Tops tips on moving house with a dog

Just like you, moving house can be a big change for your dog and so can cause some level of stress for them. However, with these top tips from Alice Potter, Companion Animal Welfare Expert, RSPCA, your dog should be settled in to your new home in no time.

Preparing your dog for the move

Before your move, be sure to update your dog's chip and ID tag. It's a legal requirement for your dog to have these and for them to be updated with your contact details. So pay a visit to your vet around a week before moving to get this sorted.

This is also an incredibly important time to keep your dog's routine intact. To keep them as calm as possible during the commotions of moving. So regular walks and consistent meal times are more important than ever during this time.

Keeping your dog calm on moving day

Dogs can be very hyperactive animals and are vigilant to changes. So on moving day, they may become pretty restless and stressed. Especially if your dog is a puppy. To avoid this becoming problematic, try and fit in a walk on the morning of your move. If you can't, then try to go on a longer walk the night before moving.

For when you're busy packing, give your dog a playful treat to keep them entertained, calm and distracted from the stimulating activity taking place.

If possible, ask a trusted neighbour or family member to pop over and take your dog off your hands for a little while.

Transporting your dog to your new home

Making sure your dog is safe when traveling to your new home is incredibly important. It's actually a legal requirement and under the highway code dogs must be securely transported so that they don't cause distraction to the driver. However, there are plenty of options to do so to suit your dog.

Alice, of RSPCA, says: "There’s a few options for transporting your dog - you can put them in crates or they can wear a harness in the car.

"They can go on the back seat with a car harness which plugs into the back seatbelts, or alternatively owners can put a blanket or cover on the seat if they're worried about the seat.

"Another option is to have them in a travel crate which goes in the boot.

"However, it must fit securely so you may need to get bungees to secure it.

"Sometimes you can fit the crate in the back of the car securely but you don’t want it to be able to move around."

As well as making sure your dog is secure, be sure to plan the shortest route to your new home, and stop for frequent breaks. Your dog will also need plenty of water and treats.

Helping your dog settle into your new house

When you've moved into your new home, be sure to keep your dogs routine as similar as it was in your last home.

Alice says: "Dogs like routine as it keeps them calm and happy, so when you've moved in your new home it's important you keep their routine the same as it previously was.

"Lots of walks and playing will have your dog settling in, in no time.

"Be sure to stock up on your dog's favourite treats and give them lots of attention during this time."

When moving into a new home, it can be tempting to buy everything brand new. However, it's a good idea to keep your dogs bed from your previous home for comfort and familiarity. Dogs have a very good sense of smell. So having items that smell like your family will help to ease any stress.

What to do if you're worried about your dog

By following these tips, there's no reason why moving house with your dog should be a problem. However, if you are concerned for any reason, be sure to contact your vet.

If you're interested in starting a new build home journey, then discover a development near you today. There are plenty of homes available in a variety of locations including Cardiff, Exeter & Greater Manchester