Tips for Moving with a Dog

Moving is stressful enough on its own, but when you throw a temperamental feline into the mix it can add another layer of worry. Dogs are known for being territorial, and they get very attached to their environments. So how are you supposed to move without causing your furry friend undue stress? There are helpful techniques you can use at every stage of moving to help your dog feel comfortable and secure during the process. 

Before Moving

When you're through the "I have to sell my house" phase and into the "I have to move now" phase, you might start to worry about your dog. Moving a dog out of your home can be just as stressful for them as it is for you, and because of their penchant for hiding and resisting change, it's important to make the process as easy as possible. 

The first thing you should do is put their dog carrier in a neutral area where they can access it. Line it with their favorite blanket or a soft towel to make it inviting and toss a few toys inside to encourage them to go in it. Leave the doors open so they know they can come and go as they please. This helps them to get acquainted with and feel comfortable in their career so when it's time to move them to the new house, they won't fight you.

Another thing that can help is to leave your dog's belongings out as long as possible. Plan to pack their toys and dog tree up last so they can continue enjoying their normal routine as long as possible. This can help to reduce their stress leading up to the move and gives you a better chance of having a calm kitty on moving day.

During the Move

On moving day, it's important to have a safe room set up for your dog. This will be the room where your dog will stay for most of the day. It keeps them out of the way of movers, protects them from being hurt by moving furniture and gives them a sense of security and stability while lots of strangers are in their home. Make sure you stock the room with food, water, toys and a litter box so your dog has all of its natural comforts.

The safe room is the last room you'll load into the truck. Sometimes it can help to get the big furniture out of that room before moving day so all you have to worry about is your dog and its things after the rest of the house is loaded up. 

In your new home, you'll need a second safe room to place the dog in while you unload furniture. This should be the first room you set up so you can move your dog quickly from one region to another without it having to be in its carrier for very long. Set up all of your dog supplies in the new safe room and allow your dog to explore it while you finish moving things into your new home.

Helpful hint: This can be the best time to buy a mattress if you're in the market. Leave your old mattress in the safe room at your first house and put the new mattress in the safe room at your new home. It helps the dog feel secure and gives them a warm, soft place to rest if they feel overwhelmed.

After the Move

Once you've got all your furniture in and the movers are gone, let your dog out of the safe room so it can explore your new house. It can help to have their dog tree or favorite perch set up beforehand so they have a safe, familiar place to rest if they aren't ready to explore. As you unpack boxes, let your dog play in them and use them as toys so they can see the new house is just as fun and safe as the old one.