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Preparing Your Dog For A House Move

Moving house is a big deal for everyone in the family, including our four-legged friends. Dogs, just like people, can be sensitive to changes in their environment and routine.Preparing your dog for a move not only helps reduce their anxiety but can make this transition easier for everyone.Learning more about how to know if your dog is stressed can help you take good care of them during the move.

Before the move

Moving with a dog is something you can prepare for long before the big day arrives. 

Getting ready to move house

• Maintain Routine: Keep your dog's routine as normal as possible. Having the same feeding, walks, and playtime provides some comfort and stability amidst the pre-move chaos of finding and packing belongings.
• Familiarise Your Dog with Moving Supplies: Allow your dog to investigate boxes, packing tape, and all the other supplies. The less foreign these things seem, the more at ease your dog will feel. If you are using a carrier for your pup, get them used to it a few days beforehand so they feel less anxious on the day.
• Familiar Scents: Start packing your dog’s items last. The familiar scents of their bed, toys, and blankets can have a calming effect for as long as they are around.

What to do before any move

• Vet Visit: Schedule a visit to the vet for a check-up, update any necessary vaccinations, and request a copy of your pet’s medical records to take with you. This is also an excellent time to discuss any concerns about how the move might affect your dog.

• Identification Updates: Make sure your dog's microchip information and tags include your new address and contact information.

   

Day of the move

The actual moving day is likely to be the most challenging part of the process for your dog. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to manage their stress levels.

Should your dog be there on the day?

It's often best to keep your dog away from the hustle and bustle of moving day so they don’t get too anxiousor escape while doors are left open. You could arrange for your dog to stay with a friend, family member, or in a doggy day care, if they don’t suffer too much from separation anxiety. 

Prepare for the trip

If your new home is a long drive away or requires domestic or international travel with your pooch think about how you can make their trip as comfortable as possible.

Transporting your dog

• Safety First: You’ll want to make sure your best mate is looked after, so put them into a well-ventilated crate or harness when travelling. For longer distances, make sure you have regular breaks to allow your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water.

• Comfort: Bringing their favourite blanket or toy in the car gives them some comfort and a sense of familiarity during the trip.

   

Settling your dog into their new house

Once you arrive at your new home, it’s time to help your dog settle into their new household.

Changes to their environment

• Take it Slow: Introduce your dog to their new home gradually. Start by allowing them to explore a designated area first, such as where they’ll sleep, and gradually increase their exploration zone.
• Re-establish Routine: Set up their feeding, sleeping, and play areas as soon as possible to establish a routine, helping them get used to the new space.

Introducing them to their new home

Your pup is probably going to feel a bit overwhelmed at first. Letting them gradually explore the new space by giving them access to new areas of the house one step at a time is a great way to make it easier on them.

Preparing the new space for your dog

• Safety Checks: Before letting your dog roam free, make sure their new home is safe for them. Look out for any potential hazards and secure fences or gates in outdoor areas.
• A Place of Their Own: Create a safe space for your dog that’s exclusively theirs, where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or tired. This spot should contain their bed, a few toys, and maybe an item of clothing with your scent to comfort them.

Moving house with a dog can seem daunting at first, but there are things you can do to reduce the stress. By maintaining their routine, doing everything safely, and gradually introducing them to their new environment, you'll help your dog settle in and learn to love their new home. For more information on how to move house with a dog, check out our blog. 

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