Tips for Moving House with a Dog
For dogs, moving house can be unsettling as it brings changes to their routine, surroundings and familiar smells. However, with some preparation and consistency, it can be a much smoother experience for you and your dog.
Here are some practical tips for moving house with your dog, while helping them stay calm and settled.
Things to do before moving house with a dog
Introduce packing materials early
Boxes, tape and moving equipment can be unfamiliar to dogs. Introducing these items early gives your dog time to get used to the new smells.
Maintain their normal routine
Try to keep feeding times, walks and play sessions as normal as possible while you get ready to move. Familiar routines can help reassure your dog even while the house changes around them.
Pack a dog essentials bag
Prepare a dog essentials bag before moving house so important items are easy to access throughout the move. This might include:
- Food and treats
- Water and food bowls
- Favourite toys and comfort items
- Their lead and harness
- Bedding
- Medication
What to do on moving day with a dog
Exercise them before the chaos starts
A long walk before your movers arrive can help burn nervous energy and encourage your dog to relax during the chaos of the move.
Keep them away from disruption
If possible, arrange for your dog to stay with family, friends or at a doggy day care. If you do keep them with you, create a quiet space away from the noise with their bed, toys and water.
Stay calm and act normally
Dogs are often in-tune with their owners’ feelings and emotions. Being nervous and fussing too much over your dog can make them feel like there is something to worry about.
Plan breaks during long journeys
If you’re moving home across a long distance with your dog, schedule regular stops during the journey for them to go to the toilet, drink water and stretch their legs.
If your dog has a fear of the car or gets car sick, check with your vet for additional advice on how to help them through their journey.
Moving to a new house with a dog: Preparing your home
Clean away previous smells
Dogs are highly sensitive to smells, so cleaning your new home before moving in can help remove scents left behind by previous pets. Using your dog’s existing bedding and familiar-smelling cleaning items can also help the house feel more familiar.
Check your new home is secure
Before letting them out to explore your new garden, check:
- Fences and gates are secure
- There are no gaps for them to climb through
- They won’t come across any harmful plants or chemicals
This is especially important if your dog is unfamiliar with the area or prone to escaping.
Unpack their belongings early
If possible, place their familiar items around the house before they get there. Their bed, toys, bowls, and blankets will help settle your dog into a new home more quickly.
Introduce them to the new house calmly
Try to avoid introducing your dog to your new home while movers are there unloading boxes. Let them explore once things are quieter and allow them to take their time.
How to settle a dog into a new house after moving
Every dog adjusts differently after moving house. Some may settle in quickly, while others may need a little more time and reassurance.
Keep routines consistent
Stick to familiar walking and feeding times and keep regular daily habits to help your dog feel secure and more at home.
Choose a similar sleeping area
To settle your dog into your new home at night, it’s best to keep their bed in the same area of the house at first. If you plan to move the spot long term, it’s usually best to wait until they’re fully settled.
Update microchips, tags and vet addresses
Once you have moved, update your dog’s microchip information and ID tags with your new address.
If you’ve moved further away, register with a local vet as soon as possible.
Introduce the local area gradually
If they don’t know the area, keep them on the lead for the first walks while they adjust to new smells, sounds and surroundings. If you haven’t moved far away, walking familiar routes can also help ease the transition.
Reinforce toilet routines
The exit to garden may be different in your new home, so it can help to go back to basics, including letting them out on a regular schedule for toilet breaks and praising them when they use the garden. This helps build positive associations with the new garden and reduces accidents indoors.
Use pheromones
For particularly anxious dogs, you can use dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) – a scent that female dogs make to keep their puppies feeling safe. These come as plug-ins or collars that will infuse DAP into the air to calm dogs. Use these at least 24 hours before packing and moving items.
How long does it take a dog to adjust to a new home?
Every dog settles in differently, but the 3-3-3 rule can give owners a good idea of what to expect.
- First 3 days: After moving house, many dogs need a few days to decompress and settle down. During this time, they may be quiet or nervous.
- First 3 weeks: They’ll begin to learn new routines and get familiar with their new environment in the first few weeks, gradually showing more of their normal personality.
- First 3 months: This is the amount of time most dogs need to feel fully comfortable and secure in their new home.
Patience and consistency are important during this adjustment period, particularly for rescue dogs or naturally anxious pets.
If your dog is struggling with anxiety after moving, speak to your vet for further advice.
Moving into a Davidsons Home with your dog
Whether you’re moving to a new home in the area or relocating to a completely new neighbourhood, a move is a big change for every member of the family, including your dogs and cats.
Explore our latest developments to find a place you’ll want to call home.