The Complete Guide to Moving With a Dog

If you’re like many people, you have a four-legged family member – but when you buy a new condo in Boca Raton, how can you make the whole process easier on him or her? Check out this complete guide to moving with a dog for tips, tricks and advice you can use to smooth out your pup’s transition.

The Complete Guide to Moving With a Dog

Moving is stressful – for you and your dog. So how do you get from Point A to Point B without traumatizing your pet?

There are several things you can do to simplify the moving process, including:

Double-check microchips and ID tags
Try to stick to your routine
Go for walks in the new neighborhood
Give your pup extra exercise
Try some brain training
Dedicate a safe space for your pooch
Hire a dog sitter on moving day
Take a long walk before you go inside the new house
Let your dog explore the new space on his or her own time

Here’s a closer look at each.

Tip #1 for Moving With a Dog: Double-Check Microchips and ID Tags

Before you move, have your dog’s microchip scanned at the vet – you might be surprised to learn that microchips can migrate to a different spot. You’ll also want to ensure your new address is associated with your dog’s chip, and that you pick up a new set of dog tags that feature your new address. If you have a land line phone number on your dog’s tags, now’s the time to switch it to your cell.

Pro Tip: Leave the old and new dog tags on your dog’s collar for moving day.

Tip #2 for Moving With a Dog: Try to Stick to Your Routine

Most dogs thrive on routine, so stick as close as possible to the one you’ve already established. Don’t skip walks because you’re pressed for time – your dog might become stressed out, especially if you’re feeling the pinch. (And remember, those walks are good for you, too.)

Tip #3 for Moving With a Dog: Go for Walks in the New Neighborhood

When you have time, take your dog for a stroll or two around your new neighborhood. Let her become familiar with the new sights, sounds and smells – that can help minimize your dog’s anxiety once you’ve already moved into your new home.

Tip #4 for Moving With a Dog: Give Your Pup Extra Exercise

When you’re stressed, your dog feels it – but dogs can’t talk it out like we can. That means extra exercise is in order, so whether you take another lap around the block or you throw the ball for an additional five minutes, you can help your dog keep his cool throughout the process. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog, but check with your vet before adding more exercise if your pooch has a hard time getting around.

Tip #5 for Moving With a Dog: Try Some Brain Training

Keep your dog’s brain occupied with challenging puzzle toys in the days leading up to moving day. A little mental enrichment is a great stress-buster for dogs, and it helps them check negative impulses that come naturally with anxiety. Tricky treat balls and Kong toys are great ways to get his brain going.

Tip #6 for Moving With a Dog: Dedicate a Safe Space for Your Pooch

Set up a safe space in your current home – a place your dog can go to escape when she wants to be alone. Whether it’s her crate, your bedroom or another special spot, it’s your job to make sure your dog has somewhere safe to be.

Tip #7 for Moving With a Dog: Hire a Dog Sitter on Moving Day

The best way to keep your dog safe on moving day is to hire a sitter. If that’s out of the question, you can move all the furniture and boxes out of one room, add your dog’s bed, food, water and toys, then close and lock the door – that way, he won’t slip out when the front door is open and movers are walking in and out.

Tip #8 for Moving With a Dog: Take a Long Walk Before You Go Inside the New House

When you arrive at your new home, let your dog take you on a long walk before you go in. You’ll take a nice stroll together and end it inside your new home – and your dog will be calm and relaxed when she goes in to explore.

Tip #9 for Moving With a Dog: Let Your Dog Explore the New Space on His or Her Own Time

Some people prefer to let their pets explore a new home one room at a time; they’ll close off doors and only open a new space when the dog is comfortable with the last space. Others prefer to walk through the home with their dogs on a leash, letting the pups explore room by room. You know your dog best, so let him do what works for him. The key is letting him check things out when he’s ready, rather than when you want him to.

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