Our friend, Cindy from Our Dog Friends, wrote us a great article on moving with your dog. If you're like most people, moving can be stressful. And adding a pet into the mix can make it even more stressful! So Cindy gave us some great tips on moving with a dog. Check it out!

How to Make Moving with a Dog Easier

Whether you are relocating close to your current location or another state, your moving day checklist should include how to make the process as easy and safe as possible for your pet. The confusion of packing up your home and moving into a new one can be even more stressful for your pet than it is for you. The following tips will help you prepare your pet before, during, and after the move to ensure that the process is easy, stress-free, and safe for everyone.

Pet Preparation

If you are moving across the country or to a different city, contact your veterinarian so you can collect your pet's records and medications (if they are on any) and ensure your pet's chip is updated and that they are healthy. Also, prepare a moving-day kit that includes water, sufficient dog food, toys, and grooming tools to keep him comfortable during the first few days after the move. You can browse the Dogologie website, for instance, to find a wide range of snacks, tools, and toys for your dog to add to your moving-day kit. Don't forget to pack an extra bag for your pet that should include a first aid kit and some towels in case of an accident. Also, place some temporary ID tags with your new address and phone number on your dog’s collar.

Pet Separation

Keep your pet away from all the stress and action on the day of the move. Ask a friend or a pet sitter to watch him or place him in a lodge until things are organized and packed away, or confine your pup to one room or the backyard. Keeping him in the quietest area will help reduce anxiety and stress on the animal, but make sure you check on them regularly and feed or walk them at their usual time. Maintaining a sense of normality during all the changes will help them navigate the changes better and adjust more rapidly to the new environment.

The moving day is the most chaotic in the relocation process, so ensure you keep your dog comfortable and alleviate his stress as much as possible by adding some treats and snacks in the separate bag, as well as your pet's favorite toys.

Pet Orientation

Once you arrive in the new home, it's best to keep your dog secure and not let them venture through the whole house immediately. If possible, unpack his bed, toys, and other favorite items as soon as you get there to help him gain a sense of normalcy and reduce his moving anxiety. This will give you time to finish moving all the things in and pet-proof the property. Ensure you check for open doors, chemicals, pest-control poison traps, loose cords, or any holes where your pup can get stuck. 

Also, place familiar items in similar locations as in your former home, and try to maintain his usual routine to help alleviate his stress and anxiety. When he seems comfortable enough, gradually show him the other rooms in the house while keeping some doors closed.

Be Patient

Patience may be the most obvious advice of all, but it is also the wisest. Allowing your dog to adjust and regain a sense of normalcy in the new place is the best thing you can do to help him feel comfortable. No matter how long it will take your dog to get used to the new home, your patience is going to speed things up.

Dogologie is a lifestyle brand, and a retail store focused on dogs. The company provides a wide range of foods, items, and tools for dogs and resources, stuff, and valuable information for dog owners. Browse the Dogologie website for more information.