Tips for Moving with Your Dog

We tend to underestimate how stressful the moving process is for our beloved dogs. To help make the transition smoother for him or her, we’ve compiled these best practices. Taking these simple steps will result in a far happier transition for your dog.

Before the Move

Dogs are creatures of habit. They are driven by their noses and become triggered by familiar scents. Dogs also crave routine. Together, scent and routine create a sense of well-being. If possible, familiarize your dog with their new surroundings in advance of moving in. Take them on a series of walks around the neighborhood. If practical, allow them to tour the property before you move in.

It is also important to speak to your veterinarian about your move. If you are moving out of the area, ask if they can provide a referral for a vet in your new neighborhood. Find out if the new locale requires different vaccinations. Book an initial visit well in advance. If you wait until you arrive, it may take a week or more to see your new vet. If your current vet cannot make a confident referral, speak to dog owners in your new neighborhood or at your new job or search for vets who are American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified. It is recommended your vet is within five miles of your home and provides 24/7 urgent care. If not, seek out the nearest option that checks these boxes.

Do your best to regulate your dog’s diet in the days leading up to the move. Introduce as little change as possible before, during, and immediately after the move. Bring an ample supply of dog food in case their food isn’t immediately available in your new locale.

On Moving Day

As anxious as you may be, your dog will likely be even more nervous on moving day. Your dog will pick up on your cues, which is why it is vital to be as calm as possible when in their presence. When the house is getting packed up, let them spend the day with a family member or a trusted dog sitter. If that isn’t practical, try to feed them at their regular times and take them for walks throughout the day. Give them regular verbal reassurance and affection.

Do not push boundaries. If your dog is a weary traveler, your vet can prescribe medicine for motion sickness. If possible, have some of their favorite items in the home when they arrive, such as their crate or bed, bowls, and toys. If they have not visited the home in advance, allow your dog to explore the home and follow along for reassurance. Patience is always key!

Settling into Your New Home

Understand that change can be stressful, and your dog may be confused for a while in their new home. This may result in anxiety or depression. While these conditions are often temporary, they should be taken seriously. Anxiety is marked by restlessness, panting, whining, barking, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea. On the other hand, depression’s signs might include lethargy, loss of appetite, or lack of playfulness. While some dogs adjust within a few hours, others may take weeks. If a calm environment, routine, love, and affection don’t cure their woes, a vet can prescribe various medicines that have a successful track record.

Your dog also may become agitated from new and unfamiliar sounds in and out of their new home. Playing soothing background music or introducing white noise can help. Both therapeutic noise strategies can be weaned over time.

When taking your dog out on initial walks, ask people you meet how their dog might react when you approach. Understand that your dog may react differently than normal, as they may be out of sorts. Also, ask the fellow dog walker who the most sociable dogs are in the neighborhood, and seek out opportunities for a friendly introduction.