Moving house requires a lot of preparation; make sure you consider your pets when making those plans.
It can be stressful for everyone involved, including your dog. As well as coping with all of the upheaval during the move, it’ll take weeks for them to get used to a new area and strange smells in the new house. Although you’ll be very busy with little time for them, please bear in mind the following to help make it easier and safer for your dog.
Things to do before the move:
Some dogs may become distressed or anxious during the upheaval of packing, so confine your dog to a quiet room where they can rest and be safe and where you do not have to worry about them.
Leave packing toys, bedding and other equipment to the last moment so that your dog is comforted by the presence of his familiar things. Do not wash his bedding until a couple of weeks after the move, so that they will have something familiar-smelling in the new house.
Make arrangements for your dog to stay with a friend or relative that they feels comfortable with during the move, as your dog may be upset by strange people coming into his house to do the removal. He will also be safer; if your dog stays with you in the house there is a chance they may be able to escape as doors are likely to be left open. You will also be able to concentrate on the stressful business of moving house without the added worry of looking after your dog. If you do not have any friends or family that can look after him then consider booking them into a boarding kennel for the night.
Have a tag made with your name, new phone number (and mobile phone number if possible) and your new address so that it is ready to put onto your dogs collar for the day of the move. If they escape during the move or immediately after, this will increase the chances of getting back to you.
If you are planning to move a long distance away and your dog suffers from travel sickness or severe anxiety in the car, talk to your vet about ways to make the journey less stressful for them, Dogs are incredibly adaptable and often take new things in their stride but moving house is stressful for all concerned.
Top Tips:
- Consider sending your dog away to friends, family or boarding kennels during the move. Or choose a room or location where your dog can stay safe whilst the move is happening.
- Leave the dog’s bedding, toys, food and water bowl to be packed last.
- Speak with your vet for advice on reducing stress, including, during the journey if your dog suffers from car sickness.
- Attach a new tag to your dog’s collar with your new details, and update the microchip details.
- If possible identify and address any fencing issues prior to arriving at the new house. If this is not possible keep your dog on lead in the garden until the fencing can be made secure.
- Revisit your house training even with an older dog as they may feel insecure in new surroundings initially
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