Moving House: Before and During the Move

Before the move:

• Some dogs may become distressed or anxious during the upheaval of packing, so confine them to a quiet room where they can rest and be safe and where you do not have to worry about them.
• Leave packing his toys, bedding and other equipment to the last moment so that he is comforted by the presence of his familiar things. Do not wash his bedding until a couple of weeks after the move, so that he will have something familiar smelling in the new house.
• Make arrangements for your dog to stay with a friend or relative that he feels comfortable with during the move, as he may be upset by strange people coming into his house to do the removal. He will also be safer; if he stays with you in the house there is a chance he may be able to escape as doors are likely to be left open. You will also be able to concentrate on the stressful business of moving house without the added worry of looking after your dog. If you do not have any friends or family that can look after him then consider booking him into a boarding kennel for the night.
• Speak to your Vet about obtaining a DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) plug-in device to use before, during and after moving.
• Have a tag made with your name, new phone number (and mobile phone number if possible) and your new address so that it is ready to put onto his collar for the day of the move. If he escapes during the move or immediately after, this will increase his chances of getting back to you. Also notify your dog's microchip database of your new address.
• If you are planning to move a long distance away and your dog suffers from travel sickness or severe anxiety in the car, talk to your Vet about medication to make the journey less stressful for him.

On the day:

• If your dog is staying with you during the move then confine him to one secure room, so that escape and injury cannot occur to him whilst people are going in and out of the house. Leave him in a quiet area with his familiar unwashed bed and possessions.
• Put his new tag on.
• Make sure that he is safely secured in the car or vehicle that he is to be transported in to the new house with a dog guard, travel crate or car harness on the back seat. If it is a long journey, make sure that he gets regular toilet and water breaks.