To move house with a dog, keep their routine as normal as possible, arrange a safe place away from the removal team on moving day and introduce the new home slowly with familiar items. Update microchip details early. This guide gives a week-by-week plan from packing to settling in.
Dogs do not understand what is happening when a house is packed into boxes. They notice the change in routine, the smells, the strangers carrying furniture out and the mood of the people around them, and many dogs find it unsettling. The good news is that a bit of planning makes a big difference.
We move households across Southampton and Hampshire, and plenty of them come with a dog who is very sure something is wrong. This guide gives a week by week plan for moving house with a dog, from the weeks before to settling in. It sticks to general welfare guidance from named organisations, and it is not medical advice, so speak to your vet if your dog is anxious or has health needs.
What is the best way to move house with a dog?
Keep your dog's routine as normal as you can, arrange a safe place away from the removal team on moving day and introduce the new home slowly, with familiar items. Update microchip details early. Dogs Trust advises creating a routine in the new home and sticking to it as closely as possible, to help your dog know what to expect, and it suggests setting up one room with your dog's bed, toys and water before letting them explore.
The aim is to keep as much of your dog's world the same as you can, while everything else changes.
Weeks before the move
- Keep the routine. Feed, walk and play at the usual times, even when the house is full of boxes.
- Pack gradually. A sudden change in the house can be stressful, so pack one room at a time, and leave your dog's things until last.
- Check the microchip. GOV.UK says all dogs must be microchipped and registered, and that you are responsible for keeping the details up to date, for example if you move house. Contact your database company to update your address when you know it.
- Speak to your vet if your dog is anxious. They can advise on your dog's needs, and we cannot give medical advice.
- Check the new home. Look at the garden, the fences and any hazards before your dog arrives.
The week of the move
In the last week, the boxes are usually everywhere, and your dog will notice. Keep walks and exercise going, because a tired dog is usually calmer, and make sure you have your dog's essentials to hand: food, water bowls, bed, favourite toys, lead, poo bags and any medication.
Decide now where your dog will be on moving day. You have three sensible options, and the right one depends on your dog. Pack your dog's bed, blanket and toys last, and unpack them first.
Here is the plan in order, so you can see the shape of it.
- Three to four weeks before: check the microchip, speak to your vet if needed, and keep the routine.
- Two weeks before: pack the rooms you use least, and keep walks and play going as normal.
- One week before: arrange where your dog will be on moving day, and gather their essentials.
- The day before: exercise your dog well, and pack their bed and toys last.
- Moving day: keep them away from the movers, then set up one familiar room in the new home first.
- The first week: keep the routine, keep walks on a lead and update their details.
Moving day
Moving day is the most stressful day for a dog. The doors are open, strangers are in the house, and there is a lot of noise. The safest place for your dog is somewhere else, or somewhere closed away.
- A trusted friend or family member. Your dog stays with someone they know, away from the house.
- Daycare or boarding. Some owners book a day at a trusted daycare, if their dog is used to it.
- A closed room with a sign. If your dog has to stay at home, choose a room with nothing to pack, put in food, water and a bed and put a clear sign on the door. Tell everyone helping, including us.
Tell us about your dog when you ask for a quote, and tell the team on the day which room your dog is in. We would not put a dog in the removal lorry, and your dog should travel with you, in the car, once the house is empty. Never leave a dog in a parked car, especially in warm weather.
On the journey, keep your dog secure and comfortable. Use a crate, a harness or a dog guard, as suits your car, and take water and a few breaks if the journey is long. If the move is across Hampshire or further, plan a stop, and keep a lead in your hand. Try not to feed a large meal just before the journey, and bring a towel in case of accidents.
Dogs pick up on how their owners feel. If you are calm and cheerful, your dog is more likely to be as well, so try to keep your own stress in check, even when the day is long. A favourite chew or a stuffed toy can help them settle in a quiet room while the movers work.
Arriving and settling in
When you arrive, keep your dog secure until one room is ready. Dogs Trust suggests putting familiar belongings such as a bed, toys and water in one room, settling your dog there and making sure everyone knows your dog is in the room, so nobody lets them out by accident. Then, when things have calmed down, let your dog explore the rest of the house slowly, on a lead if you need to.
Check the garden before you let your dog out, for gaps in the fence, gates that do not close and anything harmful. Keep your dog on a lead for the first few days on walks, until you know the area and they know you, and walk them at the times they are used to. Dogs Trust advises being patient and understanding, and that is the right approach, because some dogs settle in a day and some take a few weeks.
If your new home is somewhere with a busy road nearby, such as a main road in Southampton, take extra care on the first walks, and use a lead.
Summary
- Keep the dog's routine as normal as possible.
- Arrange a safe place for moving day.
- Set up a familiar space in the new home first.
- Update microchip and tag details.
FAQs
Keep the routine, arrange a safe place away from the movers on moving day, set up one familiar room in the new home first and introduce the rest slowly. Update the microchip details.
It is usually better if they are not. A trusted friend or daycare is ideal. If your dog has to stay, use a closed room with a sign, food, water and a bed, and tell everyone.
It varies. Some dogs settle in a day or two, and some take weeks. Keep the routine, be patient and speak to your vet if you are concerned.
Yes. GOV.UK says you are responsible for keeping your pet's microchip information up to date, for example if you move house. Contact your database company, and check whether a fee applies.
No. A dog should travel with you, in your car, not in the removal vehicle. Tell us about your dog when you get a quote, so we can plan around them.
One Last Thought
Moving in Southampton or Hampshire with a dog? Call K2 Swift Removals on 023 8111 3116 or 07356 097791 and we will give you a straight, free quote.
