Pet-Friendly Removals in Reading — How to Move House With Cats, Dogs & Small Pets in RG-Postcodes
Moving with pets in Reading? Our SL6/RG branch shares cat, dog and small-pet handling tips, RG-postcode vet referrals, and how we structure the move-day timing for pet welfare.
Around 30% of our Reading customers have pets — cats, dogs, rabbits, the occasional reptile, and one memorable parrot called Eric. Pets make a move significantly more complex. Here's what we've learned from 12 months of family-with-pets moves across RG-postcodes.
The golden rule: pets out, then us in
Cats and dogs should be off-property before our crew arrives. Reasons: (1) front door is held open for hours = escape risk; (2) loading-truck noise stresses pets badly; (3) pets in confined rooms get accidentally trapped behind furniture. Best practice: pet boarder, a friend's house, or one room sealed with food + water + you checking every 90 minutes.
Cat-specific advice
Cats are the highest-risk animal for moving-day escape. Three rules: (1) confine to one bathroom or small room before the crew arrives; (2) sign on door "DO NOT OPEN — CAT INSIDE"; (3) transport to the new property in a carrier in the back of YOUR car, never the moving truck. Settle them in one room of the new property before the boxes start arriving.
Dog-specific advice
Dogs are slightly easier — most can go to a daycare or friend for the day. If they must stay, gate them in a garden area away from the loading point. Bring their bed and a known toy to the new property and put it in their first room before the crew arrives — gives them an immediate "safe spot".
Small pets — rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, fish
Rabbits and guinea pigs travel in their carrier in your car, never the truck. Reptile vivariums need temperature management — wrap in a blanket for transport and re-heat as soon as set up. Fish: half-empty the tank into a sealed bucket, transport the tank empty, refill at the new property. Don't try to move a full aquarium — it'll crack.
RG-postcode vet referrals
Three reliable vets across our service area for moving-day support: Vets4Pets Reading (Friar Street, RG1 1DB), Castle Vets Reading (Tilehurst Road, RG30 2JS), and The Vetinary Surgery Wokingham (Easthampstead Road, RG40 2EG). All three accept new patients and offer same-day appointments for moving-day stress incidents.
Free quote from HomeGo Reading Branch — in under 60 minutes
Fixed pricing, no VAT, PAYE-employed crew. Call 0118 469 3527 or use the quote form on this page.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you transport pets in the moving truck?
No — never. Pets travel in your car, in a carrier. Trucks are unsafe for animals.
Should I board my pets for moving day?
For cats and reactive dogs, yes — significantly less stressful for everyone. For laid-back dogs, a friend's house works fine.
Can you start later if I need to settle pets first?
Yes — we can adjust start time to accommodate pet logistics. Just let us know when booking.
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