Many pet parents are moving home at this moment in time. There are so many things to remember whether moving home for the first time or the umptenth time it involves so much that often our dogsneeds are overlooked. Here are my tips on how you can make it easier and some vital things to remember too!
Before moving day.
Never pack your pets belongings until the last day; they need their belongings around them for familiarity and security.
If possible arrange for your pets to be looked after by a friend or family member. Moving day will be very hectic and confusing for your pets. By removing them from the chaos will be kinder for them and less stressful for you too.
Have new ID tags engraved and delivered before you move.
If you are travelling a long distance to your new home but your dog suffers from travel sickness consult your vet on the possibility of obtaining anti-nausea medication for the journey.
If you are moving to a completely new area you might want to investigate dog walkers, training clubs, groomers and boarding kennels or house sitters and friendly dog walks. Doing it now will allow you to hit the ground running when you move into your new home, particularly if you have to return to work shortly after moving in. If you can keep as many of your usual dogs services as you can, the better, as this will give them some degree of normality.
When preparing for the major packing you may have items to donate to animal charity shops to raise valuable funds to help animals less fortunate than your own. The Dogs Trust sometimes will collect items from you. Try contacting https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/shopping/charityshops/are-you-moving
Your new home.
Once you have waved the removal men goodbye you have plenty of time to unpack your belongings but again your pets may find it all too much.
First thing you must do before anything else, if you have not had a chance to do so already, is check that your garden fencing and gates are secure. If your new property has an exceptionally large garden or the fencing is in doubt then create a smaller secure area for your dogs until it can be repaired or replaced.
If your dog is elderly, particularly if their sight is failing them, find a nice quiet room for their belongings such as their bed, water bowl and toys to be placed where they can settle and relax until you have managed to unpack your boxes and arrange your furniture. When we last moved home we had a blind whippet in our family who kept bumping into the packing boxes. This was understandably stressful, so we gave her a nice quiet space of her own in the lounge, surrounded with her familiar smells and where she could hear us and she relaxed very quickly.
When you are sure your home and garden are secure allow your dog/s to explore their new environment in their own time. Walk around with them if they need reassurance.
Change your dogs ID tags with your new address on. Update your dogs microchip and insurance details too. For more information on finding your dogs microchip provider and how you can find their contact details see my post on microchips listed on the Index page.
Register your dog/s with a veterinary surgeon if you have moved too far from your dogs previous vet.
And lastly, depending on the time of year you are moving remember to check your garden for any plants that may be poisonous to your dog. For a full list of plants and a handy pdf for you to download go to https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/factsheets-downloads/factsheetpoisonoussubstances09.pdf
Good luck in your new home
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