Moving With Pets: What to Consider When Downsizing

The good news is that downsizing with pets is entirely doable, and depending on where you move, your four-legged companions might end up with a better daily life than they had before. But it does take some extra planning.

This is the single most important step, and it should come first. Not every housing option welcomes pets, and the rules vary wildly depending on the type of property you're looking at.

Many retirement flats and leasehold apartments have strict pet restrictions. Some allow one small dog, others ban pets outright, and a few will make you apply to a management company for permission. If you're looking at sheltered housing or a retirement complex, the pet policy can be a dealbreaker, so always ask before you book a viewing.

Park Bungalows tend to be far more accommodating. At Regency Living, pets are welcome on most developments and residents can keep up to two pets per home. That's a genuine advantage if you have a dog and a cat, or two dogs, because many other downsizing options won't allow that. With your own front door, your own garden and no shared hallways, there's none of the awkwardness that comes with keeping a dog in a flat.

It's worth spelling out why a Park Bungalow suits pet owners so well, because the benefits go beyond just being allowed to have one.

Your Own Fenced Outdoor Space

You'll have your own outdoor space, so your dog can pop outside without navigating shared hallways or communal stairs. For cats, a private garden with fencing gives them a safe area to explore.

Suitable Locations

The locations help too. Most Park Bungalow developments are set in countryside, coastal or semi-rural areas, which means walks right on your doorstep. At Forest Edge Court in Norfolk, residents have Thetford Forest next door. At Reculver Court in Kent, there are coastal walks stretching for miles. That kind of access to green space is exactly what dog owners look for.

Single-Storey Property

Single-storey living is also kinder to older pets. If your dog has arthritis or your cat is getting on in years, stairs can be a real problem. Park Bungalows are all on one level, which makes things easier for ageing pets and their owners alike.

And you'll have neighbours who get it. It's common to see residents walking dogs together or chatting in the garden while the cat sunbathes on the patio.

Once you've found somewhere pet-friendly, there are a few practical things to sort out before moving day.

Register With a New Vet Early

Don't wait until your pet needs an appointment. Find a vet near your new home and register before you move. Transfer any repeat prescriptions and make sure vaccinations are up to date. If you're choosing between developments, it's worth checking how close the nearest vet is. Most Regency Living developments have veterinary practices within a few miles.

Update the Microchip

This is easy to forget in the chaos of moving, but it's crucial. If your pet escapes on moving day, they'll be traced back to whatever address is on the microchip database. Update it with your new address before you move, not after.

Keep Routines Consistent

Pets pick up on stress more than we think. In the weeks before the move, try to keep feeding times, walks and bedtime exactly the same. The more normal things are, the calmer your pet will be.

Moving day is the most unsettling part for pets. Strangers in the house, boxes everywhere, doors left open, and their usual spots disappearing under bubble wrap. The PDSA recommends setting aside one cleared room for your pet on the day, with their bed, water, toys and food bowls inside. This gives them a safe, quiet space while the removal team works around the rest of the house.

If your pet is particularly anxious, it might be better to arrange for a friend or family member to look after them for the day. Alternatively, a trusted kennel or cattery can take the pressure off. The key is keeping them away from the chaos and giving them something familiar to anchor to.

For the car journey, make sure dogs are restrained with a harness or travel crate, and cats are in a secure carrier. Avoid feeding them just before travelling to reduce the chance of car sickness.

The first few days in a new home matter a lot. Dogs tend to adapt more quickly than cats, but both need patience. It's worth remembering that settling into a new home takes time for people and pets alike.

With dogs, let them explore the new home room by room, on their own terms. Get out for a walk in the local area as soon as you can, because establishing a new walking route gives them a sense of routine and territory. Make sure the garden is secure before you let them out unsupervised, and check fences for any gaps.

Cats are more territorial and will need longer to adjust. The RSPCA advises keeping cats indoors for at least two to three weeks after a move so they can get used to the new space before venturing outside. When you do let them out, do it before a meal so they have a reason to come back.

For both dogs and cats, unpack their belongings first. A familiar-smelling bed and their usual food bowls will do more to settle them in than anything else. If you've moved from a larger home into a more manageable space, your pet may actually settle faster in a Park Bungalow because everything is on one level and they can always see where you are.

🏡 Related read: See if you should make the move with these 7 Signs It’s Time to Downsize.

Park Bungalows aren't the only option, of course. But it's worth knowing how alternatives stack up for pet owners.

• Retirement flats and apartments often have limited or no pet policies. Even where pets are allowed, you'll typically be restricted to one small animal with no private outdoor space. Shared corridors and lifts can be stressful for dogs, and outdoor cats won't have the freedom they're used to.
• Smaller bricks-and-mortar houses can work well but come with higher purchase prices, stamp duty, solicitor fees and ongoing maintenance.
• Sheltered housing varies enormously, and you may need approval from a management company. Outdoor space is often limited.

By comparison, Park Bungalows offer pet-friendly policies as standard, private gardens, single-storey living and locations surrounded by nature. For anyone downsizing with pets, that combination is hard to beat.

If you're starting to think about when the right time to downsize might be, factor your pets into the decision from day one. Where you move, how you move and what kind of home you choose will all affect how well your pet copes with the change.

The transition doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation, a pet-friendly home and a location that gives you both plenty of space, moving with pets can be one of the easiest parts of downsizing.

If you'd like to see how Park Bungalow living works in practice, take a look at our developments across the UK and come along to an open day. Pets are part of the community here, and you'll see that for yourself.