Moving with your dog is not just about finding a pet-friendly home. It’s also about preparing your furry friend for the move and getting them used to their new surroundings before you even start packing. After all, dogs are highly territorial and are very sensitive to changes in their environment.
This is why you must make the transition as smooth as possible, so they don’t get stressed out and act out before or during the big move. This is especially true when you move to a big, bustling city like London, where the smells, sounds and distractions could upset them.
Below, you will find a list of eight simple steps to follow before, during and after your move that will help the relocation process go smoothly for both you and your dog.
A Step-By-Step Guide For Moving To London With Your Dog
Step 1: Research and Make A Moving Plan
Because you want to make sure your move is as stress-free as possible for everyone involved, the first step in preparing your dog for a big move to London should include making a moving plan. Developing a solid framework will help ensure that all of your dogs’ needs are met throughout the entire relocation process and allow you to avoid any problems that could arise.
One way you can do this is by creating a to-do list before your move. This will help you stay on top of everything that needs to get done and ensure nothing is missed, which can be disastrous if it causes delays or an extra trip back home.
A schedule would also be a good idea. Planning out a schedule for your dog will give them a clear set of rules to follow and help the move go smoothly without any confusion or misinterpretations from either side.
Step 2: Maintain Your Dog’s Routines Throughout The Moving Process
Once you have a moving plan in place, the next step is to maintain your dog’s routines throughout the entire process.
Feeding them on time and taking them out for their scheduled walks despite being busy with moving errands are only some ways you can do this. Keeping things as consistent as possible will help your dog feel secure and safe regardless of what’s going on around them, which is vital if you want to make the move comfortable for everyone involved.
Your furry friend may also be used to going outside several times a day to relieve themselves, but if you are planning on staying in a hotel or other temporary housing before your home is ready for them, then they will have to wait until that time. This could cause problems when it comes to relieving themselves while away from their familiar surroundings, leading to accidents inside the house and unwanted behaviour outside of it.
Step 3: Help Your Dog Get Accustomed To Travelling
One of the most significant changes your dog will have to deal with during a move is travelling.
To help them get used to it, you can try taking them out on short trips in their very own car seat while going for walks or running errands before the big move day comes around. This way they won’t be as afraid if they have to travel in a car and they will also know what to do when it comes time for them to sit down.
This is especially important if you’re planning on flying with your dog instead of driving there yourself or using other means of transportation like public transit, which may not always allow dogs onboard. So make sure you prepare them by taking them out for trips in a car, so they will be comfortable with it when you need to use one.
Crate training is also a good idea as it will help your dog get used to staying in a confined space for extended periods. If you are planning on using a crate during your move, then the week before you start packing up is when you should put them in it. This will give them enough time to get used to being inside one and avoid conflicts with it once they are forced into it for an extended period of time, like while flying or driving long distances.
Here are more Tips When Traveling With Your Dog.
Step 4: Hire A Reliable Removals Company in London To Help You Out With The Move
If you think that your dog will put up too much of a fight when it comes to relocating, then hiring a removals company in London can be an excellent idea. Not only will they give you and your pet plenty of space throughout the entire relocation process, but they’ll also make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible while you focus on your dog.
A professional removals company, after all, can handle many tasks that will free up your time and ensure the move is completed as quickly as possible. Some of these services include packing, transporting items to your new home, setting them up in their respective rooms and unpacking everything, so it’s ready for use once they arrive at their destination.
If you are thinking about hiring a London removals company when you move, do remember to check out multiple moving companies before settling on one. Doing this will help you ensure that you are hiring the best moving company for your needs and that you are not sacrificing quality just to save a few pounds.
Step 5: Find A Way To Keep Them Out Of The Moving Day Chaos
If you have a particularly nervous or frightened dog, then hiring a professional pet sitter during the move could be an excellent idea. Not only will they keep them out of harm’s way. At the same time, everyone else works hard to pack up your home and load all items into the moving truck, but it will also help ensure their safety when it comes to the actual move day and help them feel more comfortable with everything that is going on around them.
Should you be unable to afford a professional pet sitter, though it might not be as effective at keeping your furry friend calm, then there are still other options available. You could ask for some extra help from friends or family members who will be able to take your dog out for a walk or offer them some company when the chaos starts so they don’t feel isolated.
If either of these options is out of the question, though, you may also look into keeping them confined in one area while the movers do their job. This way, they will be out of harm’s way and won’t get underfoot while everyone else is busy moving.
Step 6: Update Their Microchip, and Collar Tag Details
Before you start packing up your home, make sure to update any information printed on tags attached to their collar. This will include the new address where they are going and a phone number in case they get lost along the way or wander off when no one is looking.
It’s also important that if they have an ID microchip already, then you update that information as well. This will help ensure that if your pet gets lost and ends up in a shelter or with someone not aware of how to contact you, they’ll be able to do so easily.
Remember, London is a large city, and having your dogs wander off before your information has been updated may lead to them getting lost and not being able to find their way back home.Read more about getting your dog microchipped in the UK here.
Step 7: Keep Them Comfortable During The Trip
Do not make any unnecessary stops during the drive to ensure that your dogs remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the trip. Keeping them confined in a crate or carrier is also essential to keep them calm and avoid distracting anyone who will need to focus on driving. Also, consider keeping your car at a specific temperature. If it’s too hot or cold, this could lead to a lot of stress and anxiety for them.
Moreover, you will want to make sure to never feed them a big meal before the trip. After all, this could lead to an upset stomach if they are not used to eating right before a long drive. You will also want to make sure that you have water available to them during the trip. Without it, they could become dehydrated and uncomfortable as well.
Meanwhile, if you are worried about them becoming too anxious during the trip, you may also look into giving them anxiety aids. There are various products out there that are specially designed to help ease your dog’s stress and anxiety during times of high tension. Make sure to discuss this option with your dog’s vet before making any purchases.
Step 8: Make Sure To Give Your Dog Enough Time To Adjust
Lastly, be sure to give your dog plenty of time to adjust once they have reached their new home. London can be a very different and overwhelming place for any pet, so try not to rush into things right away. Instead, take it slow and ensure that you continue providing them with the same level of care and attention as before until they feel comfortable at the new place.The steps above will help ensure that you can successfully move with your dogs to London without losing sleep or worrying about their well-being along the way! Meanwhile, if you will need to help your dog stay calm, here are some tips you may find useful.