Pets don’t care about a new postcode. They care about where their bed is, when dinner happens, and why all the boxes suddenly smell like cardboard and stress.
Before moving somewhere new, think about the routine your pet already knows. Feeding times. Walks. Nap spots. The chair they’ve claimed even though nobody officially gave it to them. Keeping a few familiar things close can make the first few days feel less strange.
It’s tempting to pack everything away neatly, but pets need some normality. Their favorite blanket, toys, bowls, and bed should travel with them, not disappear into a mystery box labeled “miscellaneous.” That box is never seen again until Christmas. Somehow.
A home can look lovely in photos and still be awkward for pets. Shiny floors may be a nightmare for older dogs. A balcony might need extra safety checks. A tiny yard might not suit a big, energetic dog that thinks every leaf is a personal challenge.
Look at the practical details. Is there enough room for litter trays, food bowls, beds, crates, or scratching posts? Are the windows secure? Can dogs get outside easily? Is there a safe place for a cat to hide while they adjust?
Noise matters too. Some pets cope well with busy streets and neighbors. Others act like the dishwasher has personally betrayed them. If a pet already gets nervous around loud sounds, a quieter street or building may be worth choosing over somewhere that only looks better on paper.
Plan the Move Around Their Stress Levels
Moving day is chaos. Doors open. People come in and out. Furniture disappears. Pets notice all of it.
For cats, a quiet room with food, water, litter, and bedding can help keep them calm while everything is being moved. Dogs may do better staying with a trusted friend, family member, or sitter for a few hours. Not always possible, but helpful when it is.
Think about travel as well. Long car journeys need breaks, water, and safe restraints. Small pets need carriers that feel secure and familiar. Birds, rabbits, and other animals can be very sensitive to temperature changes, so they need extra care during the journey.
It’s not dramatic to plan this properly. It’s kind.
Think About What to Store and What to Keep Close
Moving with pets often means there’s more stuff than expected. Beds, crates, grooming tools, food tubs, spare leads, carriers, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies. Then there’s all the human stuff too, which is rude of it.
If the move happens in stages, temporary household storage can be useful for furniture, seasonal items, and extra boxes while keeping the pet essentials easy to reach. The key is not storing the things your pet relies on every day. Those should stay with you.
Keep a small pet moving kit nearby. Food. Medication. Vet records. Waste bags. Cleaning spray. Comfort items. The boring things are usually the things you need first.
Research Local Pet Rules
Every area has its own rules, and they’re not always obvious until they become annoying.
Check rental agreements carefully. Some properties allow pets, but only certain types or sizes. Some buildings have rules about dogs in shared spaces. Local parks may require dogs to stay on leads in certain areas. Beaches can have seasonal pet restrictions too.
For anyone relocating somewhere warmer or coastal, planning matters even more. For example, pet friendly accommodation Sunshine Coast options in Queensland can be popular because the area has beaches, holiday homes, and relaxed outdoor living, but availability can change quickly during peak travel periods. Booking early can save a lot of stress.
It’s also worth checking nearby vets, emergency clinics, groomers, dog parks, walking routes, and pet supply stores before moving. Future you will be grateful.
Prepare for the First Few Days
The first few days in a new home can feel odd for pets. Some settle straight away. Others pace, hide, bark, meow, scratch, or stare at the wall like it owes them money.
Don’t rush them. Let them explore slowly. One room at a time can work well for cats and nervous animals. Dogs may need repeated short walks around the new neighborhood to understand their surroundings. Keep feeding times steady and avoid changing food during the move unless absolutely necessary.
It’s also smart to unpack their things early. Their bed in a calm corner. Food and water in a consistent spot. Litter trays somewhere quiet. A few familiar smells can make a new space feel safer.
Update Their Details
This is one of those jobs people often forget until something goes wrong.
Update microchip details, ID tags, vet records, insurance information, and any registration details linked to the old address. If your pet gets out in a new area, they won’t know how to find their way back. Clear contact details matter.
