How to Ease Your Dog’s Stress During a Move

Moving is undoubtedly a stressful life event—and not just for humans. Dogs are also prone to anxiety and other negative emotions during a move. Luckily, there are several things you can do before, during, and after your move to keep your dog calm and happy. If you want to make your move as easy as possible for your pooch, consider these key tips.

Schedule Showings During Walk Time

If you aren’t a renter, then try to schedule home showings during your dog’s regularly scheduled walks, when possible. This gives you and your dog somewhere to go during walkthroughs and helps keep your dog’s regular schedule intact. In general, a regular schedule during this time of change can assist in keeping your pup’s stress at bay. 

Plan Moving Day Accommodations

According to these premier movers from New York City, keeping your dog out of the house on the day of the move is not only beneficial to movers but your pooch as well. New people and strange sounds can be anxiety-provoking for many dogs, so much so that they may even try to run out the door.

Ideas to get your dog out of the house during moving include dropping them at a friend or relative’s home, or booking them a day stay at a local kennel. However, if neither of those two options are available to you, there is no need to panic. You can also leave your dog, along with their necessities, in a closed-off room in your home that they frequent. Just be sure to inform the movers that that room is off limits until last and the dog needs to be relocated before they get to work.

Do A Preview Walk—Or Two

If you are moving a short distance, consider driving your dog to the new neighborhood before the move. Once you arrive, walk around so they can get a feel for the new scents and sights that will be in their near future. However, if your dog doesn’t like car rides, this option may cause more stress than it is worth, so this is only a good option for dogs that don’t get stressed being in the car.

Travel Safe

If you are simply relocating across town, then your car ride will probably be like any other. But if you are moving long-distance by either car or plane, traveling with a dog requires a bit of planning.

Regular Breaks: If you are traveling by car, then it best to take frequent breaks. You may even want to map out a few dog-friendly parks ahead of time to stop and allow your dog to stretch their legs.

Car Safety: Leaving your dog to roam free in the car can be a hazard to both your pup and yourself. If your dog is crate trained, keeping them inside their crate can be a good option during the long trip. If not, then consider a doggy seatbelt.

Plane Travel: If you are traveling to your destination by plane, smaller dogs can often be tucked under your seat in a crate, but larger dogs usually travel in the cargo hold. If the latter is your case, be sure to inquire if it is climate controlled. You want to make sure your pup is not only comfortable but safe.

Don’t Wash Their Belongings

A new home means a fresh slate, so you may be tempted to wash all of your dog’s blankets and soft toys, but hold off. The scent of your old home and dog on these items can be a major comfort for your furry friend during this transition—think of it as a security blanket.

Set Up A Space For Them

You will want to set your dog up a quiet spot in a room that won’t be disturbed often once you get to your new home. Things you will want to make sure they have are food, water, blankets, and toys. Better yet, if they are crate trained, putting them in a crate during move-in can not only ease your dog’s anxiety but also keep them safe.

Maintain Routine

Keep to your dog’s regular schedule as much as possible. This means giving them walks at the usual times and adhering to the same feeding schedule. Even though their walks are through a new neighborhood and they will be coming home to a different house or apartment, the familiarity of their regular routine will help them adjust quicker. If you moved to a new time zone, just be sure to adjust for the time difference. For example, if you sprung forward an hour, Fido’s 6 o’clock feeding would now be at 7.

Take It Slow & Be Patient

Walks will include a lot more stopping and sniffing than usual, so expect to spend a bit more time paused at fire hydrants! The best thing to do during walks, especially the initial ones, is not to rush and allow your dog to take in all the new smells. This will help them get acquainted with their new surroundings faster, which in turn, will help them settle in quicker. We know you have a million things to unpack and are probably in somewhat of a rush, but a little patience during this transition period will go a long way.

Whether you are moving across town or embarking on a long-distance move, moving is always an adjustment for both humans and animals. So above all else, try to remain calm. Remember that dogs are experts at picking up on emotions and emulating them. AKA, if you’re stressed, your dog will be stressed. Finding your calm during the move will not only make this new adventure much more pleasant for your dog but for you as well!