Tips on moving house with a dog

Before moving 

There are a few things you can do before moving, including registering your dog with a new vet and checking the local laws.

Check the local laws

It’s a good idea to find out if you need a new licence for your dog or if they need to be kept on a lead in certain areas of your new location. Insurance companies and neighbourhood associations may also ban some breeds, so double-check this, too. 

Register with a new vet

Before your move, be sure to update your dog's chip and ID tag. It's a legal requirement for your dog to have these and for their owner’s contact details to be up to date. Visit your vet around a week before moving to organise this.

Moving day

Moving day is here, and your dog knows it, too. Follow these simple tips to make the trip smooth sailing for both of you.

Take them for a walk

Dogs can be hyperactive and vigilant to changes, meaning they may become restless on moving day. To avoid this becoming problematic, try to fit in a mood-boosting walk on the morning of your move or the evening before. If you can't, let them chase after tennis balls or a frisbee in your garden. This can help them relax ahead of the trip. 

Bring familiar items 

As well as packing your four-pawed friend’s favourite treats and plenty of water, remember to bring familiar items. These include their bed, blankets and toys to keep them entertained and make them feel safe. 

Dogs have a very good sense of smell, and familiarity is key to them. So, don’t be tempted to buy new items before moving – they’ll thank you for it!

Keep them entertained while packing 

When you're busy packing, give your dog a treat to keep them entertained and distracted. If possible, ask a trusted neighbour or family member to pop over and take your dog off your hands for a little while. This way, you can wrap everything up while your pet has a well-deserved rest away from the chaos. 

Travel safe 

It’s important to ensure your dog is safe when travelling to your new home. It's a legal requirement that dogs be securely transported so that they don't distract the driver. If you can, take the shortest route, keep your vehicle well-ventilated and schedule frequent breaks. 

Alice of the RSPCA says: "There are a few options for transporting your dog – you can put them in crates, or they can wear a harness in the car.

"They can go on the back seat with a car harness which plugs into the back seatbelts, or owners can put a blanket or cover on the seat if they're worried about the seat.

"Another option is to have them in a travel crate which goes in the boot.

"However, it must fit securely, so you may need to get bungees to secure it.

"Sometimes you can fit the crate in the back of the car securely, but you don’t want it to be able to move around."

Helping your dog settle into your own house 

Below, we’ve listed a few tips to help your dog settle into your new home.

Keep the same routine 

When you've moved into your new home, be sure to keep your dog's routine similar to what it was in your last home. Alice says: "Dogs like routine as it keeps them calm and happy, so when you've moved into your new home, you must keep their routine the same as it previously was.”

Give your dog plenty of attention 

Alice says: "Be sure to stock up on your dog's favourite treats and give them lots of attention during this time."

Give your dog toys to play with and teach them new training tricks to keep them stimulated. It’s also important to create a safe space for your furry friend to rest and familiarise themself with their new environment. 

Explore safely 

Once you’ve both settled in, you can start exploring the new neighbourhood. Many things can overwhelm your dog, so take it easy and respect their pace. For example, they may not be familiar with a pool or the sound of a basketball, and they might feel stressed at first. It’s a good idea to get to know your neighbours so that your dog recognises the people on your street. 

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