Moving homes with your dog

There’s no doubt that moving to a new home can be stressful for the whole family. There’s the stress of packing your entire life into boxes, cleaning, moving boxes and heavy furniture then cleaning, unpacking and organising your new place. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook the stress our furry friends might be going through. Don’t fur-get, it is a big change for them too!

An anxious dog is only going to make your move that much more stressful. Dogs can be territorial, so once you’ve secured your new home, gradually introduce them to the new neighbourhood.

If possible, map out a route from your current location to your new home. If the distance is too far, try finding a local dog park in the area. Walking them along this route or visiting the park at least once a week will help familiarise your dog with all the new sights, sounds and smells. Gradually increase your visits so when the time comes to move, the new place will already feel like home.

Dogs are super perceptive and will inherently know something is different when they begin to smell moving box after moving box. It’ll be difficult to avoid disruptions to your pet’s routine during the move, but try to keep their feeding time, walking schedule, and bedtime the same. 

When you finally do move in, show them where their food and water will be and where you wish for them to toilet. Every hour, once an hour, take them to the toilet spot so they get used to their designated area.

Their favourite raggedy blanket or old toy will help reduce your dog’s anxiety. When they’re playing with their toys, they’ll still feel some control in their lives when so much is changing around them.

Hire professionals to reduce the workload. Hiring removalists to pack and unpack, repairman to fix any damages and end of lease cleaners for an end of lease clean, will clear your schedule to address your dog’s needs. Our team at Crown Relocations can help you move. 

A moving house checklist may also help to coordinate all the various tasks that you’ll need to accomplish. Research local pet laws for the new neighbourhood, find a new veterinarian and ensure your pet has ID tags and their microchip details are up to date!

Imagine thirty minutes into the move and you are running down the street yelling, “Has anyone seen Charlie?” Not a good start. If your dog isn’t crate trained, hire a pet sitter. Pack a moving bag for them, including food, their favourite toys, and any medication that they might need.

If you prepare yourself and your dog for the upcoming move, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a stressful task. Reward your pet with plenty of praise and encouragement, remember to give your dog the attention and love they deserve, and in return, they will give you the unconditional love that you’re familiar with.

Now isn’t this the paw-fect way to start your new chapter together? With a network of pet transfer specialists, Crown guides you through all registrations, special travel requirements and medical regulations, so you can feel confident that your pet will enjoy a safe and successful relocation.