Don’t Forget To Update Your Pet's Tag When Moving House

Moving home can be exciting, exhausting and, at times, a little chaotic. But if you’re moving with a pet, there are a few important updates that deserve a place near the top of your moving checklist. When you move house, don't forget your pet's details need to move too.

A new home means a new environment for your pet - and potentially a new address, telephone number and veterinary practice. Making sure their identification and records are up to date can make a huge difference if they become lost during or after your move.

When you move: update their registrations

You'll need to log into your microchip registry to update your new address and check all the other details are correct.

Also check if you need to register your dog and/or cat with the new local council or local government.

Update their smart QR code tag

If your pet wears a smart QR code identification tag, remember to update their online profile as soon as your contact details change.

Check the information someone would see if they found your pet and scanned the QR Code, including your telephone numbers and any emergency contacts.

Order a new pet ID tag

To comply with UK dog laws, you'll need to update the address engraved on your dog's tag and possibly also the phone number if it has changed. Have the new tag ready to put on their collar on moving day.

Find your new vet

Look for and register with a vet near your new home before moving day.  Ask around for any recommendations.  Be prepared early in case you need an emergency visit.  Make a note of the nearest out-of-hours or emergency veterinary service as well.

If your pet takes regular medication, make sure you have enough to cover the moving period.

Keep pets secure on moving day

Moving day means open doors, unfamiliar people and lots of coming and going — exactly the sort of environment in which an otherwise settled pet can make an escape.

Either keep your pet in a secure, quiet room away from the activity, or arrange for them to stay with someone they know until things settle down.

If your pet stays at home, make sure everyone helping with the move is aware that there is a pet in the property and that doors and gates should be kept secure.

When it's time to travel, use an appropriate secure carrier, crate or restraint for your pet.

Help your pets settle into their new home

Before bringing your pets to their new home, check for any holes in fences or gaps in bushes and find ways to make sure they can be secure.

Moving can be unsettling for pets - everything suddenly smells, sounds and looks different. As soon as you arrive, unpack their bed, blankets, toys, bowls and other belongings. Familiar smells will help the new environment feel less strange.

Stick to your pet's normal feeding, walking, play and bedtime routines as much as possible.

Give them somewhere quiet where they can retreat while you unpack, and allow them to explore each room gradually. 

Give your cat time to become settled and familiar with their new home before letting them outside.  

Meet the neighbours 

Introduce yourself to your neighbours, make them aware of your pets and check out their pets. 

Your pet's moving checklist:

Before you finally put your feet up in your new home, check that you've covered the essentials:

• Update the address and contact information registered to your pet's microchip.
• Check if you need to register with your new council
• Update their smart QR code tag/profile.
• Replace their physical pet ID tag where necessary.
• Register with a new vet.
• Locate your nearest emergency/out-of-hours vet.
• Make sure you have enough of any regular medication.
• Keep your pet away from open doors and moving-day activity.
• Transport them safely and securely.
• Unpack familiar bedding, toys and other belongings as soon as they arrive.
• Keep routines as consistent as possible while they settle in.

Nobody expects their pet to go missing. But moving home brings unfamiliar surroundings, disrupted routines and plenty of opportunities for doors and gates to be left open.

Taking a few minutes to update your pet's identification.   As well as complying with UK law if you have a dog, an updated pet tag means that if they do wander off, whoever finds them has the best possible chance of contacting you quickly.