Moving house can be a stressful event for everyone involved, and this stress can extend to your four-legged family members too. If you’re planning a move with multiple large dogs, there are some crucial steps you’ll need to take to ensure their comfort and safety. From ensuring your new home is pet-friendly before the move to adapting to a new routine after, moving with dogs requires careful preparation. In this guide, we’ll outline the necessary preparations for moving a large household with multiple dogs within the UK.
Investigating Pet-friendly Accommodation Options
Before you even think about packing boxes, it’s crucial to ascertain that your new residence is pet-friendly. This involves more than just ensuring the landlord or homeowner association allows pets. You need to consider the needs of your dogs and whether the new home will meet those needs.
Examine the space available, especially if you have large dogs. Will they have enough room to move around both inside and outside the house? Is there a safe, enclosed outdoor space where they can exercise?
Another thing to consider is the surrounding area. Are there dog-friendly parks or trails nearby? Is the neighborhood safe for walking your dogs?
It’s also beneficial to think about the noise level and how busy the area is. Some dogs might not adapt well to a bustling, loud environment.
Once you’ve satisfied these considerations, you can proceed with the moving preparations.
Updating Pet Identification Info
It’s essential to update your dogs’ identification information when you move. This includes both their microchip information and their ID tags.
Regarding microchips, contact the chip manufacturer or the database where your pet’s chip is registered to update your new address and contact details. This is a crucial step, as it would help reunite you with your dog if they got lost.
ID tags, while seemingly traditional, are still remarkably effective. Ensure that your dog’s collar tag has your current phone number and new address.
Also, inform your current vet about the move and ask for recommendations for new vets in your new location. If your dog has any ongoing health issues, make sure to get all the necessary documents and prescriptions before moving.
Planning the Move Day
When the moving day comes, it can be chaotic. It’s therefore essential to have a plan in place for your dogs to keep them safe and reduce their stress.
One option could be to board your dogs for the day or leave them with a trusted friend or family member. This way, they’re removed from the stressful situation and you can focus on the move.
However, if you do choose to have your dogs with you on moving day, consider confining them to one room with their beds, toys and a supply of fresh water. Put a sign on the door to make sure the movers know not to open it.
Transportation and Arrival Preparations
Safely transporting your dogs to your new home is a critical part of the moving process. Depending on the distance and your dogs’ comfort with car travel, you may need to make special arrangements.
If your dogs are not used to travelling by car, do some test runs in the weeks leading up to the move. Use a suitable dog harness or crate to secure them during the journey.
Upon arrival, it’s important to get your dogs settled as quickly as possible. Create a safe space for them with their familiar beds, toys and water bowls. Maintain their usual feeding schedule and walk routine to help them adjust to the new environment.
Settling Into the New Routine
Once you’ve moved, it’s crucial to help your dogs adjust to their new environment. Maintain their normal routine as much as possible and gradually introduce them to the new areas in the house and neighborhood.
Keep an eye on your dogs’ behavior after the move. Changes in behavior might indicate stress. If these changes persist or if you’re concerned, consult a vet or a pet behaviorist.
Remember, every dog is unique and might react to the move differently. Some might adjust quickly while others might take a while. Be patient, provide plenty of affection and reassurance, and in time, your dogs will come to consider your new house their home.
Maintaining Health and Wellness in the New Environment
The physical move is only one aspect of the transition. Once you’ve arrived and started to settle into your new home, remember to focus on maintaining your dogs’ health and wellness.
When moving with larger dogs, the new environment might entail more physical activity than they are used to. This could be due to a larger garden, nearby parks, or simply more stairs in the house. While this can be beneficial, you should monitor your dogs to ensure they are not becoming over-exerted or stressed.
Continue regular vet check-ups in your new location. If you have yet to find a local veterinarian, use the recommendations from your previous vet or search online for highly-rated vets in your area.
In the new home, keep a close watch for potential hazards that were not present in your previous home. These could include toxic plants, gaps in fences, or a pool that dogs might accidentally fall into.
If your dogs have special dietary needs, ensure the local pet store or supermarket stocks their preferred food. If not, you may need to order it online or find a suitable alternative.
Your dogs’ mental health is equally important. Moving homes can be a confusing time for pets, and they might act out or become overly clingy. Be prepared to provide extra attention and reassurance as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Move
Moving house with multiple large dogs within the UK might seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparations, it can be a smooth transition. From securing pet-friendly accommodation to updating identification info, planning the move day, preparing for transportation and arrival, and maintaining their health and wellness in the new environment, every step is crucial.
Remember to be patient with your dogs throughout the process. The move is a significant change for them too, and they need time to adjust. Keep their routines as consistent as possible and give them lots of love and reassurance.
Monitor their health and wellbeing in the new environment and make necessary adjustments to ensure they are comfortable and secure. With time and care, your dogs will soon feel at home in the new environment, and you can start creating new memories together in your new home.
While moving can be stressful, it can also be an exciting new chapter for you and your dogs. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can make the transition smoother and easier for everyone involved.
