Dogs

Moving With Your Dog

Nicole Groshek  |  April 17, 2024  |  7 minute read

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Moving to a new home is notoriously stressful, and perhaps even more so for dogs. After all, you understand where you’re moving and why. Your dog only knows that things are changing! Planning and patience are key to helping your dog cope with the move and adjust to their new home. These tips for before, during, and after your move will make moving with your dog easier on both of you.

Before the Move

Dogs can sense when there’s a significant change underway, and they take their cue from your behavior in stressful or uncertain situations. As you prepare to move, be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and energy. If you need to vent frustration or have a meltdown (totally understandable!), try to avoid doing so in front of your dog. Here are more ways to prepare for a smoother transition:

Research & Make a Plan

Gradual changes will be easier for your dog to handle. Once you’ve decided to move, it’s never too early to do your research and make a plan:

• If you’re moving to another state you might need a health certificate (a vet checkup before moving day is a good idea anyway).
• If you’ll be driving long distance or flying, plan how you’ll manage traveling with your dog.
• Make sure your dog is comfortable in a moving vehicle well in advance of moving day.
• When moving from a more rural area to the city (or vice versa) try and expose your dog to things in their new environment ahead of time. You can give your dog a preview by taking them for a walk along a busy street or going hiking.
• If your new home is near(ish) and you have a moving window, take your dog to the new place for visits and create positive associations with it.
• Look up vets in your new area and choose one (or at least make a shortlist).  And make sure you know where the closest emergency vet is just in case!

Make Introductions

Sometimes a move means new people or animals joining your household, which can be stressful for dogs.

• Prepare new members of your household by telling them what they need to know about living with your dog (especially children). 
• If another dog (or other pet) will be joining your home, introduce them to your dog in a neutral location before the move. Ideally, let them meet multiple times before they move in together.

Ease into Packing

Packing is a lot of work, but it’s important to keep your dog’s routine as close to normal as possible during this time. Allow plenty of time for the packing process so your dog can get used to the changes.

• Bring out the packing supplies and let your dog have a sniff. Introduce your pup to the sound of packing tape and bubble wrap, and create positive associations by rewarding your dog with a treat when they remain calm around the new noises and smells.
• Leave some packed boxes around the house so your dog gets used to them – it will likely be similar for the first few weeks in your new place.
• If you need to spend all or most of a day packing, ask a friend or family member to watch your dog. Don’t let your dog wander around and watch you pack, as it can make them anxious.
• As packing progresses, make sure your dog can always easily access their food, water, bed, favorite toys, and other comfort items.
• Pack your dog’s things last, and keep them all together so it’s easy to get them set up in the new place.

Shortly Before Moving

Make sure your dog’s chip and/or tag has the new address just before moving day – don’t wait until you’re in the new place. Long-distance travel can cause motion sickness in dogs, especially on a full stomach. It can be helpful to gradually reduce your dog’s food intake for a few days before, and feed them a light meal a few hours before departure. Of course, always check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Moving Might Go Easier Than You Think

Preparing is important, but don’t assume your dog will have a hard time – some dogs take moving in stride!  Keep a close eye on their behavior so you can recognize and manage your dog’s anxiety, and stick to their regular routine as best you can. Giving your dog enrichment, exercise and affection every day will help them deal with all the changes, so make sure to carve out time to prioritize their well-being, even when things get crazy busy.

On Moving Day

Even the best-planned moving day tends to be a little chaotic. Use these tips to spare your dog from the worst of the stress once the big day arrives:

• Leave your dog with a friend, family member or dog sitter while movers are loading the truck.
• If that’s not possible, crate your dog in a quiet room where they won’t be disturbed, and check on them periodically.
• Pack an easily accessible bag or box with everything your dog needs on the day of the move, including food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, medication and comfort items.
• Bring your dog to the car at the very end, after everything else is loaded up. That way they won’t overheat or spend too much time in the vehicle.
• Take frequent breaks for relief and walks to make the journey as comfortable as possible for your dog.

In Your New Home

If it’s your dog’s first time in their new home, go in without them first to make sure it’s clear of any potential toxins or hazards. Then let your dog explore at their own pace. Keep an eye out for signs they’re tempted to mark their territory, and distract them to put a stop to it (don’t yell or punish). While movers are unloading the truck, bring your dog to a friend or family member’s house, or crate them in a quiet place where they won’t be underfoot.

Tips for settling into a new home with your dog:

Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Environment

• Give your dog a place to retreat in the new house. Provide blankets or other items that smell like your old home.
• Make sure your dog knows where to find their food and water.
• Familiar furniture arrangements will be comforting – if possible, try and keep your furniture, especially your dog’s favorites. If you need to redecorate, consider postponing until your dog has settled in.

Create Stability & Provide Support

• Get back to your dog’s regular routine for feeding, playtime and walks as soon you can. This is not the time to introduce your dog to a new food or activity!
• Try not to leave your dog alone in the new home for at least a couple of weeks. Once they are more settled you can leave them briefly and build up to longer absences. Bring your dog with you or call a pet sitter, friend or relative to come over if you have to go somewhere.

After the move, your dog might exhibit new behaviors including:

• Following you around more
• New or more severe separation anxiety
• Excessive barking
• Change in eating habits
• Restlessness 

Keep an eye out for signs of stress so you can help your dog. Consider working with a trainer or behavior consultant to help your dog adjust if they’re having a really hard time.

Be Mindful of New Housemates & Neighbors

• If your new home has additional animals or children, don’t leave them alone with your dog until you’re 100% certain it’s safe.
• In the early days in your new home, limit how many people come over and how often (especially if visitors are already stressful for your dog). 
• Don’t force your dog to meet new neighbors or their dogs— wait until they’re ready.
• Don’t have a housewarming party too soon.

Above all, be patient with your dog and give them all the time they need to adjust and settle in to their new home. Remember that they haven’t had a chance to mentally prepare for the move!

Spoil Them in Their New Space

Give your good boy or girl some new toys or treats to give them a positive experience in your new home. To take things to another level, be sure to sneak them some Stella & Chewy’s goodies because they deserve the good stuff.

Extra Love is Encouraged

Moving to a new home with your dog is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting for both you and your dog, and some extra love and attention can help you guys unwind together and remember that everything is going to be okay. Whether it’s with wet-nose kisses, sweet hugs, or playtime, showing your dog some extra love can help them, and you, get through the move.
Learn about potentially toxic household items for dogs so you can keep them safely out of reach as you’re setting up in the new space, and discover how to understand dog body language so you can better support your pup in stressful situations.