Moving home with a dog

Before moving day

Before you move, make sure that you update all paperwork with your new address, from pet insurance to vet and microchip details. It’s also a good idea to start gradually introducing boxes to your house so that your dog gets used to seeing them around.

Moving day

Your dog isn’t going to understand what is happening, so it’s important to minimise any element of chaos or worry for them. They’ll be aware that changes are afoot, so if it’s at all possible, the best course of action would be to leave them with a trusted friend or relative who they are familiar with. That way they can avoid, what will seem to them to be hectic and confusing activity.

If that’s not possible then allocate a family member to look after them and keep your dog in one room away from the removal team. Provide water, along with their usual dog bed and toys. It’s best to avoid food directly before travelling with your dog for obvious reasons! If you have an anxious dog, you could buy a pheromone spray (from vets or online) which you could spray both in the room where they will wait before the move and in your new home afterwards. The scent can be both calming and reassuring and so lead to reduced anxiety. And don’t forget to put a sign on the door, telling the removal team not to go in.

Once you’ve moved your dog into the new home, use a room where they are away from the action until the removers have left. Makes sure that you have some food and their familiar things to hand. If you have children, putting them on ‘pet duty’ can be a brilliant way to both occupy them and keep them out of your hair!

After you’ve moved

You may well find that your dog’s behaviour changes after the move due to the change in environment. There are a few things you can do which may help:

• Walk around the new home and garden with your dog, letting them discover the unfamiliar surroundings at their own pace.
• Play with your dog indoors and give them even more love than usual. The extra attention will help them to settle into their new home.
• Make sure that they have old, familiar things around them, such as their dog bed, blanket and toys.
• Stick with the same routines that you had before. Feed and walk them at the usual times. Routines provide reassurance and a sense of stability.
• Try and wait as long as possible before leaving your dog home alone. It’s inevitable that you’ll have to do that some time, but you are less likely to come home to a damaged house if your pet has become more used to its environment in advance.
  
  

Keep an eye on your dog

Some dogs can become overly distressed and anxious after moving. Look out for changes in behaviour such as over grooming, an increased or decreased appetite, aggression, lack of interest in walks or play or sleeping more than usual. These types of reaction are usually temporary and with patience, more attention and reassurance, will disappear over time. But if your dog keeps on acting differently for longer it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your vet to ask for help.  

Perry Removals

Easing the transition for your dog can make moving home easier for you and for them.

Our highly trained, professional movers can make the process a smooth and stress-free experience, leaving you more time to focus on your furry friend.

For a free quote on your move contact us today on 0800 211 8030 or email our team on mail@perryremovals.com