Moving day: How to move houses with a dog

Moving to a new house is a big deal – and when you’ve got a pooch in tow, things can get a bit more complicated. With all the packing, organising, and unfamiliar surroundings, it’s easy to forget how much a significant change like this affects our dogs (and cats!).

With some simple steps, you can ensure your dog is happy, calm, and safe throughout the moving process. From preparing for the move to settling into your new home, this blog covers expert advice, including valuable tips from Dr. Emma Ruck BVSc (Dist) MANZCVS, to help your dog adjust smoothly.

How to keep your dog calm and safe on moving day 

Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, so all the hustle and bustle of moving can feel overwhelming for them. Here are some practical ways to keep your pooch calm and safe on the big day. 

• Stick to their routine: Dr. Ruck emphasises that it’s important to “try to keep to their usual routine as much as possible. Dogs thrive on predictability as this helps them to feel safe and secure.” Walk them at their usual times, feed them at the same hour, and make sure they still get their daily dose of affection. 
• Introduce comfort aids: Calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers or collars, can help dogs feel more at ease. Dr. Ruck also suggests looking into calming diets or supplements, which need to be introduced 4–6 weeks before the move to take effect. 
• Create a familiar haven: Set up a “safe space” for your dog in the house, such as their crate or bed, surrounded by their favourite toys and blankets. This serves as a comforting retreat amidst all the moving activity. 
• Visit the new home in advance: If possible, take your dog to the new house before you move in. Dr. Ruck recommends, “take them for a walk around their new neighbourhood. If possible, do this multiple times prior to the actual move-in day so it starts to feel familiar to them.” 
• Keep them away on moving day: Moving day itself can be chaotic and risky. To keep your dog safe, consider day boarding, hiring a dog sitter, or asking a trusted friend or family member to look after them. This ensures they won’t be at risk of slipping out of an open door or gate. 

Tips for helping your dog settle into their new home 

Once the move is complete, your top priority should be helping your dog feel comfortable in their new environment. 

• Provide familiar comforts: Bring in their favourite toys, bedding, and blankets right away. These familiar items will carry comforting scents and help them adjust faster. 
• Be patient and calm: Dogs often mimic our emotions, so staying calm and positive can work wonders. Dr. Ruck advises, “by maintaining a calm, gentle, kind demeanour, your bond with your dog will be strengthened and this will help them adjust more easily to their new environment.” 
• Gradual exploration: Allow your dog to explore the house at their own pace. Start with one or two rooms where you spend the most time and slowly open up access to other areas. 

The importance of updating your dog’s microchip details before the move 

One key safety tip to prioritise before moving day? Updating your dog's microchip details with you new address. 

Notifying the Council of your dog’s new address is not only required by law in New Zealand but also a critical precaution in case your pooch escapes during the move. Councils input this data into the National Dog Database (NDD), which is a mandatory database that can only be accessed by council staff.  SPCA recommends also registering your dog with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register, which is voluntary, can be used for all species, and is accessible by over 900 veterinary clinics, SPCA Centres and Animal Control. Registering with both databases makes it easy to reunite you with your pet should they wander off.

Before your move, check that your contact information on both the National Dog Database and the NZ Companion Animal Register is up to date so you can always be reached in case of emergencies. 

Safety tips 

Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your new home and any garden or backyard space on your property is secure to prevent your dog from escaping – whether by digging a hole under the fence, climbing over the fence, or escaping through broken or unlatched doors and gates.

Secondly, when exploring your new neighbourhood, keep these tips in mind when prioritising safety:

• Gradually introduce your dog to sights, sounds, and people nearby. If introducing them to new dogs, make sure they’re on neutral turf, and start slow with short interactions. 
• Watch for stress signals like lip-licking or tail tucking, and don’t force your dog into situations that make them uncomfortable.
• If your dog is still learning to walk on a loose leash, use a well-fitted front clip harness to avoid pulling or choking on walks. Teach verbal cues like “leave it” to help prevent your dog from scavenging harmful items. 
• Muzzle-train dogs prone to scavenging to keep them safe in unfamiliar areas with potential dangers like karaka berries or chicken bones. 

How to reduce your dog’s anxiety during a move 

Dogs often pick up on change. Their anxiety can manifest in the weeks leading up to the move. If your dog is stressed by travel or changes in surroundings, you can talk to your vet about calming products and medications to make the transition smoother. 

Here are other things you can do to support their mental health during this period: 

Gradual changes to the environment 

“Try to make any changes to the environment gradually." Dr. Ruck advises moving furniture in stages, introducing boxes a little at a time, and limiting access to rooms step by step. A slow transition can help prevent overwhelm and keep your dog calm. 

Crate training 

Crate training can provide a stress-free environment where your dog feels safe. If they’re not already crate-trained, start early and use positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the crate. 

Calming music or white noise 

If your dog reacts to new noises, play calming music or use a white noise machine to drown out neighbourhood barking or chaos inside the house. 

How to help your dog adjust to new dogs in the area 

Encountering new dogs in your neighbourhood can be a challenging experience for some dogs. Just like meeting new family members, meeting new neighbours can be a bit nerve-wracking. Follow these tips for smooth introductions and socialisation. 

Keep a comfortable distance 

Dr. Ruck recommends keeping your dog on a lead during the first few weeks and maintaining a safe distance from unfamiliar dogs. Learning to recognise early stress signals, like yawning or lip-licking, can prevent encounters from escalating.

Reward positive behaviour 

Carry treats or toys to reward desired behaviours, like calmness or eye contact. This helps redirect their attention back to you and builds good habits on walks. 

Introduce slowly 

Introduce new dogs on neutral ground, one at a time, with plenty of space to retreat. Keep interactions short at first, and gradually extend the time as your dog shows comfort and interest. 

If your pooch shows fear or aggression around dogs, consider consulting a behaviour vet and an accredited behaviour consultant or trainer for a tailored plan to build confidence. 

Helping your dog love their new home 

Moving houses with a dog doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With patience, preparation, and the expert tips shared above, you can make the transition into your new home as smooth as possible for your furry companion. 

Prioritise their safety and comfort, observe their cues, and take things one step at a time. By building positive associations and maintaining structure during the move, you’ll help your dog thrive in their new space. 

To further protect your furry friend, consider SPCA Pet Insurance. With three levels of cover available, you could find the pet care solution to best suit your furry friend’s needs.