Moving House with your Dog
Moving house can be a stressful time. When you’re busy packing and organising removal trucks, it can be easy to overlook a few things. When moving house with your dog there are a few things to remember and plan for…
Microchip Details
Since 2016, microchipping in dogs has been mandatory in England, Scotland and Wales. When moving with your dog, you should update your microchip company straight away. Should your dog go missing, without their collar and tag, they should (hopefully) end up with the dog warden or at the local vets, where they can be scanned and reunited with you.
ID Tag
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name (initial and surname), address and postcode engraved or written on it, or engraved on a dog ID tag.
I also like to have my contact number on there, so should I lose my dog and someone finds her, I can be contacted straight away.
Note – while out on dog walks with me, client’s dogs also wear an ID tag with my phone number on. I’ve never needed them yet, but just in case, I can be called and go for them immediately, potentially saving the dog, owner (and me!) any additional stress.
Vets
If you’re relocating you may need to find a more local and accessible veterinary practice. Online recommendations can be great but think about what matters to you and do your research too. For me, when we moved to Hambleton, it was important for me to register my dog Belle with a practice that provides their own out of hours cover and that had a policy and procedures in place to accommodate dog reactive dogs.
The last thing I want is to put off a trip to the vets because I don’t want to have to put Belle through the ordeal of running the gauntlet through a busy reception area, full of dogs!
*We’re registered at Galtres Veterinary Surgery in Flawith who have been fabulous. I will post the link along with some other local vets at the end.
Dog Food & Supplies
For many dogs, switching between brands of foods can cause an upset tum. Imagine moving to your lovely new home and your new carpets get completely ruined because you, (you can’t blame the poor dog lol), ran out of their usual food and fed them something else! If you order online, make sure they ship to your new address ahead of time.
My favourite local, independent pet shop is Our Little Friends in Haxby. They stock a good selection of quality raw and kibble and loads of great natural treats too. There is also a large, well known pet super store just north of York, which is easily accessible for dog owners in and around the Strensall area.
Dog Walker
If you know you will need a new dog walker when you move, then do your research and make enquiries ahead of time. Any reputable, professional dog walker will ask for a meet and greet prior to walking your dog. So don’t leave it until last minute to be asking for a recommendation on the Strensall Dog Walkers FB group or where ever you might be looking.
Everyone new starts on a trial with me and I like to, where possible, ease my dog walking dogs in with a solo dog walk before introducing them to any new canine friends. If your move has meant a new job too, my tip is to get the walks started with the dog walker before your first day in the office, if you can. I’m all for making life as stress free as possible (for my dog walking dogs and their humans). Knowing your dog is settled and you’re not going to get a call from your new dog walker, in front of your new boss, telling you your dog doesn’t want to leave the house or something, will make that first day in the new role a little easier!
Final Tips
- Check your new garden is secure (even if the previous people had a dog). What is safe and secure for one dog, might not be for another.
- Try and take some time off work to be home with your dog, to help them settle into their new surroundings.
- Make sure they have a safe space to rest while the removal guys are in and out, so they don’t get trodden on or escape out the door.
- Use a long line while out dog walking until you have sussed out your new local dog walks and know where the track meets the road, where there might be livestock or where might be rife with wildlife.
- If you’re moving to the Strensall area and need an experienced, force free dog walker contact me while I still have some spaces available!
You can complete the Good Karma Canines contact form HERE!
LINKS
Our Little Friends, Haxby
https://www.ourlittlefriends.co.uk/
Galtres Veterinary Surgery, Applegarth, Flawith
https://www.galtresvets.co.uk/
Battle Flats Veterinary Clinic, 38 The Village, Strensall
https://battleflatts.co.uk/our-practices/strensall/
The Minster Veterinary Practice, Willow Grove, 142 Strensall Road, Earswick
Tower Veterinary Group, 99b The Village, Haxby