Pre moving planning;

1) Register with your new vet

Before moving, or as soon as possible after, contact your new local vet. In an unfamiliar environment an open door is all it might take for your dog to get into an accident, so knowing where and how to contact your vet is very important for their safety.

2) Update your details

Don’t forget to get your dog’s microchip details updated and buy them a dog tag with your new postcode and phone number. To do this, you’ll need to reach out to the database that holds your pet’s microchip record. If you are not sure which database that is, then you can visit Check-a-Chip to find out.

Certain insurers require your pet to be microchipped and in not doing so could invalidate your policy. Overseas, your insurer will not cover you if they are not microchipped. You can find out more details here on how to manage your pet insurance policy.

3) Keep the routine as long as you can

Try to keep your dog’s routine going for as long as possible, keeping the same time for walks, meals and rest as you normally would. This will ensure your dog keeps a sense of security and control in their home environment before they have to familiarise themselves with new surroundings that can be unsettling.

4) Try to move dog free

On moving day try to arrange for your dog to be enjoying life elsewhere – especially if you have a young, playful dog. With lots happening and doors left open there is a risk for your dog. Arrange for your dog to be left with a family member or friend or a dog sitter to keep peace of mind and help you unpack without additional stress.

5) Travelling with a pet

When the time comes to move your dog to it’s new home, remember that it’s against the law to travel with an unrestrained dog. It’s important to ensure your dog has plenty of room in the car and is securely fastened in so they cannot distract you while driving or injure themselves. Not doing so could result in a hefty fine.

For long journeys, plan ahead appropriate rest breaks both for you and your dog, to allow them to stretch their legs and have toilet breaks.

If you’re relocating abroad, contact your vet to ensure your pet has the correct vaccinations and paperwork before doing so – this should be completed well in advance as they can be time consuming.

Tips for when you’re in your new home:

6) Secure your garden and check your plants

Before letting your dog roam free in the new garden, make sure you’ve done a sweep of the fences for any holes or escape routes and ensure it’s secure.

It’s also important to familiarise yourself with the plants and trees in your garden as some can be toxic for dogs, such as foxgloves and wisteria.

7) Put your dog first

A new home is stressful and even the best behaved dogs can have toilet accidents. To ensure they’re comfortable try to unpack your pooch’s belongings first.

This will ensure that they have familiar scents in their new home and will be reassuring for them.

8) Time to explore

Once it’s safe to do so, get your dog acquainted with its new pad and let them explore. Getting your dog used to its new surroundings is very important to allow them to feel safe and settled quickly. Let them have a good sniff of their new home and make it a fun and enjoyable experience.

9) Get into a routine

Dogs thrive on routine. It may be difficult as you still get your new home looking and feeling how you like it but getting your dog back to its usual routine can be helpful, getting eating at normal times and managing a walk to ensure they aren’t left feeling restless and potentially destructive.

10) Have fun

Finally make their moving home experience as fun as possible, make sure you spend time and play with your dog during the moving period as much as possible. Let your dog know that their new home is an enjoyable and happy place to be.

James Andrews, personal finance expert at money.co.uk comments: “Moving home can be stressful and moving with a dog requires even more planning. Dogs like routine and can become unsettled and stressed when they sense change. It’s important to ensure you make the impact of moving easy on your pets by following the right steps to help them adjust to the sudden change in environment and settle in safely to their new home.