Written by Sheriff
Owner, Perth Priority Removals · 14 years local moving experience
How to move house with dogs, cats, birds, and other pets in Perth. Reducing stress, legal requirements, and surviving Perth's summer heat.
Moving is stressful for pets. They don't understand what's happening, their routine is disrupted, and their familiar territory disappears. This guide helps you minimise stress and keep your pets safe during a Perth move.
Planning your move? Get a quote - let us know if you have pets and we'll work around their needs.
The Golden Rules of Moving with Pets
These apply to all animals:
- Maintain routine as long as possible - Feed at normal times
- Keep them away from the chaos - Moving day is overwhelming
- Update microchip details first - Before anything gets lost
- Never leave pets in vehicles - Especially in Perth heat
- Prepare the new home first - A safe room before they arrive
Moving with Dogs
Dogs are resilient but sensitive to change. Here's how to help them.
Before Moving Day
- Visit the new home — Walk them through if possible
- Maintain routine — Same walks, same feeding times
- Update registration — Dog registration needs your new address
- Pack their things last — Bed, toys, bowls stay out until moving day
Moving Day
Option 1: Dog daycare or friend's house (recommended)
- Drop them off before the movers arrive
- Pick up after you've set up their space at the new home
- Reduces stress significantly
Option 2: Confine to one room
- Put them in a cleared room with their bed and water
- "Do not open" sign on the door
- Check on them regularly
- Move them last
At the New Home
- Set up their space first (bed, bowls, toys)
- Supervise yard exploration (fence check first!)
- Maintain feeding and walking schedule
- Be patient - adjustment takes 2-4 weeks
Perth-Specific Dog Considerations
- Fence check — Perth backyards vary. Walk the fence line before letting them loose
- Snake awareness — Warm months mean snakes. Supervise until they know the yard
- Heat — Never leave dogs in cars. Even 5 minutes can be fatal
- Dog parks — Find your nearest dog park early to establish new routine
Moving with Cats
Cats are territorial and hate change. Moving is particularly stressful for them.
Before Moving Day
- Get a good carrier — Big enough to stand and turn
- Feliway spray — Pheromone spray helps calm them
- Keep them inside — Cats can sense disruption and may hide or run
- Update microchip — Critical before the move
Moving Day
Option 1: Board them (recommended for nervous cats)
- Professional boarding or a friend's house
- Pick up once the new home is set up
Option 2: Confine to bathroom
- Clear the bathroom, add litter tray, water, bed
- "Do not open" sign
- Move them in their carrier at the end
At the New Home
- One room only first - Set up a "base camp" with all their things
- Keep them in that room for 3-7 days - Seriously, this helps
- Gradual exploration - Open one room at a time
- Keep inside for 2-4 weeks - Until they know it's home
- Update cat door - If you have a microchip cat door, reprogram it
Perth-Specific Cat Considerations
- Indoor vs outdoor — Consider indoor life if moving near busy roads
- Cat curfew — Some Perth councils have cat curfews (check local rules)
- Heat — Provide multiple water sources in summer
- Other cats — If moving to a denser area, territory disputes may occur
Moving with Birds
Birds are sensitive to stress, temperature, and air quality.
Small Birds (Budgies, Canaries, Finches)
- Travel cage — Smaller is better for transport (less flying around)
- Cover the cage — Reduces visual stress
- No drafts — Birds catch cold easily
- Set up first — Their cage should be ready at the new place
Larger Birds (Parrots, Cockatoos)
- Familiar carrier — They should know it before moving day
- Temperature control — Transport in air-conditioned car
- Routine immediately — Same feeding time, same treats
- Patience — Large parrots can take months to settle
Perth-Specific Bird Considerations
- Heat — Never leave birds in hot cars. Heatstroke kills fast
- Outdoor aviaries — Check new yard for snake access points
- Neighbours — Cockatoos are noisy. Check if new area is bird-friendly
Moving with Fish
Fish are more fragile than people expect. Here's how to do it right.
Small Tanks (Under 50L)
- Bucket with lid — Transport fish in clean bucket, not the tank
- Tank water — Use existing tank water, not fresh water
- Keep filter media wet — The bacteria colony keeps your tank healthy
- Quick setup — Prioritise the tank at the new place
Large Tanks
- Professional help — Consider aquarium specialists for large setups
- Battery air pump — Keep oxygen flowing during transport
- Insulated containers — Temperature stability is critical
- Same-day setup — Don't leave fish in buckets overnight
Perth-Specific Fish Considerations
- Summer heat — Fish die in hot cars. Air conditioning essential
- Power at new place — Confirm electricity is on before moving fish
- Water quality — Perth water varies by suburb. Test before adding fish
Moving with Reptiles and Exotics
Each species has unique needs. General principles:
Reptiles (Snakes, Lizards, Turtles)
- Secure transport — Escape-proof containers
- Temperature — Most need warmth but not extreme heat
- Licences — WA requires licences for many reptiles. Update your address
- Setup first — Heat lamps and UV running before they arrive
Small Mammals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rats)
- Carrier with bedding — Familiar smells help
- Water bottle — They need water during the move
- Cool transport — These animals overheat easily
- Hutch/cage first — Ready before they arrive
Perth Summer Moving: Heat Warnings
Perth heat kills pets. This is not an exaggeration.
Car Temperature Guidelines
| Outside Temp | Car Temp After 10 Min | After 30 Min |
|---|---|---|
| 25°C | 37°C | 45°C |
| 30°C | 43°C | 53°C |
| 35°C | 50°C | 60°C |
Never leave any pet in a car. Not even for 5 minutes.
Summer Moving Tips
- Early start — Book a 7am move in summer
- Air-conditioned transport — Your car, not the moving truck
- Water always available — Multiple bowls, check frequently
- Cool room first — Set up a cool space at the new home
- Monitor for heat stress — Panting, drooling, lethargy = emergency
Vet Checklist Before Moving
Visit your vet before moving to:
- Update microchip details
- Get health records (especially if changing vets)
- Refill medications
- Ask about calming options for anxious pets
- Get referral to new vet if needed
Finding a New Vet
- Ask neighbours for recommendations
- Check Google reviews
- Confirm after-hours emergency options
- Register before you need them
Legal Requirements in WA
Dogs
- Register with new local council within 7 days
- Update microchip details
- Sterilisation required (unless exemption)
Cats
- Register with new local council
- Update microchip details
- Check local cat curfew rules
Reptiles and Native Animals
- WA licence required for most reptiles
- Update address on licence
- Notify Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions if required
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for pets to adjust to a new home?
Dogs: 2-4 weeks. Cats: 4-8 weeks. Some anxious pets take longer.
Should I sedate my pet for the move?
Talk to your vet. Sedation is rarely recommended and can be dangerous.
Can I move interstate with pets?
Yes, but check quarantine requirements. Some states restrict certain animals.
How do I update my pet's microchip?
Contact the microchip registry (usually online). Update address and phone number.
What if my cat escapes during the move?
Keep them confined until you're at the new home. If they escape at the new address, search early morning and late evening when it's quiet.
How do I help an anxious dog with moving?
Maintain routine, use calming products (ask your vet), and give them a safe space away from the chaos.
Moving with pets? Get a quote - let us know about your animals and we'll plan the move around their needs.
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Perth Priority Removals
Perth's trusted removal specialists since 2018