Moving with a dog can be tough, but there is no way your fur baby or babies are getting left behind when you move. If you’re facing a big relocation with Fido in tow, now is the time to consider what steps you can take to make him or her more comfortable, while stressing yourself out less. It is not uncommon for dogs to have trouble during a long-distance move:
- The journey is long
- Who knows how they feel about cars
- They must adjust to a new space
With this in mind, it’s important to take steps to be compassionate about your dog’s needs, and ensure you’re taking steps to meet them.
Before you start moving with a dog, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of the things you need to do. This helps you stay organized and prevents troublesome oversights from springing up. Here are a few of the things you’ll want to be sure to add to the list. Here’s your complete guide.
Tip 1. Moving with a Dog: Round-Up Important Documents
While it’s unlikely that moving with a dog will have a medical emergency occur during the move, it’s not impossible. With this in mind, be sure to obtain a copy of all your dog’s essential medical information before you go. This might include vaccination records, prescriptions, dog food recommendations, adoption paperwork, and any documents or papers you need to travel or move with your dog.
Even if your pet doesn’t have a vet emergency, having this paperwork on hand is a great way to be prepared for anything that might come your way during the big move! Once you’ve obtained it, be sure to keep it in a safe space where you know how to access it at all times.
Tip 2. Maintain your dog’s normal schedule during the move
Just like kids, when you’re moving with a dog they will need to maintain a schedule to thrive. With this in mind, take pains whenever possible to maintain your dog’s schedule and keep things as normal as possible at home.
This can mean several things, depending on the nature and type of your move. It may mean feeding your dog at the same time every day, ensuring they get their daily walks and play sessions, and attending things like puppy class as routinely as possible.
If you’re having trouble maintaining this schedule, or you anticipate it being impossible to do so, consider dropping your dog off at puppy daycare or with a friend or family member who can maintain more of a sense of normalcy while you move.
Tip 3. Keep all their favorite toys, beds, blankets closeby
Maintain a sense of home and familiarity for your pet by keeping their favorite toys, blankets, beds, and more within reach at your new home. Not only do these things smell like your old home (And are comforting, as such, for your pooch), but they also provide a sense of security during the uncertainty and tumultuousness of a move.
Even if your entire world is upside down while you move, make an effort to keep these things accessible for your pet. Create a safe crate with a favorite blanket, bed, and toy for your pet to take shelter in when moving gets intense. They’ll thank you for it later.
Tip 4. Spend extra time with them on moving day and the days after
You’re the most reassuring element when it comes to moving with a dog, and spending some extra time with them during or after the big move can help reassure them that everything is okay. While you don’t have to do anything out-of-the-ordinary with your pet, something as simple as throwing the ball or staying in bed and cuddling can help them relax and feel at ease during the move.
Tip 5. Talk to your veterinarian – see if they can recommend a vet in new location
Good vets are hard to find, so don’t jump in blind! Instead, talk to your vet about a vet in your new location. They may be able to provide a recommendation that will allow you to continue your pet’s care with someone you trust.
If your dog gets other services, like grooming or training, your vet may also be able to recommend professionals who are skilled in these areas. The more recommendations you can get, the better off your dog will be, both now and in the long run. If you’d like to interview the people your vet recommends, reach out to them before you move.
This makes it easy to plan your care and ensure you’re working with people with whom you feel comfortable. You can also ask friends and family members in the area if they have anyone they’d recommend. Often, people are happy to vouch for pet professionals they love!
Pro-tip: Ask to join Facebook groups in your new area and survey them as well if you don’t know anyone in town.
Tip 6 for Moving with a Dog: Introduce them to new friends and places
Once you are settled into your new area it’s time to go exploring with your dog. The best part of moving with your dog is that they will get new stimulation from exploring new territory with you, their best friend. Cesar Milan, dog training expert, says that the nature of the dog is to travel, and that smelling new places is as important to them as it is for us to read. Smelling is how dogs read their world and it is a necessary part of their cognitive function.
There are many resources online to help you navigate to dog friendly public places like hotels, restaurants and even malls. It’s also a good idea to search out dog parks, pet friendly hiking trails and beaches. If your dog is on the anti-social side, a smaller group of four-legged friends may be a more cautious way for them to socialize. Try apps like Meetup or FB groups. You may find friends as passionate about German Shepards or Beagles as much as you.
Moving with a Dog
While moving with a dog can be tough, it’s not impossible. By understanding the challenges dogs will face while moving and coming up with an intelligent plan to address them, you can bypass many of the difficulties of moving with pets, and make it a smooth and streamlined experience for everyone.
No matter how relaxed your dog is, be sure to give him or her time to adjust to your new location. Consider researching if there are dog parks or other pet facilities nearby, and taking the time to pay attention to your pet. Even if you anticipate your dog being just fine, this is the compassionate way to go about the move.
Need help getting from point A to point B? Find a moving company that will help you sort out moving with a dog. Colonial specializes in long-distance moves and will help you come up with a creative and intelligent way to help your pet relax and settle into its new place. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get a free quote now!