Take a recent photo of your pet before the move too. Hopefully it never needs to be used, but it’s sensible.
Budget for the Extra Costs
Moving is already expensive, and pets add more small costs than expected. Extra cleaning. Travel carriers. Pet deposits. New fencing. Vet checks. Replacement bowls because one somehow cracked during the move. Classic.
There may also be new local costs, such as dog registration, flea and tick prevention suited to the area, grooming for different weather, or new pet products to help them settle.
A small buffer helps. It doesn’t need to be huge, but pretending there will be no pet-related costs is wishful thinking.
Give Them Time
Pets don’t understand why life has changed. They just know it has.
Some will settle within days. Others need weeks. Older pets, rescue animals, anxious dogs, indoor cats, and pets with health issues may take longer. That doesn’t mean the move was a mistake. It means they need patience.
Keep things calm where possible. Stick to routines. Offer comfort without forcing attention. Let them sniff, hide, sleep, and adjust in their own way.
A new home can be exciting, but for pets, it starts as unfamiliar territory. With a little planning, a lot of patience, and fewer last-minute surprises, it can become home for them too.
Around 12,000 years ago dogs became man’s best friends. Now, there’s not much we wouldn’t do for our furry friends, whether it’s staying in dog-friendly hotels or grabbing a pup cup with our morning coffee. The bond between humans and dogs has never been stronger. So, when it comes to major life changes, such as moving house, our four-legged family members are naturally one of our first considerations.
That’s why we’ve done the legwork on how to move your dog in Australia, so you don’t have to. Because while our dogs might be up for any adventure, moving day stress can affect everyone – even those with four legs and a wagging tail.
Part One: Before the Big Move
Have you ever had a rubbish day at work and come home to find your furry friend keeping extra close that evening? Well, that’s not just a lucky coincidence because dogs are actually excellent at reading our emotions. According to a 2022 study, dogs can understand our emotional expressions and states, as well as when we’re exhibiting emotionally driven behaviour.
That means if you’re particularly stressed while organising your move, then your dog can in fact sense that vibe and may get stressed out as well.
Therefore, it’s important that you do what you can to keep the stress levels to a minimum and remain calm during the process (don’t worry, we’ve got tips for that too). Whilst this is understandably easier said than done, putting in the ground work with preparations and hiring knowledgeable removalists can really help take the edge off of the move for both you and your furry companion.
Travelling with a dog
If your dog is not a seasoned traveller in the car, it is also important that it gets used to travelling in a kennel, carrier, or pet crate while you’re driving. This is because familiarity and routine are key when moving your dog. So, if a long trip in the car is familiar to them or better yet something that ends in a reward, like a big treat or walk in the park, then come moving day, the drive will be just another fun day out for them.
Top tip: One moving day, make sure to take regular stops and give your dog plenty of water breaks along the way to avoid dehydration or irritability during the journey.
If possible, try to start acclimatising your dog a month or two in advance to the car rides. That way, if they don’t get accustomed to these drives, then you’ll have plenty of time to ask your vet about alternative options – like taking medication.
Alternatively, if you’re finding the drive with your dog a bit overwhelming or you’re thinking of flying interstate, then you can also hire a pet transfer service. Consider asking your removalists about organising or recommending a pet transfer service, as they will often have connections with other reputable companies. Leading pet transport services in Australia include Jetpets, Dogtainers, and Departure Pets.
Part Two: Moving Day
As much as they love to be involved, on moving day it’s always best to have some friends, family, or a pet sitter around to take care of your fur babies for the day. Not only does this stop your dog getting tangled between a pair of legs while heavy boxes are being moved, it also gives them time with their favourite grand-pawrents and you the space to focus on moving.
Of course, this is also where a team of trusted removalists can really make your move day a heck of a lot easier. As well as giving you plenty of dog moving advice, they have the skills to pack, move, and unpack all of your belongings in a quick and efficient manner. Meaning that you can get back to your beloved furry companion quicker than they can sniff out a picnic in the park.
