How to Move Home With Your Dog: Tips for Cardiff Tenants and Landlords

Moving home is one of life’s biggest changes — and it’s not just people who feel the stress. If you’re a dog owner, your furry friend will also notice the upheaval that comes with boxes, removal vans, and new surroundings.

At Redkey Property Services, we’ve helped hundreds of tenants and landlords in Cardiff navigate smooth, stress-free moves — and that includes four-legged family members too. Here’s how to make your next move as easy as possible for both you and your dog.

Understanding Your Dog’s Perspective

Dogs are creatures of habit. From daily walks in familiar parks to the comforting scent of home, their world revolves around routine and familiarity. When you start packing, change furniture around, or introduce strange new smells, it can unsettle them.

You can’t explain the move to your dog — but you can take steps to reduce their stress and help them settle quickly into their new Cardiff home.

🏠 Before You Move: Preparation is Key

1. Keep a Consistent Routine

Try to maintain your dog’s usual feeding, walking, and playtime schedule in the weeks leading up to your move. Routine helps them feel safe and reassured.

2. Consider Temporary Care

If your dog gets anxious easily, using a trusted boarding kennel or pet sitter during packing and moving can be a good idea. Choose somewhere familiar, or ask your local vet or other pet owners in Cardiff for recommendations.
Remember to check that vaccinations are up to date before boarding.

3. Pack Familiar Items Last

Leave your dog’s bed, toys, and bowls out until the last moment — their familiar scent and surroundings will comfort them amid the disruption.

🚚 On Moving Day: Keeping Calm and Safe

4. Create a Quiet Space

Set up a comfortable room for your dog while movers are coming and going. Include their bed, water, and a few toys. Shut the door to prevent escapes and reduce noise and chaos.

5. Nominate a Guardian

It helps to assign one family member to be responsible for your dog all day — ensuring they’re fed, walked, and kept calm while you handle logistics.

6. Safe Travel

When it’s time to go, transport your dog safely. Use a secure crate or a car harness, and never place your dog in the removal van. Keep the car well ventilated, especially during warmer months, and take regular breaks on longer journeys.

🏡 Settling Into Your New Cardiff Home

7. Make It Smell Like Home

Before introducing your dog to the new space, rub a soft cloth over their face and use it to transfer their scent onto key areas around the house. This helps your dog feel a sense of familiarity in the new surroundings.

8. Settle Them with Familiar Belongings

Unpack your dog’s items first — bed, toys, and feeding bowls — and keep their feeding times consistent. Familiar smells and routines will help them feel secure.

9. Explore the Neighbourhood

Once you’re settled, take your dog for walks around your new area. Cardiff is full of green spaces — from Bute Park to Roath Park — ideal for helping your dog get used to new sights, sounds, and smells. Keep them on a lead until they feel confident.

🐕‍🦺 A Note for Landlords: Pet-Friendly Lets in Cardiff

More tenants than ever are looking for pet-friendly rental properties, especially dog owners. Allowing responsible tenants with pets can:

• Increase your property’s appeal and reduce void periods,

• Encourage longer tenancies, and

• Build loyalty with reliable tenants who view the property as a true home.

If you’re a Cardiff landlord unsure how to set up a pet-friendly tenancy, our Redkey Lettings team can guide you through fair pet clauses, deposits, and maintenance best practices.

🏘️ For Tenants: Finding a Pet-Friendly Home in Cardiff

At Redkey, we know how important your dog is to your family — and that finding a landlord who understands that can make all the difference. Our team specialises in helping tenants find pet-friendly Cardiff homes where both you and your pets can thrive.

Whether you’re relocating across the city or moving into Cardiff for the first time, we’ll make sure the process is smooth for everyone — paws included.

🦴 Final Tips

• Update your dog’s microchip and ID tag with your new Cardiff address.

• Avoid walking near your old home if you’ve stayed local, to help your dog adjust to their new territory.

• Reward calm behaviour and keep up positive associations — new home, same love.

Thinking About Moving in Cardiff?

Whether you’re a tenant looking for your next home or a landlord growing your portfolio, Redkey Property Services is here to help.

📞 Call our Cardiff team on 02920 090690  or visit email hello@redkeylets.co.uk to speak to our friendly, local experts today.

Let’s make your next move — and your dog’s — a smooth one.