Moving with a dog
Dogs sense human emotions, and during a move, people tend to get stressed. Read our article to learn how you can make the move a safe experience for both yourself and your pet.
Moving with a Dog
Amidst the changes, it’s important to provide your dog with a sense of continuity and security. Try to keep the dog’s daily routines—such as feeding, walks, and attention—as consistent as possible before and after the move. This helps the dog understand that even though the environment is changing, its basic needs remain the same.
On Moving Day
It’s important to ensure your dog’s safety on moving day. Explain the situation to the movers and give them instructions on how to handle the dog during the move. To maintain the dog’s peace of mind, ask the movers to avoid giving the dog too much attention or creating unnecessary noise around it. Calm and neutral behavior helps keep the dog’s mood steady and reduces possible stress during the move.
When items are being carried into the new home, make sure the dog doesn’t interfere or get too close to the movers. If necessary, keep the dog in a separate space so that interactions between the dog and movers remain under control. If possible, consider arranging care for the dog during the move. This is the best way to avoid any risky situations.
In the New Home
In the new home, make sure the environment is safe and suitable for the dog. Check that the yard is fenced and secure. Ensure that dangerous substances and objects are out of the dog’s reach. Provide a quiet space where your dog can rest and relax. Familiar smells from the old home can help calm the dog, so make sure its familiar items—like its bed, toys, and food bowl—are brought to the new home. These familiar scents and objects can help the dog feel safe in the new environment.
When you arrive at the new home, avoid leaving the dog alone right away. Being left alone in a new place can cause a sense of insecurity and stress. Try to arrange for someone to stay with the dog during its first days in the new home. This helps create positive associations with the new environment and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Separation Anxiety
If you know that your dog tends to suffer from separation anxiety, it's recommended to prepare in advance and practice being alone before the move. This helps reduce the stress and anxiety your dog may experience in a new situation. You can train your dog to be alone gradually and with care, helping it adjust to the new home more smoothly. When practicing alone time, it’s important to consider the dog’s individual needs and preferences. Try to schedule these exercises for times when the dog is already calm and relaxed, such as in the evening after the day’s activities.
Adapting to a new environment can take time. Be patient and give your dog time to get used to the new home and routines. Every dog is different, so carefully observe your dog’s behavior and needs, and adjust your actions accordingly.
Also, if you're moving with children, there’s a lot to think about—check out our tips for a successful move with kids.
