Everything You Need to Know About Moving with a Dog
Over 43 million households in the United States own at least one dog. Are you part of this group? If so, then you know that dogs are part of the family. They sleep in your bed, share your food, and cuddle with you when you’re sad.
If you have to move away from your current home, there’s no way you’re leaving them behind, right? Moving with a dog can certainly be challenging, especially if you’re traveling a long way from your old home. Luckily, though, there are some supplies and lots of things you can do to keep your furry friend happy during the trip. Listed below are some steps you can take to simplify the process of moving with a dog.
Invest in a Microchip
No dog owner wants to entertain the possibility that their dog could ever get lost. This could happen, though, and you need to be prepared in the event that it does. It’s not at all uncommon for dogs to escape when they arrive in a new place and try to get back to their old house. Make it easier to find your dog should they go missing by investing in a microchip. This is a relatively low-cost, simple procedure that could make your life a lot easier later on. It also doesn’t hurt any more than a regular vaccination.
Talk to Your Vet About Moving with a Dog
Before you start planning your big move, it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet for a checkup. This will help you to ensure your dog is healthy and doesn’t have any issues like fleas or ticks that could make your trip more stressful.
You can also talk to your vet about steps you can take to minimize your dog’s stress. The vet may even be willing to write you a prescription for anti-anxiety medicine to help your dog stay calm during the journey. Of course, these medications can have unpleasant side effects, so it’s best to only use them as a last resort.
Work on Crate Training
Has it been a while since your dog spent time in their crate? Have they never spent any time in a crate at all? If not, it’s time to start crate training them. Even if your dog loves their crate and goes in there without complaint, it’s still a good idea to work on getting them used to it before the big move. Have them spend time in the crate each day and make sure they’re comfortable with that space. That way, they’ll be secure and at ease during the move.
Take Your Dog to the New Neighborhood (if Possible)
If you’re not moving very far away, start taking your dog to the new neighborhood. Take a couple of trips there and let your dog explore (on a leash, of course). That way, they won’t be totally shocked when they arrive at their new home.
If you take this approach, you can also scope out the best areas to walk your dog and find parks for them to play at. You might even get to meet some of your new neighbors (of the two-legged and four-legged varieties) in the process!
Stay in Pet-Friendly Hotels
If you have to stay in hotels on the way to your destination, make sure they’re pet-friendly ahead of time. Check their websites and call the hotel to confirm. You don’t want to have to deal with any surprises when you arrive after a long day of driving, right?
If you’re having a hard time finding pet-friendly hotels, consider looking into an Airbnb instead. They often have more relaxed pet rules and will be more willing to let you bring your dog long. With an Airbnb, your dog might even have a yard to run around in, too.
Pack a Bag for Your Dog
Don’t forget to pack a bag for your dog before the trip begins. They’ll need easy access to their supplies, too! Some supplies you ought to have on hand for your dog include:
- Food and treats;
- Food and water dishes;
- Their bed or blanket;
- A few of their favorite toys;
- Any medications they need;
- Their leash and collar;
- Bags to clean up after them.
It’s normal for your dog to be a bit anxious during the trip. Having access to some familiar items can help them to feel calmer, though, and make the trip easier for everyone.If your dog suffers from Demodex mange, make sure to pack mange medicine for dogs as well to keep their condition under control during the move. The itching and discomfort of Demodex can make the trip even more stressful for your furry friend so be sure to take precautionary measures.
Stick to Your Dog’s Routine 
As much as you can, try to stick to your dog’s routine while you’re traveling to your new destination. If they typically eat at a certain time, stop and feed them at that time. The same goes for walks and bathroom breaks. This will help your dog to stay relaxed and will minimize anxiety during your trip. It can be a pain to have to pull over when you just want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, but it’ll be worth it if it means not having to deal with a stressed-out pup.
Hire a Professional
Finally, you might want to consider hiring a pet transportation service. If the idea of traveling with your pet seems too daunting, working with a company like Animal Transportation Worldwide can help to simplify the process and keep your dog comfortable during the journey. This can also be a good option if you’re moving far away (across the country or internationally, for example) and don’t think your dog will handle the trip well.
Looking for More Pet Care Tips?
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a much easier time moving and keeping your dog healthy and happy. Moving with a dog is a challenge, but getting your dog settled in a new place can be equally challenging. Are you interested in learning more about pet care and making sure your dog gets everything they need? If so, check out the pets and animals section of our site today. There’s great information here to help you become an incredible dog owner.
