Make Moving Easier on Your Dog
Proper planning is the key to making your relocation process go as smoothly as possible for your furry friend. Even if you and your family are happy and excited about your relocation, moving is a stressful time for dogs. Following are strategies designed to minimize the difficulties of moving with a dog.
Acclimate Your Dog to Riding in the Car
If your canine companion isn’t used to riding in the car, take it for short drives during the weeks preceding the big move to get it used to riding in the car. Long trips with an anxious and fearful dog on board are no fun for anyone involved. Your pet may be inclined to bolt at rest stops if it’s not used to riding in the car.
Reserve Pet-Friendly Lodging in Advance
Make sure to make reservations well in advance of your move to ensure availability of pet-friendly lodging. Many hotels and motels have limited space for those traveling with animals. These rooms fill up quickly. Get yours as soon as your travel dates are solidified.
Schedule Time for Rest Stops
Resist the temptation to try to rush to your new location. Scheduling time for rest stops ensures that furry friends receive exercise and bathroom breaks. This will prevent them from becoming overly antsy during the trip.
Take Along Familiar Bedding, Food and Water Bowls, and Toys
Your dog will handle the move much better if you bring along familiar objects to use in the new place as well as on the trip.
Make Sure Your Dog’s Microchip is Current
Check that the information on your dog’s microchip is current. This will help you become reunited in case something happens during your trip to cause you and your pet to become separated.
Take Precautions on Moving Day So Your Dog Doesn’t Get Loose
Leave your pet in a closed, quiet room on moving day to ensure it doesn’t slip away amid the chaos. If possible, enlist the help of a trusted friend to watch your furry friend in their home while your possessions are loaded on the moving van.
Visit the New Home First if Possible
If your new home is within reasonable driving distance, take your pet for several visits before the big day. This can significantly ease the transition when the time comes.
Verify Required Vaccinations for Taking Pets Across State Lines
This next item is the last thing you need while in route to your new home. That is to be held up at the state border because your pet does not have the proper vaccinations required for entry. Each state sets its own regulations. So be sure to do your research and have your pet vaccinated accordingly before starting out.
Line Up a Local Vet in Your New Location
Try to line up a new veterinarian before you even leave your old home. Ask your current veterinarian for references, and check online reviews to find the best possible new vet for your pet.
Allow Your Dog Time to Thoroughly Explore Its New Surroundings
Don’t expect your dog to immediately take to its new surroundings. It will need time to become familiar with the lay of the land, so allow it the opportunity to thoroughly explore your new place.
Get Your Dog Licensed in Your New Location ASAP
Getting your dog licensed with local authorities as soon as possible is essential. Many dogs manage to slip away shortly after a move. They frequently become lost because they aren’t yet familiar with the area. Getting your dog licensed helps ensure that you’ll get it back if it runs away.
Give Your Dog Extra Attention and Love
Dogs often feel anxious and insecure after a major move. Providing it with extra love and attention during the time of transition will help ease its fears. This is one of the most effective tips for moving with dogs. Keep in mind that the most important thing in your dog’s life is the love of its human. He or she can withstand almost any hardship as long as long as these things are present.
Be Patient With Your Dog
Your pet’s anxieties and fears about being in a new place will show. Avoid the temptation to let YOUR frustration show. Be patient and allow your pet to acclimate to the new environment on its own schedule.
Keep Your Dog Confined to Its Crate While Moving In
While moving your belongings into your new home, keep your dog confined to its crate so that it doesn’t slip out one of the open doors. This is one of the most important tips for moving with a dog because it frequently happens
Place Essential Items in the Same Room as in the Old House
If your dog’s food and water dish were next to the refrigerator in your old home, put them in the same location after moving. This will provide your pet with an instant sense of familiarity and help it to feel at home.
Keep to a Consistent Routine
Keeping to a consistent routine will provide your dog with a sense of stability and comfort in a changing environment. Feed and walk your pet at the same time each day.
Stay With Your Dog Most of the Time for the First 48 Hours
Try to schedule your move so that you’ll be able to stay at home with your pet for the first 48 hours. After the first day, you should spend short times away from the home to get your pet used to being left alone in the new environment.
Consider Using an Animal Relocation Company
A good animal relocation service can be invaluable for those who are relocating. Moving far away? They can be especially valuable for those who are moving long distances. These services make sure that your furry friend arrives at your new home safe and sound.
It takes most dogs around three weeks to become used to a new living environment. Be sure to read the strategies for moving with a dog above and use the ones that are applicable to your situation. Get other family members on board, and in no time, your pet will be happy and comfortable in your new home.
