Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK has sparked speculation about where they will live, who they will spend time with, and where their children will attend school. But one expert has highlighted the effect the move could have on an often overlooked part of their family: their dogs.
Adem Fehmi, Rover.com's Canine Behaviourist Expert, has issued advice to the couple about how to help Pula, a black Labrador, and Mamma Mia, a beagle, make the transition from the US to British life, including the long journey over the Atlantic and settling into their new home.
Making the journey familiar
Mr Fehmi told the Express: "Moving internationally can be a big adjustment for a dog. They don't understand why they are moving; they simply experience their familiar home, smells, surroundings and routine suddenly changing, alongside what may be a long and unfamiliar journey. However, most dogs can adapt well to a new home with the right preparation and support."
He stressed that how difficult a move is depends more on the individual dog – including age, health, temperament, training and previous travel experiences – than the distance. "For Harry and Meghan's dogs, Pula and Mamma Mia, the key will be making the experience as familiar and predictable as possible before, during and after the journey."
Preparation should begin well in advance. Alongside meeting veterinary, documentation and entry requirements, owners should consider what aspects of the journey will be unfamiliar and introduce them gradually. If a dog needs to travel in a crate or carrier, it should never be introduced for the first time on the day of travel.
Recreating familiarity after the move
Mr Fehmi added: "Leave it somewhere the dog can explore voluntarily, add familiar bedding and gradually build up the amount of time they spend inside so it becomes a safe, positive space rather than something they associate with a stressful journey."
He also advised owners to speak to their vet before a long-distance journey about whether the dog is fit to travel and any individual health or welfare considerations. "The aim during travel should be to make an unnatural experience feel as normal as possible," he said, adding that owners should maintain elements of the dog's normal routine around departure, including exercise and toilet opportunities.
After a major move, Mr Fehmi said one of the best things owners can do is recreate familiarity quickly. Bring the dog's usual bed, blankets, toys and other familiar belongings, and initially create a quiet area where they can rest. "Dogs find predictability reassuring, so familiar feeding, walking, play and rest routines should be re-established as soon as practically possible," he said.
"There can be a temptation to show a dog their entire new world immediately, but a new house, garden, neighbourhood, people and other dogs can quickly become overwhelming. Let them explore gradually and at their own pace. Several short, calm walks can initially be more useful than one long adventure."
Breed and individual differences
Mr Fehmi stressed that breed can give clues about how a dog might respond to change, but should not be considered in isolation. "Labradors, for example, are often sociable and adaptable, while beagles can be confident, curious dogs that are highly driven by scent," he said. "Personality, age, health, training and previous experiences are ultimately more important."
He noted that if moving more than one dog, each may respond differently: "One could begin exploring almost immediately while another needs considerably more reassurance and time. They shouldn't expect both dogs to settle at the same rate."
Mr Fehmi also said there are circumstances where travelling may not be in a dog's best interests, such as age, a medical condition, severe travel anxiety, or another welfare concern. He referenced Meghan's previous move to the UK, when her dog Bogart reportedly remained in North America because he was considered too old to make the journey. "Ultimately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer," he concluded. "With careful preparation, familiar routines and plenty of patience, an international move can be made much more manageable for a dog."
