free for every customer.

To maintain hygiene standards, removal vans operate as pet-free zones. Furniture protection materials are kept free from hair and dander, and items are handled in controlled conditions.

This protects everyone's belongings and avoids cross-contamination — particularly important for customers with allergies or sensitivities.

3. Preventing Accidental Escapes

Moving day involves doors, gates and van doors being open for long periods. For animals, this creates a high risk of panic and escape — especially in an unfamiliar area.

Animal charities such as the PDSA highlight escape as one of the most common risks during house moves.

Safer options:

• Keep pets in a secure, quiet room with a clear “Do Not Open” sign

• Arrange off-site care or boarding for the day

• Use a secure carrier for cats and small animals

This removes the risk entirely and allows the move to proceed safely.

4. Reducing Stress for the Animal

Pets feel safest near their owners and familiar scents.

Transporting them yourself allows visual reassurance (they can see you), familiar smells (blankets, bedding, toys), and a calmer, quieter journey.

Veterinary guidance from UK organisations consistently notes that familiarity reduces anxiety during stressful events like relocation.

5. Helping Pets Settle Into the New Home

Once you arrive, avoid overwhelming your pet.

Helpful settling tips:

• Introduce one room at a time

• Keep routines (feeding, walks) as normal as possible

• Use familiar bedding immediately

• Consider pheromone diffusers for cats and dogs if advised by your vet

A Smooth Transition for Everyone

A successful move is one where every member of the family — including those with four legs — arrives safely and calmly.

While you take care of your pets' comfort and safety, Leaways Removals & Storage takes care of the move itself. By keeping animals separate from the van environment, we can focus fully on handling your furniture properly — while your pets stay safe, calm and away from the noise and disruption of moving day.

If you're planning a move in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire, you can contact Leaways for a clear, professional quote when you're ready.