The process of moving is inherently a stressful one. Moving with dogs or other pets in tow is all the more demanding. You’ve taken advantage of checklists for your move, hired high-quality movers to take some of the pressure off you and your family, and finally stopped procrastinating on packing. Whether you’re relocating to a distant city or making a local move, a few tips will help you to move with your dogs without freaking them out.
Prepare for Moving Day in Advance
If you have a trusted friend or family member available, the AKC recommends setting up a playdate for your pup for moving day. Your dog is probably confused by the boxes and picking up on your increased stress levels already—by letting them miss the chaos of movers going in and out of the house with your furniture and other belongings, you’ll help lessen that discomfort.
Talk to Your Movers
If you don’t have somewhere else to let your dogs stay for a while, give your movers a heads up that your furry family members will be around. Move your pup into a crate, if you can. At the very least, be sure they’re leashed and securely in a harness so you can maintain control. As Solomon & Sons Relocation, the moving company Fort Lauderdale FL depends on for superior relocation and storage solutions puts it, “When using a mover, remember that you are the customer and the boss. If you have any concerns at all, contact your move coordinator immediately.” Communicate with your moving company for the best results possible.
Pack What They’ll Need Separately
As you’re traveling to your new home, you’ll need to stop to let your pups relieve themselves, especially on a long-distance move. You don’t want to be ready to get in the car and leave only to realize their harness is packed away and on the moving truck! Make sure you have bags ready and accessible to pick up after them. Ensure you can get them food or treats as needed and a bottle of water or two to keep them hydrated. Let a favorite toy or comforting blanket ride with them to make the trip as painless as possible.
When you arrive at the new house, too, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through boxes to find what your dog needs right away. Be sure to take note of where your pet’s most important items are in your car or ask your movers to ensure they’re at the front of the truck or van for easy access.
Talk to Your Vet
If you’re worried about your pet’s nerves during the move, ask your vet about options for calming them during travel. They can recommend a commercially available calming treat or spray to lessen the toll or prescribe a more formal medication if needed. While you’re there, be sure to arrange for your pet’s medical records to be forwarded to your new dog-tor if the move involves switching veterinarians. If not, be sure to update your address and other information with the vet to save yourself the phone call later.
Ensure They’re Secure
Moving is stressful enough already—there’s no need to add in concerns for your dog’s safety, too. Make sure your pups are safely buckled into a harness and have everything they need for the ride. Research the best harness for dogs to keep your pet as safe as possible. You want to be confident that your dog’s harness will hold up along the trip, that you’ll have better control over your dog while they’re strapped in, and that your pup is comfortable in the harness. Opt for one made with breathable mesh so there’s no chance of them overheating (and control the car’s temperature accordingly, of course).
By making preparations in advance, communicating with your movers and veterinarian, and investing in a quality harness to keep your pup safe, you can move with your dogs while keeping them—and yourself—as stress-free as possible.
