A removal is an event that disrupts the routine of any household, and dogs — animals that are especially sensitive to change — are the first to notice it. If you have a dog and you're about to move house, this step-by-step guide will help you plan the move to keep their stress to a minimum and make the adaptation to the new home as quick as possible.
Before the removal: prepare your dog in advance
Dogs read their owners' emotions and changes in their environment perfectly well. Starting to prepare the animal 2-3 weeks in advance makes the difference between a traumatic move and a calm transition.
Visit the vet
Take the opportunity to have a general check-up done, and update the health record and the chip (especially if the move involves a change of region or, as in the case of the Canary Islands, travelling by boat). The vet can also prescribe a natural calming remedy or Adaptil-type pheromones for very nervous dogs.
Keep their routine intact
Even though you'll be busy with boxes and paperwork, try to keep walks at the same times, meals on the same schedule and the usual games. Dogs live by routines, and breaking them multiplies their anxiety.
Don't hide the boxes from them
Start placing empty boxes around the house several days beforehand so they get used to their smell and stop being a strange element. If your dog is very curious, let them investigate them calmly.
Moving day: protect your dog
Loading day is the most critical moment. There's noise, unfamiliar people, doors constantly open and all the furniture disappearing. It's very easy for a frightened dog to escape or suffer an accidental knock.
Take them to another home or a dog boarding facility
The most advisable option is for your dog to spend the day with a trusted family member, a friend or at a dog boarding facility. This way you avoid stress and possible incidents. Pick them up once everything has been loaded and the house is empty.
If they have to stay at home
Set aside a closed room with their bed, favourite toy, fresh water and a large sign on the door warning the removal team. Visit them every 30-60 minutes to reassure them. Don't open windows, and check that the door closes properly before each operation.
Removals with dogs to the Canary Islands: regulations and the boat
If your move is from mainland Spain to the Canary Islands, your dog will need to travel by boat (most low-cost airlines don't accept dogs in the hold, and cabin prices are extremely high for large breeds).
We regularly work with the shipping lines Naviera Armas–Trasmediterránea and Fred. Olsen, which offer pet-friendly cabins or climate-controlled crates in the animal area. We coordinate the removal with the date of your dog's boat crossing so they arrive at the destination at the same time as their belongings, reducing the adaptation period.
Mandatory documentation
- Health record up to date (rabies vaccination mandatory, valid 1-3 years depending on the vaccine)
- Microchip and up-to-date REIAC certificate
- Pet passport if you're coming from outside Spain (United Kingdom, etc.)
- For potentially dangerous breeds (PPP): licence and valid civil liability insurance for the new Canary Island municipality
The first days in the new home
Once at the destination, dedicate the first few hours exclusively to your dog. Set up their bed, bowl and toys before you start unpacking boxes, so they have a "safe corner" from minute one. Avoid washing their blankets and toys — the scent helps them recognise their territory.
Short walks in a familiar area
For the first 3-4 days, take short walks along the same streets, always on a leash (even if it's a dog trained to walk off-lead). They need to memorise the landmarks of the new neighbourhood before exploring freely.
Updated identification
Change the tag with your phone number and the new address. Update the registration with REIAC or the dog census of the new town council (in the Canary Islands many municipalities require this within the first 30 days).
If you need temporary furniture storage
When key handover at the destination doesn't coincide with the container's arrival date, hiring bridging furniture storage in Tenerife is the most convenient solution. Your dog moves straight to the temporary accommodation while their belongings are kept safe until you take over the new house.
Do you need a quote for your removal with a pet?
At Horizont Atlantic we have 15 years' experience coordinating removals with animals between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. We'll send you a personalised quote within 24-48 hours, with no obligation, including the removal of your belongings and the estimated cost of your dog's boat crossing.
Frequently asked questions about moving with dogs
How can I reduce my dog's stress on moving day?
The dog should NOT be at home during loading and unloading: have them spend the day at a dog boarding facility, at a trusted family member's home, or on a long walk with someone familiar. When they come back home, they should already find a calm space with their blanket, favourite toy, water and food in their usual bowls (these items should NOT be washed beforehand — the familiar scent is key).
Do I need any paperwork to move my dog to the Canary Islands?
Yes: mandatory identification chip (common to all of Spain), up-to-date health record with rabies vaccination, recent veterinary certificate of good health (some carriers require it). If you fly: IATA-approved crate, transport operator declaration. For potentially dangerous breeds: owner's PPP licence updated to the new address.
Is it better to take the dog by plane or by boat?
For Canary Islands–mainland removals, it depends on the dog and the duration. Plane: 1.5-2h, small dogs in the cabin or medium/large dogs in the pressurised hold. Cost: €100-300 depending on weight. Boat: 30-40h, dog in a crate on deck or in a pet-friendly cabin (more expensive). The boat is usually less stressful if the dog tolerates long journeys well and you have your own cabin.
How can I help my dog adapt to the new home?
First days: keep routines identical (walk times, meals, sleep), don't leave them alone more than usual. Walk around the new neighbourhood several times a day so they get to know the scents and other dogs. If your dog is anxious, consider Adaptil (a calming pheromone). Average adaptation period: 2-4 weeks, with mild initial behavioural regressions (whining, unusual barking, new territorial marking).
What if my dog is very old or has health problems?
Consult your vet before the move. For very old dogs (10+ years for large breeds, 14+ for small breeds) or those with heart conditions, avoid air travel (stress of the pressurised hold). Travel by car or boat with a cabin is better, with mild sedation under veterinary prescription if necessary. Bring their usual medication and a veterinary report for the new professional at the destination.
