A Comprehensive Guide to Shifting Houses With Your Dog

You have decided on a long-distance move to a better location with your family and dog. That means you are about to go through the six emotional stages of the relocation process. At first, you will be excited, and then you become anxious and stressed as the packing continues.

After those stages, you will feel rage and sadness during the transit, and relief once the move is successful. As a human being, you have the ability to express such emotional turmoil. But what will happen to your beloved pet during the move?

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) suggests ensuring your pet’s safety is the biggest concern. Their research shows that 50% of challenges arise from safety, while 27% are due to planning logistics. Moreover, medical studies suggest that rapid changes in a pet’s life can lead to depression.

Do you want to avoid these dire situations? In this guide, we will chronicle important pointers on how to shift homes with a dog.

#1. Hire a Moving Company

You must research and find reputable moving companies that can assist you with pet relocation, which will be time-saving and efficient. The moving services will give you tips and help you move your pet during the big day. These experienced professionals will arrange for crates and pet supplies that you will need during the car ride.

Moreover, a full-service moving company will give you peace of mind as they will help you plan to shift your belongings correctly. Their expertise will make you feel less stressed and anxious about your pet’s safety.

How to Find Reputable Movers?

To find a reputable company, you can rely on word-of-mouth or check the company’s online appearance, reputation, and customer reviews. After that, try to compare the pricing with other brands and ensure to look for pet-friendliness. FlatRate Moving suggests choosing packing services focusing on safety and convenient commuting.

According to them, you can keep your pet at daycare or with a friend while the movers load everything onto the truck. Furthermore, FlatRate Moving advises pet owners to carry pet supplies and food on the road.

#2. Preparing Your Pet for the Move

During packing, ensure social enrichment by taking your dog out for walks. To enrich your dog’s cognitive abilities, you can buy them puzzle toys and play hide-and-seek. At the same time, try enriching their sensory abilities by letting them play with bubbles and wind chimes. All these will keep your dog distracted but happy during the packing phase.

Try and give them alone time in their favorite spot. Moreover, keep everything normal and build a positive association with the boxes. Pet owners must keep up the regular schedule as much as possible.

Tips to Prepare Your Dog for the Move

Before you uproot your pet’s life, you should follow these tips and help them understand the situation:

• Take your dog to your new home before the move. Show them their corner, let them play around, and sniff everything.
• Contact the veterinarian and get the vaccination updated. You can get professional advice on how to avoid stressors.
• Accompany your pet to all their favorite places in town and let them spend as much time as possible.
• Go for longer trips with the dog in your car to familiarize them with the journey.

#3. Adjusting to the New Home

Hannah Dworkin moved homes with her dog to have a change of scenery. However, her dog started having a hard time and became anxious. At the same time, Andrew Griffith’s dog, who did not bark a lot, started throwing tantrums when the pet realized they were moving away.

These owners made their pets feel comfortable by giving them treats and old toys.

How to Help Your Pet Adjust on Day 1?

You never know how your dog will react to the change. However, you can be prepared for it. Before moving your beloved pet, you can pet-proof the new home.

Keep your dog on a leash for the first few hours of setting everything up. You can entertain them with some food and toys. During that time, you should arrange the bed they used to sleep on in your old house. Then, set up the toys as you did in your old home. Doing so will bring a sense of familiarity since dogs have territorial instincts. Once you have stored delicate materials, let your dog explore the new space slowly.

Infographic created by Moving Proz, local Kansas City movers.

Things to Plan Ahead While Moving With Your Pet

In 2022, 44.5% of American households had a pet dog. According to statistics, pet ownership increased by 6.1% between 2016 and 2022. That is why the pet care industry is set to grow at a 5.1% CAGR by 2030.

That means pet owners will find amenities wherever they go. However, you should still plan certain things before transporting your beloved furball to a new location.

To avoid any surprises and issues, plan these factors before moving:

• Check the laws and rules about owning a pet in the area. Examples include breed bands, leash laws, and landlord rules.
• Find a new vet and take your dog for a check-up. This will familiarize your pet before you move them to a new place.
• Update your dog’s identification and microchip data. Doing so will help people ID the dog in case of emergencies.

The Bottom Line

Rely on long-distance moving companies when you want to move houses with a pet. They will take care of packing everything and reaching the destination before you.

You must familiarize your pet with the box situation while following a routine. At the same time, take them to their favorite places and let them blow off some energy. During the move, you must pack essentials for your dog and give them lots of attention.

Once you reach your new home, set up the dog’s corner immediately. But, most importantly, be patient and understanding.