Moving house with your dog

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Moving house is stressful for everybody, including your dog. This guide – put together by your local Healthy Pet Club practice – should help make the day go smoothly.

Planning ahead

The following tips may be useful:

  • Consider putting your dog into kennels or sending him to a friend or family member during the move
  • Alternatively, designate one room for him on moving day; empty this room before the removals crew arrive so that nobody has to go in
  • Do not wash your dog’s bedding (the smell will be reassuring)
  • Give the microchip company your new contact information
  • Have a tag made with your new contact information
  • Find the best dog walks near your new house
  • Talk to your vet about how they can help, this can include pheromone diffusers and relaxing supplements
  • Find and register with the Healthy Pet Club practice closest to your new house.

The day of the move

  • If your dog is at home:
    • Attach the new tag to his collar
    • Put him in his designated room with his bed, a toy and water
    • Close the windows
    • Put a sign on the door; if possible, lock it
    • Alternatively, if you have a crate, put him in it
  • Keep his routine as normal as possible – but don’t feed him close to travel time.

The journey to your new house

  • Put him in your car in a secured crate, using a purpose-made harness or behind a dog-guard
  • Don’t let him get too hot
  • Offer water and toilet breaks regularly.

Once in your new home

  • As soon as you arrive, put your dog and his belongings in one room
    • Close the windows
    • Put a sign on the door and/or lock it
  • Walk him when you can, but don’t let him off the lead (an extendable lead is a good option)
  • Once everything is calm, set up his bed, food and water in their new positions
  • If he likes his crate, set that up too
  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed; let him out to explore
  • Don’t put him in the garden unless it is dog proof
  • Get back to a normal feeding and exercise routine as soon as possible – but try to spend more time with him than usual
  • Be patient if he has ‘accidents’
  • If he goes missing, inform the new owners of your old house (if it is close by), the police, and local veterinary practices and rescue centres; social media is also useful.

The best health care for your pet.

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