How to Move with Pets in Calgary: A Stress-Free Guide

Moving is stressful for everyone in the household — including the four-legged members. Pets are creatures of routine, and the chaos of packing, strangers carrying furniture, and a completely new environment can cause significant anxiety. Here's how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Before the Move

Visit Your Vet

Schedule a check-up 2-4 weeks before the move. Make sure vaccinations are current, get copies of your pet's medical records, and ask about anxiety medication if your pet is particularly nervous. If you're moving from outside Calgary, ask for a referral to a Calgary-area vet.

Update Identification

Update your pet's microchip information with your new address and phone number. Get a new tag with your new address and contact info before the move — in case your pet escapes during the transition.

Keep Their Routine

As you pack up the house, try to maintain your pet's feeding schedule, walk times, and play routines. Keep their bed, bowls, and favourite toys out until the last possible moment.

On Moving Day

• Best option: Have a friend or family member look after your pet away from the house during the move. This eliminates the risk of escape and avoids the stress of movers going in and out
• If your pet stays: Set up a quiet room with their bed, water, food, and a "Do Not Open" sign on the door. Keep them confined while movers work
• Never let pets ride in the moving truck. They must travel in your personal vehicle
• Carry essentials with you: Food, water bowl, leash, medications, litter box, waste bags, and favourite toy

At Your New Calgary Home

Dogs

Walk your dog around the new neighbourhood on a leash before bringing them inside. Let them explore the new home one room at a time with you present. Set up their familiar bed and bowls first to create a sense of normalcy. Expect some restlessness the first few nights.

Cats

Set up one room as a "safe room" with their litter box, food, water, bed, and familiar items. Keep them in this room for the first 2-3 days while they adjust to the new scents and sounds. Gradually allow access to the rest of the home once they're comfortable.

Calgary Pet Resources

• Pet licensing: Required for all dogs and cats in Calgary. Register at calgary.ca or any City service centre
• Off-leash areas: Calgary has 150+ off-leash parks — more than almost any Canadian city. Nose Hill Park and Sue Higgins Park are among the most popular
• Emergency vet: The Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE) provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care
• Bylaws: Calgary has a Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Dogs must be on-leash except in designated off-leash areas. Waste must be picked up everywhere