How To: Moving With Dogs

How To: Moving With Dogs

Dog lying on the floor with man and woman in the background

Moving comes with a magnitude of emotions, and while we often look to our furry friends to help us through stressful times, we may need to be there for them too. 

Dogs will often deal with the same emotions of stress and anxiety when it comes time to move.

Whether you’re traveling with your dog by car, plane, or just walking down the block, here are some tips and tricks to make the move smooth for both you and your best friend.

Preparing for the Move

Some things you can add to your checklist are: 

Update their Information

  • Update their microchip and name tag with the new address, as well as check to see if there are any additional vaccinations or any other preventative supplements needed.

Familiarize them with Moving Supplies

  • Slowly begin to introduce them to boxes, bags, bubble wrap, or even the sounds of taping. Once your dog begins to get used to the boxes you should start to open them up and move them around. 

Keep Your Regular Routine

  • As moving day gets closer, try to keep your regular routine. Make sure to stick to regular walking, feeding, and restroom times. Consistency will help your dog stay relaxed and feel safe as the transition begins to happen. 

The Day of the Move 

It’s finally moving day! What are the next steps? 

Regardless of the mode of travel, it is important to make sure your dog is comfortable.

If traveling with your dog by plane make sure that you have acquired a health certificate for your dog, to make sure it is safe for them to fly. If the carrier is hard-sided or soft-sided, confirm that you line it with an absorbent mat just in case an accident happens. You may also want to look into earmuffs

If traveling with your dog by car, many of the tips stated above apply. It is safest to move with a dog that is in a carrier that is equipped for its size, rather than letting them roam free. Make sure to plan stops that work for you and your dog. Oh and don’t forget the road trip snacks too! 

If neither of these situations applies, you should ensure that your dog is taken care of by someone they know or is secured in a familiar space.

Getting Settled

How to make them feel at home:

Return to Regular Routines
– Return to your regularly scheduled feeding times, walks, bathroom breaks, and other activities.
Set up a Safe Space
– Place your dog’s bed, toys, and dishes in their new area before bringing them into the new house so they have some familiarity.
Keep Familiar Furniture
– Try not to buy all new furniture so that way your dog can recognize the scent and sight of their old home while getting used to the new space.
Wait to have Visitors Over
– The moving process was already overwhelming for both your dog and you so wait to have lots of company over to ease stress.
Be Patient
– The biggest takeaway is to be patient with your dog, it may take days, weeks, or even months before they feel safe and comfortable in their new home.

New Life

Things to keep in mind as the transition comes to an end…

If you made a big move have you found a new vet clinic in the area? 

  • Starting the process early is best, but finding a new vet clinic allows for easier visits and a newly established relationship. 

Has there been a balance of both going out and staying in? 

  • Whether your dog just moved in or has been a lifelong friend, spending time together is good for you and your pet. Do activities both inside and outside such as playing hide and seek or going for a hike together.

Are there any friends or foes in the area that you should be aware of?

  • Once your dog feels comfortable in its new space it is important to socialize it. This teaches your dog how to interact with new people and furry friends in a healthy way. 
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Hi! I am Mackenzie Jones! I am currently a junior in college majoring in biology, psychology, and neuroscience. In my free time I enjoy writing, trying new local restaurants/cafes, and spending as much time outside as possible.