If you live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, consider hiring Holloway Removals as your trusted removalists. This team understands that when your four-legged family member is part of the equation, every move needs to be both swift and safe.
Or if you’re planning a long-haul adventure across state lines, Holloway Removal’s interstate moving services have got you covered too. So, whether you’re moving from Brisbane to Adelaide or Melbourne to Alice Springs, this team has got your back.
Part Three: After the Big Move
Finally, when you’re all moved in, let your dog explore their new home with you. Just like us humans, they’ll be itching to make this new space feel like home, so give them free rein to investigate all those fascinating new (and familiar) scents that come with a fresh start.
For the first week or so, keep those daily walks
on-lead only. New neighbourhoods can be overwhelming, and even the most confident pup might get spooked by unfamiliar sights, sounds, or smells and decide to make a dash for it. Remember, time and routine are your best friends when it comes to helping your four-legged family member find their feet in their new environment.
And here’s the most important part: once you’ve both survived this big adventure, don’t forget to celebrate! Give them all the pats, belly rubs, and treats they deserve. After all, they’ve been absolutely paw-some moving companions, and that deserves some serious recognition.
For pet owners, the quest for the perfect outdoor space involves balancing aesthetics with practicality. Artificial grass effortlessly marries the lush look of a well-maintained lawn with the durability required for our four-legged friends.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the myriad reasons why artificial grass in Chelmsford is an ideal pet-friendly option for your garden, offering a haven for both pets and their owners.
Comfort Under Paws:
One of the standout features of artificial grass is its soft and cushioned surface. Pets, whether they’re playful pups or lounging cats, appreciate the comfort under their paws.
Unlike natural grass that can develop uneven surfaces, artificial grass maintains a consistent and plush feel, providing a comfortable space for your furry friends to frolic or relax.
Durability Beyond Compare:
Pets, by their nature, can be a bit rough on outdoor spaces. Traditional lawns often fall victim to pet-related wear and tear, with patches of bare soil, muddy spots, and uneven surfaces.
Artificial grass, however, stands up to the challenge. Its durable construction can withstand constant paw traffic, ensuring a consistently green and attractive lawn throughout the year.
Mud-Free Playtime:
Anyone with pets knows the struggle of dealing with muddy paws, especially after a rain shower. Artificial grass eliminates this problem entirely.
Its drainage capabilities allow water to pass through easily, leaving no room for muddy patches. Say goodbye to the never-ending battle of keeping your floors clean and your pet’s paws pristine.
No More Yellow Spots:
Natural grass can suffer from unsightly yellow spots caused by pet urine. Artificial grass, made from durable and non-absorbent materials, eliminates this issue.
The urine drains through the turf, preventing the formation of yellow spots and odours.
Regular hosing down or the occasional use of pet-friendly cleaning solutions helps keep your artificial grass looking and smelling fresh.
Easy Cleanup:
Accidents happen, but artificial grass makes cleanup simple and straightforward. Solid waste can be easily scooped up, while liquid waste drains away naturally.
A quick rinse with water or a mild cleaning solution ensures a sanitary surface for your pets. Artificial grass simplifies the cleanup process, making it more convenient for pet owners.
Allergy-Free Zone:
For pets and humans alike, allergies can be a concern when spending time outdoors. Artificial grass provides a hypoallergenic alternative to natural grass, reducing the risk of allergens that may be present in soil, pollen, or grass itself. This creates a safer and more enjoyable environment for both pets and their owners.
Safe for Paws and Claws:
Artificial grass is designed with the safety of pets in mind. The materials used are non-toxic and do not contain harmful chemicals.
Additionally, the surface is smooth and comfortable, minimising the risk of abrasions or injuries to paws and claws during playtime.
Year-Round Playfulness:
Unlike natural grass, which may turn brown or go dormant in certain seasons, artificial grass maintains its vibrant green hue year-round.
