Moving house with pets: parasite checklist

Introduction

Moves disrupt routines and new homes can hide parasite stages. A short plan keeps dogs and cats protected while you unpack. Prepared with input from our lead vet and founder, Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc.

Before moving day

• Put your pet’s next due date in your phone calendar

• Pack current products in the right weight band, plus a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers

• Update microchip details and save the number in your phone

• Ask the previous occupants or agent if pets lived there and where they slept

First week in the new place

• Dose every pet on arrival with a product matched to species, age and weight

• Vacuum daily for a week: rugs, skirting, sofa seams, under beds, car boot. Empty the vacuum outside

• Hot wash pet bedding and favourite blankets, then dry well

• Declutter sleeping spots so you can clean quickly

• Yard check: cut long grass, clear leaf litter, tip out standing water

Yard and balcony tips

• Keep grass short and trim dense shrubs so tick checks are easier

• Block gaps under fences and check shady corners where wildlife rests

• For apartment balconies, keep pot saucers dry to reduce mosquitoes

Keep routine during the chaos

• Dose on the same date each month or follow the label for long-acting products

• Store products together, high and dry, with a sticky note for the due date

• If a dose is missed, give it when you remember and reset your reminder from that date

Safety basics

• Dog products for dogs, cat products for cats

• Match current weight band and minimum age every time

• Do not stack different preventatives unless your vet advises

• Keep cats away from recently treated dogs if the dog label advises it

Products we trust

• Dogs: Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs — monthly protection that also includes heartworm prevention and common intestinal worms when used as directed

• Dogs: NexGard Chewables for Dogs — simple monthly flea and tick control

• Cats: Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats — monthly spot-on with broad cover when used as directed

• Cats: Bravecto Spot-On for Cats — long-acting flea and tick control

FAQ

We found fleas after moving in. What now?
Dose every pet, vacuum daily for the first week, hot-wash bedding, and keep prevention on time for at least three months while hidden stages clear.

Travel delayed our due date. Should we double-dose?
No. Give the missed dose once and reset your schedule from that date.

Want help mapping a simple move-in plan for your pets?
Share age, weight and your move date and we will set it up with you — contact us.