Should pets travel in the moving truck?

No. Pets should travel with you or through a specialist pet transport arrangement, not in the removalist truck.

What should I unpack first for pets?

Water, food, bedding, litter or toilet supplies, medication, and familiar items should be available immediately.

Planning · 8 min read

Moving with pets in Australia: planning, transport, and first-night setup

A practical pet moving guide for Australian households covering vet records, travel crates, move-day safety, first-night setup, rentals, and interstate planning.

Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-06

Before move day

Update microchip details, collect vet records, confirm rental or strata pet rules, and prepare a travel kit. If your pet is anxious, speak with your vet well before move week rather than experimenting on the day.

Food, bowls, medication, leads, litter, bedding, and waste bags
Vet records, vaccination documents, and microchip details
A crate or carrier your pet already recognises
A quiet arrival room at the new home

Move-day safety

Removalists need doors open and clear walkways. Pets need the opposite: secure, calm spaces and predictable supervision. Keep pets with a trusted person, in a closed room, or at a boarding/daycare option if that suits their temperament.

First-night setup

Set up one quiet room first with bedding, water, food, and familiar scent. Let pets explore gradually after the movers leave and the doors are secure.

Interstate and longer moves

Longer moves need extra planning for rest stops, accommodation, heat, airline or specialist transport, and state-specific restrictions for some animals or plants. Keep pet essentials outside the moving truck.