This means that your pets can enjoy a lush and inviting outdoor space regardless of the weather. The consistency in appearance also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of your garden.
Pet-Friendly Landscaping:
Artificial grass allows for creative and pet-friendly landscaping ideas. From designated pet play areas to integrated pathways and pet-friendly plants, you can customise your garden to cater specifically to your pet’s needs.
The versatility of artificial grass opens the door to a pet-centric outdoor paradise.
Reduced Digging Distractions:
Dogs, in particular, may have a natural instinct to dig.
While natural lawns can suffer from unsightly holes and patches, artificial grass provides a deterrent to digging. The stable and consistent surface minimises the temptation for your pets to engage in this behaviour, preserving the integrity of your garden.
Every year I like to put together a gift guide for Christmas. It can often be hard to think of presents and I always struggle with thinking of ideas for certain people so like to plan ahead and share my ideas if anyone else is struggling!
I also find it a lot easier to do most of my shopping online and I have tried to include a wide range of products as well as things for a variety of budgets.
This balm is a great alternative to a tube of hand cream or body cream. You only need a small amount and it smells really nice and soaks into your hands well. You can also go for an unscented version if you prefer.
It’s safe to use on various skin conditions and can help heal your skin.
It’s suitable for vegans and not tested on animals.
Ren – Moroccan Rose Uplifting Body Duo
£43
I love the Ren Moroccan rose range and always have done. This body wash smells amazing, as does everything else in the range! It helps to clean your skin whilst leaving it soft and smelling amazing. A little goes a long way and it lathers up well.
The signature scent will linger on your skin after using this in the bath or shower and even more so if you are finishing off with the non greasy body lotion.
It would make the ideal gift for someone that loves a good pamper or deserves one!
SOS Serum Skincare Superstars Beauty Elixr Set
£45
This set includes five different products in a lovely gift box. It is a great way to try their range of products.
It includes:
SOS Cleanse, 15ml
SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30, 50ml
SOS Night Cream, 50ml
SOS Lip 10ml
Pomegranate & Lychee Essential Drops (Fragrance for the Home), 50ml
I have always been a big fan of this brand for skincare and it’s great for sensitive or acne prone skin.
Daisy Amour – Reusable Face Wipes
£11.95
These reusable face wipes are made out of 100% cotton fabric and Egyptian cotton towelling. They are great if you have sensitive skin as you can use them with your favourite skincare products and then pop them in the wash and use them over and over again.
They come in a good range of designs and you can use either side depending on your needs.
This can be used as a moisturiser, primer, make-up remover, repairing masque or after-shave product. It is a great multi functional cream so can be great for anyone’s make up bag.
I have been using this for years and it’s always one of my go to products to pop in my bag as it has so many uses and a little goes a long way.
Castle Apothecary are based on Scotland and create a nice range of different skincare products. The Gardeners range is one of their most popular.
Experience the gentle scents of a historic Scottish castle garden with this luxurious hand and body skincare range. Infused with the natural goodness of Scottish and British botanicals, enjoy the delicate aromas with every use.
This hand and body lotion smells really good and soaks into your skin well. It would make a lovely gift.
From the same range is this beautifully smelling foot cream. It’s perfect for tired feet or to use just before bed. You don’t need to use much and it soaks in really well and really helps to relax you if your feet hurt.
I am a massive bath bomb fan but hadn’t tried many CBD ones before so was excited to try this. Really impressed with the quality of the scent and how long lasting it lingered. It’s a good size for a bath bomb as well.
With the added CBD it makes it a lot more soothing and calming than a regular bath bomb. They have a great range of different scents as well.
This brand is fully vegan and cruelty free and they use a great range of natural ingredients to create luxury skincare that’s kind to your skin and great to use if you have sensitive skin.
The body polish is easy to use and helps to smooth and hydrate your skin at the same time. It exfoliates without irritating your skin. Ideal if you have sensitive skin.
They have a great range of skincare for both adults and children.
