Moving Home with a Dog

Advice on moving with dogs:

Things to do 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. The kitchen is often a good place it will be the room the moving team will probably empty last, and where you'll find yourself doing some last minute packing.

 Leave packing his/her toys, bedding and other equipment to the last moment so that he/she is comforted by the presence of familiar things. Do not wash bedding until a couple of weeks after the move, so that they will have something familiar smelling in the new house.

 Speak to your vet about obtaining a DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) plug-in device to use before, during and after moving. The DAP emits a scent into the home which mimics the calming scent released by a mother to her puppies. The DAP will relax your dog and make them able to cope more easily with the changes that come with moving house.

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 If traveling a long way prevent travel sickness by not feeding them for 12 hours before the journey. If you know your pet suffers from travel sickness, ask your veterinary surgeon about anti-sickness pills.

Things to remember during the move:
 If your dog is staying with you during the move then confine him/her to one secure room, so that escape and injury cannot occur whilst people are going in and out of the house. Leave them in a quiet area with familiar unwashed bed and possessions.

 Put new tags on.

 Make sure that your dog is safely secured in the car or vehicle that they are 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 they get regular toilet and water breaks. Remember the temperature in a parked car can rise rapidly and your pets might die from the heat.Moto Service Stations on motorways have introduced new feeding stations for dogs. Normally in the entrance on the building youwl full of dog biscuits and fresh water. They also have a handy information leaflets on travel tips for your dog.

In the new home:
 Check your boundary fencing to make sure that it is secure, of sufficient height and 'hole-free' before letting your dog run free in the garden. If your dog is able to escape then take him out on a lead until you are able to do the necessary improvements.

 Try to unpack the essentials before introducing your dog to the new house so that he can see familiar items within the unfamiliar house. If possible place furniture and items in similar places to those in the old house.

 Use the DAP in your new home, particularly in the room that your dog spends most of his time in.

 If your dog is microchipped, then phone Petlog on 0870 6066751 to get his records changed to your new address.

 Be patient with your dog in the new home and make allowances for 'accidents' on the carpet if they should happen. Don't make a fuss, punish your dog or draw his attention to them as this may make the problem worse. Quietly pick up the mess and clean the area with a biological solution, or special cleaner from the vets or pet shop to properly remove the smell. Once your dog has settled in they should stop. Always praise him when he goes to toilet in the correct place (i.e. outside!) so that he knows where to go.

 Make sure that you stick to your usual routines, as this will help them to settle, so feed and walk him at the usual times. Don't give him more or less attention than he is used to having from you, this may cause him to become anxious or over dependent on you and lead to behaviour problems.

  To help your dog/dogs settle in take them for lots of walks. This ideal to get away from the chaos and a good excuse to get out of all the chores. This will help your dogs get used to their new surroundings.

The Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

For more information or advice on this subject or the other welfare and educational work that they do, please telephone, email or write (with an SAE) to:

Dogs trust,
17 Wakley Street,
London,
EC1V 7RQ
Tel : 020 7837 0006
www.dogstrust.org.uk
email: info@dogstrust.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 227523