Moving with dogs can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. From handling your pet’s anxiety to finding a new vet and ensuring your new home is prepared, there are many factors to consider. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the process less stressful — or at least a bit smoother. Here, we’ll discuss common challenges people face when moving to a new home with dogs (and how to address them), useful products to have on hand, and a guide on introducing your dog to a new house or apartment. Check out our tips for moving with a dog!
Knowing how to move with a dog means having the right supplies ready in advance. Here's a list of essentials to help make the move smoother for your dog:
Read more: Non-transportable Items.
Before you start packing, think about how your dog will adapt to the new environment. Consider any changes in your schedule, whether your dog will have a yard or need to adjust to leash walks, and if there will be unfamiliar noises like traffic or neighbors.
A few weeks before the move, start familiarizing your dog with these changes. Even if you have a yard, begin taking your dog on leash walks. If you’re moving to a city, expose your dog to urban environments and create positive experiences. For instance, you can relax at a café with your dog on a leash or bring treats and engage in fun training sessions. Create a playlist of new sounds your dog might encounter and play it while you relax together at home.
While packing, consider having your dog stay with a familiar pet sitter. Dogs often feel uneasy when their surroundings are being packed up, and the echo of an empty home can be unsettling. Ensure your dog has her familiar bed and blankets until the final departure.
If your new home is nearby and the move is gradual, bring your dog for short supervised visits. Create positive experiences by bringing familiar beds, food bowls, and toys, and spend time training and playing in the new environment. During the actual move, securely confine your dog in a low-traffic area to prevent her from escaping.
Research local regulations to understand if you need a new pet license, what the leash laws are, and if there are breed restrictions. While your new landlord might be okay with a Rottweiler, some local governments, neighborhood associations, and insurance companies may have breed bans in place.
Don’t wait until your dog needs medical attention. Research and choose a new veterinarian in advance. Check if your dog will need any new vaccinations or preventative medications, especially if your new area has issues like ticks, heartworm, or leptospirosis. Ensure your dog is microchipped, and make sure your current cell phone number is on their collar.
While there are heartwarming stories of dogs finding their way home after being lost during a move, these cases are extremely rare. It’s much safer to have an ID tag on your dog’s collar and get them microchipped for permanent identification.
During the chaos of packing, carve out some time for your dog. Despite the mayhem, it's crucial to keep up with their walks, classes, or playtime. Even if you're overwhelmed, a short walk or a quick game of fetch can make a big difference for both you and your dog.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that a 45-minute walk is impossible, so no walk is possible. Even 10 minutes outside or 5 minutes of fetch in the yard can be beneficial. Everyone needs a break, and this temporary disruption will pass, allowing you to return to your regular routine with your dog after the move.
Keep your dog away from the packing process as much as possible. Watching their environment change can be unsettling for dogs. Minimize their exposure to the chaos by having a family member take them for a walk or arranging for a friend to watch them.
Now is an excellent time to ask for help from friends or neighbors. A request like, "Can you watch my dog tomorrow evening?" or "Are you able to walk my dog some morning?" can often be met with enthusiasm. Many people are happy to help out, especially if it means they don't have to move heavy furniture!
The big move is here! Keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth transition for your dog:
By following these tips, you can help make the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your furry friend.
Let your dog explore the new home gradually, one room at a time. Follow along to ensure he doesn’t find anything harmful to chew on or ingest. Be prepared to distract him if he starts to posture suspiciously, as some dogs might attempt to mark their new territory with urine. Keep doors to unprepared rooms closed to prevent access until you’re ready.
Arrange your dog’s items in their designated spots. Set up his toy box if he has one, and help him settle in his bed when you relax (or on the couch if allowed). The familiarity of his bed or crate can provide comfort. Ensure his sleeping area is similar to the one in your previous home. Make sure he knows where to find his food and water.
Use familiar items like toys, treats, and interactive social time (training, play) to ease the transition. When it’s time to rest, use treats to encourage your dog to settle in his bed.
Check your fence for escape routes and use gates as needed, both indoors and out. Keep your dog on a leash until they learn the boundaries and avoid potential hazards like unpacked cleaning supplies or food.
Set up their beds, crates, and toys in a similar layout to your old home. Maintain their feeding and walking schedules to provide consistency.
Keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Hide food around the house, use Kongs or food-dispensing toys, and incorporate brain games. These activities can help your dog adjust and tire them out in a healthy way.
Don't forget to spend quality time with your dog during the move. It's easy to get overwhelmed and unintentionally neglect your pet. Commit to daily playtime, walks, and just being together. This consistent attention will help them adjust and feel secure amidst the chaos.
Every dog is unique, so the time it takes for them to settle into a new home can vary. Most dogs start to relax within a few days, but if your move involves a significant change, like transitioning from a large home to a smaller one, or moving from a city to the countryside, it might take longer for your dog to acclimate.
While it may seem obvious, patience is crucial when helping your dog adjust to a new environment. Every dog has their own unique timeline for acclimating to change, and pushing them too hard or too fast can backfire. Remember, your dog is relying on you to provide comfort and stability during this time of change. Your patience and understanding will go a long way in helping them feel safe and secure in their new home.
It's important to note that dogs are considered non-transportable items for moving companies, meaning they should be transferred individually. This ensures their safety and comfort during the move. For those in need of local moving services or apartment movers, Move4U moving company comes highly recommended, offering professional and reliable assistance for a smooth transition to your new home.
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