There is a huge gap in the market for clean and green products targeted at children and geared towards making bath time fun! They partnered with Paramount to debut the ‘Clean & Soft’ body and hair sets alongside the PAW Patrol pups.
This kit contains:
1 x OROMA Body Wash 50ml
1 x YARA Body Food 100ml
1 x KARI Hair Cleanser 100ml
1 x KARI Hair Food 100ml
This is a great starter set if you are looking to try different products and children love paw patrol so it’s great they can look after their skin and hair alongside their furry friends off the tv.
These is a great way to try out solid products to see if you are ready to make the change. These are ideal for anyone looking to produce less waste and reduce plastics. They are the equivalent to 2-3 bottles of shampoo!
They have a good range of different scents to pick from and all are suitable for any hair type and for coloured hair. I find them a lot kinder to my hair than regular shampoo and love the scent of the champagne and roses one.
Not only is it important to use good quality products to wash and style your hair with, it’s also important to use a good brush.
This is my new favourite hair brush as it really helps to get tangles out whilst being gentle to your hair. It is comfortable to hold and glides through my hair well. It comes in such a good range of colours too.
A must have for anyone that likes to take care of their hair.
Paul Mitchell – Volume Gift Set
£28.99
This gift set is a 2-piece volumising and body-building set from Paul Mitchell which includes a shampoo and root lifter.
I love Paul Mitchell haircare and this range is great for those looking to liven up their hair. Both products work really together and are good size bottles.
They have a great range of sets so worth checking out some of the other ones they have this year.
Fragrance
Dolma – Calista 50ml
£45.50
Dolma Perfumes are certified vegan and cruelty free. They are free from palm oil, parabens and phthalates.
This beautiful scent opens with fresh notes of bergamot and lemon, revolving around a rich bouquet of jasmine, geranium and ylang-ylang. It then melts into a sensual trail of sandalwood and Amyris. Resonate with Calista, Greek for most beautiful.
This is such a lovely scent. You don’t need to spray much to leave yourself smelling amazing and the scent lasts all day long. It comes in a variety of sizes and you can even buy the discovery set that contains all 12 scents if you want to try them all out.
These nail polishes are vegan and cruelty free and the brand have replaced the single use plastic cap with highly sustainable bamboo and all seals within the cap are made from 100% post-consumer plastic. They come in a good variety of shades and are highly pigmented so you can get away with just one coat.
Much like the polishes, the treatments are vegan and produced in similar bottles. This oil helps maintain natural hydration by restoring nails barrier and recondition very dry and rough nails and cuticles. In the winter my nail beds become so dry and this is a great product to use before bed.
A must have gift for any fan of Space Jam. Merchoid have a great range of Christmas jumpers inspired by popular films and tv shows.
It’s a lovely thick knitted jumper and a great present idea. They also have lots of film related Christmas decorations too that are worth checking out. Last year I treated myself to a couple of Gremlins christmas tree decorations from there.
This is a great hat, not only ideal to wear as a fashion statement but also can be worn for multiple different sport activities. It’s a good fit and I like the simple design. Tennis HQ have such a good range of accessories as well as clothing so they are worth checking out.
This is a really unique gift for anyone that loves London. The scarf is made of a really soft material and is really comfortable to wear. It’s a good size and not too thick.
It’s definitely a statement piece to wear and great for anyone that’s always cold or is a fan of different scarves.
A must have for anyone that has a nice trainer collection. It’s a great way to keep your trainers clean and that’s often something we don’t think about enough.
If you have expensive trainers it’s important to take care of them and keep them clean and looking like new.
Another great shoe care product from Cherry Blossom. This kit is great for anyone looking to take care of their shoes and I love that it comes with a brush as well as this really helps to clean the soles.
This kit works well on trainers as well as regular shoes and is really good value.
Jumble And Co – Bits And Bobs Tote Bag
£7.99 each
These bags come in a good range of colours/ designs. They are well made and sturdy for tote bags and considering the price they are really good value.
