Moving House With Dogs? Tips to Keep Them Calm and Happy

The process of moving to a new home involves substantial challenges for melbournians along with their animal companions. Evidence shows that half of the relocated dog population experience stress during or after the move.
We at North Removals recognise the essential importance of moving house with dogs so we created this article that contains a full checklist and clear recommendations to help your dog settle in their new home, while remaining relaxed.
Related articles: How to move a fridge upstairs.

Dogs are especially sensitive to changes surrounding them, and a move can really be hard for them to cope with and adjust to. That’s why it’s so important to follow methods that give them a sense of security and calmness while they go through the process. The following advice will help your dog maintain their happiness and sense of calm.
What to Do Before Moving House With Dogs:
1. Maintain Routine
A dog feels most comfortable with a scheduled routine, it helps to try and keep consistent timing as far as meals, walks and playtimes go. A study at the University of Bristol shows that changes in routine can trigger anxiety in dogs. Keeping things normal in their day-to-day life calms them down when they are moving into chaos.
2. Visit the New Home
If possible you should bring your dog to see their future home ahead of the moving day. Allow them to explore the space by sniffing around the new territory. This familiarising process helps dogs get accustomed to their future residence and simultaneously reduces their feelings of anxiety.
3. Prepare a “Moving Kit”
Create a kit with all the essentials for your dog including food, water, toys, etc. anything your dog will need on a daily basis. It will make the move smoother for you and your dog, and keep their routine in check because they have everything ready in the new place.
4. Create a Safe Haven at Home
Find an isolated area at your current residence for your dog to use as a retreat while you handle your packing responsibilities. The space must contain their sleeping area together with selected favourite toys. A secure resting area serves their emotional needs because it offers them a peaceful spot to escape the moving chaos.
5. Get Your Dog Used to Boxes
Before you start packing down, some empty boxes should remain placed throughout your home to familiarise your dog with their presence and the moving process. The presence of empty boxes around your house will support your dog’s tolerance toward these objects and moving day activities. Consider hiring professional packers and movers, this will give you more time to be with your dog during the moving process and reduce his anxiety.
6. Consult Your Veterinarian
Take your dog to a veterinarian before moving to receive vaccinations and stress management advice that should start during the relocation process and continue until the move ends. By getting a pre-move check-up you will ensure their physical condition and achieve peace of mind about their ability to adapt.
What to Do During The Move
1. Place your dog in the safe space
Place your dog inside the quiet space that you established before moving house with dogs. The area should provide your dog with their bed, water supply and access to toys. The space will provide your dog with a secure atmosphere where they can be at ease despite all the household moving activities.
2. Keep Doors Closed
Keep your doors shut while movers enter and leave the house to prevent your dog from escaping. It would be best to utilise baby gates or create temporary barriers that block your dog from entering the main traffic zones.
3. Use a Carrier or Harness
Anxiety or restlessness in your dog might necessitate the use of carriers or harnesses with leashes when they stay indoors. A carrier along with harness and leash combination will protect your dog and allow you to maintain their proximity while you work.
4. Provide Distractions
When moving house with dogs, keep several interactive toys and special treats to provide entertainment. Mentally stimulating toys help minimise anxiety during relocation while the move takes place.
5. Take Breaks for Walks
Brief daily walks allow your dog to exercise and burn off energy as part of their stress relief during the moving process. Walking will provide your dog with both mental and physical relief from the stress of relocation and will provide a sense of routine stability in the midst of disorder.
6. Stay Calm and Talk to Them
Your dog has the ability to recognise your signs of stress, so maintain positive behaviour during the move.
7. Avoid Crowds
The presence of numerous people can make dogs experience extreme stress levels which requires keeping them within their secure area for most of the relocation period.
8. Offer Rewards
Give your dog treats and praise as he or she handles the stress of the day well. This will make him or her behave, as well as associate the day with positive experiences.
9. Get Hazardous Items out of Reach
During your relocation process, make certain hazardous products, together with tools, remain at a good distance from your dog. The placement of hazardous materials away from your pet will protect them during transportation and also prevent any negative incidents.
What to Do After Moving House With Dogs:
1. Create a welcome tour for your dog
Guide your dog by the leash through every space while giving them a formal tour of the rooms. Show your excitement while instructing them to sniff each area. The practise will help them learn to feel comfortable with their new environment while building their self-confidence that you are there, supporting them throughout this new experience!
