Sometimes we tend to treat our dogs like humans, they’re part of the family with their own quirks and character, but moving home with a dog is a tricky task which requires some consideration.
Here are some handy tips for making your move with man’s best friend that little bit easier. The overall aim is to keep your dog safe and happy throughout the move, so let’s take a look at what can be done before, during and after the move.
Before You Move
As stressful as a move might be on you, at least you know what’s happening. To your dog, it will be a great upheaval and you should do all you can to properly prepare for your move to have as little impact on their lives as possible.
The first thing to do is to keep their routine on track as much as possible. Take them for a walk at their regular times when packing in the run up to the move. If possible, take them to a walking spot near to your new home to get them used to the new surroundings early.
You can also get your dog used to travelling in the car if they aren’t already – especially if it’s a long journey to your new home. Dogs should be kept safe during a drive by keeping them behind a guard in your car, or they can be placed in a special carrier or harness.
Don’t pack your dog’s toys away for the move, keep them in a single room which you set aside as their sanctuary, this way they’ll have somewhere safe, cosy and familiar to be once the hustle and bustle of moving day arrives.
All dogs are required by law to have a microchip, so make sure you update the address attached to your dog’s microchip. This will be a lifesaver if your dog manages to escape during the move or at your new property.
Finally, locate a new veterinary practice local to your new property if you’ve moved further away from your old one. You’ll then be set if an emergency should arise with your dog.
During
The room you set aside for your dog should be used on the day of the move. This keeps them safe and out of your way during the move. Ensure they have plenty of food, water and toys, checking in on them every once in awhile.
Once you get to the new property, have a new room setup for your dog. This will be their new safe space, keeping them safe while all your boxes and furniture arrives. Attach their new name and address collar tag, ensuring that if they should manage to slip away, they can be returned to you.
As previously mentioned, some dogs don’t travel well. If you know this about your dog, don’t feed them for 12 hours before the move, this will avoid them being sick during the journey.
After you’ve moved into your new home
Once everything has been completed, give your dog a new toy to play with as a reward for their good behaviour. You should refrain from washing their bedding immediately, keeping a familiar smell for them.
Take your dog for regular walks in the area to get them used to the area, allowing them to interact with people and other dogs if you know they are friendly. All of this will help to establish the new property as your dog’s home.
Be patient with your dog. Some take longer to acclimatise to their new surroundings and the odd accident may occur. Staying calm and sticking to your dog’s usual routine and giving them a place to settle will help them to eventually get used to the new property.
There are special plug-in diffusers you can purchase if your dog is distressed or more anxious than usual.
If you’d like to be able to shower your dog with attention throughout your move, why not let Two Men And A Truck® tackle the hard part of packing, transporting and unpacking all your possessions and furniture. Contact us today for more details or to discuss the individual requirements of your move, our professional removals team are always happy to help.