They also have a good range of diaries and umbrellas and you can buy them in similar designs and colours to match as well.
Jumble And Co – Ups And Downs Umbrella
£14.99 each
These umbrellas have a really cool design and colour scheme, similar to the tote bags. They are really trendy and are a good size to fit in a bag when not in use.
I really like the pink and purple colour scheme and the umbrellas are well made and sturdy so can be used even when it’s really windy.
I have used Asda before for personalised products and have always been impressed with the price and quality.
The mugs are a lovely personal and unique gift for yourself or a loved one. They comes in different sizes and and you can add photos or text and really make it your own.
A lot of supermarkets offer personalised photo products but you have to go in store and design them which can often not be practical. With this service from Asda photo online it is so easy to use either on a pc/tablet or on a phone.
It’s so easy to create a calendar with all of your favourite pictures on and it’s really good quality too. I always have to make one with my cats on for my husband.
These A6 set of notebooks are made from recycled paper and staple bound. They are the perfect size to keep in your handbag and take on the go for making notes. They have a really cute tropical design on them and are well made.
The plant animals are a really unique gift for any plant lover. They come in a good range of options and look super cute poking out of a plant pot.
Etched in brass with realistic fluffy details, just look at those whiskers. This cute cat will make a lovely little gift for those cat lovers in your life.
Cutch Company – The Christmas Cutch Candle
£25
A rich, warm, and festive scent layered with a woody base of cedarwood and the spiciness of cassia. Traditional heart notes of clove, nutmeg and pine, are topped with hints of zesty lemon, sweet orange, and fresh peppermint to produce a scent that truly encapsulates the essence of Christmas igniting the memories and feelings that it evokes.
Cutch Company use soy wax, recyclable materials and essential oils and paraben free perfumes in their candle scents and they smell amazing throughout the whole burn time.
They have a great range of different scents, with lots of different Christmas ones to pick from. I love this one as it just reminds me of sitting in front of the fire on Christmas day.
This cat hamper is the perfect gift for your furry friend. My three love the little catnip toys in this! You get a good range of products so is ideal if you have more than one cat as they can share.
There is a tin of food in here as well as treats and plenty of toys!
They have a good range of different toys and treats if you wanted to put together your own hamper and also lots of products for dogs too.
This hamper includes a great selection of treats for yourself or your loved one. The honeycomb is my favourite thing, followed by the fudge bar. If you know a big chocolate fan this is a must have.
Virginia Hayward always have a really good range of hampers, there’s something to suit everyone and for a variety of budgets.
These dark chocolate gingers are suitable for vegans and are a lovely idea for any chocolate lover. They are really tasty and a pleasant change from a selection box or other Christmas chocolates.
You can’t go wrong with a mint selection. This box has a nice variety of different mint chocolates so perfect as a gift or even to take to someone’s house over Christmas if going for dinner. Perfect to have after a big meal.
These tasty treats are perfect for anyone that loves toffee. They are so yummy and great value. Whitakers have a great range of chocolates to choose from. These are perfect for vegans too.
Simply Cake Co – Christmas Cookie Selection
£8.99
These boxes are a great idea as they are letterbox friendly if you are sending direct as a gift. I love the cookies from Simply Cake Co they are so delicious and such a thoughtful gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. They have a great range of cookies, blondies and brownies to pick from.
Simply Cake Co – Festive Treat Box
£17.99
This box has a nice range of treats in. It includes:
Baileys Brownie
Christmas Blondie
Chocolate Orange Millionaires Shortbread
This is the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth and they have a good range of different boxes to pick from. You can pick from different flavours and also different size packs. There really is something for everyone. They do vegan options too.
These seed packs are a great idea for someone loves growing their own vegetables or even someone that hasn’t tried to before but doesn’t know where to start. They come in a good range of different seed packs and are really good value.
All sets come with 5 packets of high quality vegetable seed, 5 plant markers and a pencil.
