Moving House or Adopting? Your Pet's 2026 Admin Checklist
Moving house or welcoming a new pet into your family is an exciting time. Amidst the chaos of boxes and new routines, it's easy to overlook the crucial administrative tasks for your furry friend. Keeping your pet's profile accurate is not just good practice — in many places, it's a legal requirement that ensures their safety and wellbeing.
This guide provides a clear checklist for updating your pet's details after a move, adoption, or change of ownership. From microchips and insurance to ID tags, pet sitters, and travel documents, we'll cover what you need to do to ensure a smooth transition — with specific rules for the UK, US, and Canada.
Quick Summary
- Microchip is non-negotiable — In the UK, failing to keep microchip details updated for dogs (and cats in England) can lead to a fine of up to £500. It's the most reliable way to be reunited if your pet gets lost.
- Inform everyone — Your vet, insurance provider, and local council (for licensing) all need your new details. These are separate systems that don't update automatically.
- Don't forget the humans — Pet sitters, dog walkers, and your emergency contact all need your new address and details too.
- Get it in writing — When transferring ownership, a simple written agreement protects both parties and the pet. For pedigree animals, official kennel club transfers are also necessary.
Update Your Pet's Microchip (Crucial & Often Legal)
A microchip is your pet's permanent ID, but it's only as good as the information linked to it. If you move or change your phone number, updating the microchip database should be your top priority.
Likewise, if you adopt a pet, transferring the registration into your name is a critical first step. This ensures that if your pet ever goes missing, you will be the one contacted when they are found and scanned.
In the UK
In the UK, the law is very clear. It's a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped, and their details must be kept current on a government-compliant database. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £500.
As of mid-2024, this rule also applies to all cats in England. To update the details, you need to contact the database your pet's chip is registered with (e.g., Petlog, Animal Microchips, PETtrac). You can usually find the provider on your pet's paperwork, or use a lookup service like check-a-chip.co.uk. Admin fees are typically £5–£20 per update, and some providers offer a one-off lifetime plan for around £15–£20.
In the US & Canada
There is no single national database in the US or Canada. Instead, registration is handled by individual microchip companies. If you don't know which company your pet's chip is registered with, a vet can scan the chip and use the number with a lookup tool, like the AAHA's Universal Pet Microchip Lookup, to find the right registry.
Updating contact information is often free, but transferring ownership may involve a fee — typically $9.95–$29.99 in the US. In Canada, providers like BC Pet Registry offer lifetime updates for a one-time fee (around $45 CAD). It is vital to update your name, address, phone number, and email.
Inform Your Vet (And Find a New One)
Your pet's medical history is essential for their ongoing health. If you're moving to a new area, ask your current vet to transfer your pet's records to your new practice. Most clinics will require a signed release form to authorise the transfer. Records include vaccinations, allergies, past surgeries, medications, and even notes on how your pet prefers to be handled during exams.
If you're only moving locally and staying with the same vet, don't forget to give them your new address and phone number. This ensures they can reach you in an emergency and send important reminders for check-ups and preventative treatments.
Notify Your Pet Insurance Provider
Your home address is a key factor in calculating your pet insurance premium. Moving house, especially to a different postcode, can affect your policy's cost — and failing to update your address could invalidate your cover entirely. Notify your insurer before or immediately after you move.
If you are transferring ownership of your pet, contact the insurance provider. Some policies are transferable to the new owner, which is often better than letting a policy lapse — a new policy for an older pet may not cover pre-existing conditions.
Don't Forget Local Pet Licensing
In many parts of the US and Canada, pet licensing is a separate requirement managed at the city or county level. This is not the same as microchip registration. These licences often help fund local animal shelters and services.
You must update your address with the local licensing authority when you move. In many areas, a current rabies vaccination is required to get or renew a licence. Forgetting to do so can lead to fines — for example, not having a valid licence in Edmonton, Canada, can result in a $250 penalty.
Rules vary dramatically by city, so always check your new municipality's official website. A few examples:
- Maricopa County, AZ — owners can update details and transfer ownership online.
- Miami-Dade County, FL — transferring a dog's licence tag may require both old and new owners to appear in person at an animal services centre.
- Jacksonville, FL — licensed pet owners can update their address via an online form.
- Calgary, AB — an existing animal licence is cancelled when a pet is rehomed; the new owner must purchase a new one.
- Vancouver, BC — dog licences are not transferable; a new owner must apply for a new licence.
- Toronto, ON — owners can update contact information online via the city's licensing partner.
- City of Nanaimo, BC — requires documentation for ownership changes, such as a death certificate if an owner has passed away.
Update the People Who Help Care for Your Pet
Don't forget the people who help you care for your pet day-to-day. Your dog walker, pet sitter, or local daycare needs your new address, updated emergency contact numbers, and any new instructions related to your home.
This ensures they know where to go and who to call in an emergency. It's a simple step that prevents confusion and keeps your pet's routine as stable as possible during a disruptive time.
Refresh Your Pet's ID Tag
The humble ID tag on your pet's collar is still one of the fastest ways to get them back if they wander off. It's low-tech, immediate, and allows a friendly neighbour to call you directly without needing to take your pet to a vet to be scanned.
As soon as you have your new address and potentially a new phone number, order an updated tag. It's a small, inexpensive action that provides huge peace of mind. Note: in the UK, dogs are required by law to wear a collar and tag with their owner's name and address when in a public place.
Update Your Household Emergency Plan
An emergency plan outlines who should care for your pet if you are unable to. After moving, your designated emergency contacts may no longer be nearby. You'll need to identify a new trusted friend, neighbour, or family member to step in.
Make sure this person has your new house keys, your vet's contact details, and information about your pet's feeding schedule and medical needs. Storing this in a central place makes it easy to share when you need to.
Transferring Ownership: A Clear Handover
When a pet changes hands, clear documentation is key. A simple, written agreement signed by both the old and new owner confirms the transfer and relinquishment of rights.
For pedigree dogs in the UK, you'll also need to officially transfer the registration with an organisation like The Royal Kennel Club. This often requires a Unique Ownership Code from the previous owner. Storing all these documents and numbers in a central place, like the TailEZ app, makes them easy to find when you need them.
A Note on Travel Documents
For pet owners in Great Britain, travel rules to the EU have changed. As of early 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel from GB to the EU. Instead, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for each trip.
However, reports suggest a new UK-EU deal announced in 2025 is expected to re-introduce a form of pet passport for travel, but the details and timescales have not yet been confirmed. Always check the latest government guidance before you travel.
Keep Your Pet's Records in One Place with TailEZ
Juggling microchip numbers, vet appointments, insurance policies, and licensing renewal dates can be overwhelming, especially during a move. TailEZ helps you keep all this vital information organised in one calm, secure place.
You can store contact details, upload documents, and set reminders for important dates so nothing gets missed. Whether you're managing a new adoption or just a new address, TailEZ keeps your pet's admin simple and stress-free. Explore our features to see how it all fits together.