Moving house with your dog
Moving house is stressful for the whole family, including your pets. Moving from a safe and familiar environment can be disorientating and can lead to behavioural problems or even your pet going missing.
Preparation- It is highly recommended that your dog(s) is microchipped and registered.
- Take a photograph of your dog so that you can accurately describe it should it go missing, as well as giving you an up to date image you could use on lost pet posters.
- Find a new vet in the area you are moving to.
Try to find out about good walking places in advance so that you can get your dog into a new routine as quickly as possible.
If your dog does not travel well try and get it used to travelling in the car in advance.
Ensure your dog is safely kept behind a dog guard or in a crate whilst travelling, or use a canine harness but check that it still has plenty of room to move.
Moving- Keep your dog in one room while all the furniture and belongings are taken out of the house.
- If your dog suffers from travel sickness do not feed it for 12 hours before travelling.
- Make sure the car is well ventilated and never leave your dog in a car while you stop for a break on warm/hot days or on very cold days.
- If you are travelling a long distance, your dog will need frequent stops for easily digestible food and water during the journey.
- Buy a new toy or chew to give to your dog once you arrive in the new house.
- Keep your dog in one room with its toys and familiar items, i.e. its bed, while all the furniture and belongings arrive in your new home.
- Identify any possible escape routes in your garden that your dog might find and ensure they are fenced securely.
- Make sure you get a new collar tag for your dog with your new details written on it.
- Introduce your dog to your neighbours, postman and any other regular callers as soon as you can.