2. Set up a “Relaxation Routine”
After the moving turmoil settles down you should establish a regular dog routine, which includes restful periods along with soothing massages and relaxed bonding moments in his or her designated space.
3. Connect with the Community
When settled in your new house you can discover pet-related gatherings and local social groups that allow you to meet nearby pet owners. Social outings for dogs enable pet meetings with new friends and help dog owners connect with pet-loving neighbours in their community.
Most Common Mistakes When Moving with Dogs
Not Updating Identification
The most significant mistake in moving with your dog is neglecting to update identification tags and microchip details. Your past contact information may result in both mental distress and communication delays when your dog may become lost during the relocation process. Research indicates that microchips help identify 52% of recovered lost dogs because they lead to successful owner reunification.
Not Paying Attention to Environmental Hazards
The evaluation of potential hazards in the new home remains a neglected step by many pet owners during their relocation. Dogs need their owners to identify and eliminate both balcony openings and toxic plants to ensure their safety.
Overpacking Too Soon
The delay in preparing your items will make your dog anxious. The sudden alterations in their environment, together with numerous boxes stacked around the place make dogs feel distressed. The packing process should take place slowly, while maintaining your dog´s access to their preferred toys, along with their bed. Check our moving house checklist to stay organised.
Not Giving Time for Adjustment
Dogs rarely adapt immediately after moving into a new place which is contrary to human perceptions. The transition will require patience so allow your dog to discover the house according to its own timeline to reduce signs of distress.
Preparation Resources for Moving with Dogs
Resource/Preparation | Description | Suggested Use |
---|---|---|
Updated Identification | You should place your new contact information on the dog collar tag. | Check the info before the move. A GPS collar should be used for additional security measures. |
Secure Carrier | A good carrier is necessary to transport the dog in the car or to keep him/her safe during the move. | Introduce your dog to the carrier through the addition of treats combined with toys. |
Emergency Kit | Make sure you prepare your dog a box with food, water, toys, medications and important documents. | Make sure the kit is available; put it in with their medical history and any medications they may need. |
Calming Diffusers or Supplements | Diffusers or natural supplements are also good to calm your dog when moving. | Your dog should wear the items for a few days in advance to familiarise themselves with them. |
Veterinary Checkup | The first step is to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian for a health checkup that includes vaccination verification. | Ask for specific recommendation concerning how to deal with the anxiety related to the move. |
(FAQ) about Moving with Dog
What are the steps I should take to assist my dog in dealing with new neighbours and other pets?
Your dog’s meeting with new neighbours and their pets should happen gradually. Schedule a monitored meeting that allows all the dogs to sniff and interact for a brief period. The formation of positive relationships between your dog and new neighbours can be achieved by exposing them gradually and providing encouraging feedback. Going for walks with your dog around the neighbourhood enables them to become familiar with their location and get to know potential new companions.
What signs indicate my dog struggles with the relocation?
Observation of excessive barking combined with hiding behaviours and eating problems, or destructive behaviour, should raise your concern. Excessive fatigue together with anxiety could signal that your dog is struggling with the transition process. The symptoms will reduce when your dog receives additional attention combined with reassurance and continued routine practises.
My dog requires how much time to adapt to its new living environment?
Dogs adjust at different speeds to new environments, so the time needed for adjustment varies between dogs. The time your dog needs to adapt depends on you providing steady help during the adjustment period.
Is it necessary to visit a veterinarian before moving house with dogs?
Visiting the vet ensures your dog has current vaccinations and creates space to discuss potential health issues affecting both physical and behavioural wellbeing in the new area.
Which method should I use to discover dog-friendly parks within my new neighbourhood?
Mobile apps provide users with access to local dog friendly park locations. Social media provides an excellent platform to discover recommendations about dog-friendly locations through local pet-owner groups.
Conclusion
Preparing your dog for home relocation requires proper planning and execution which will simplify the entire process for you and your beloved pet. Your dog’s health and happiness depend on every step you take when getting them ready for relocation, and when assisting them with the adjustment to their new residence.
Contact North Removals right away if you require professional moving assistance. North Removals exists to enable seamless transitions and positive relocation experiences for customers and their dear pets in new homes.
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