If you have a pet and you are moving to a new home this year, these tips can help make these hectic times less stressful and definitely easier on your furry friend.

As any new beginning, moving to a new place is exciting. However, it can be a difficult transition for your pet, even more than it is for you.

Like every year during moving season, many families change homes and prepare for the big day in advance. As a dog owner, keep in mind your pet when organizing your to do list and remember that they could feel neglected while you are busy packing and organizing. A good way to avoid this is to plan ahead and ensure that they receive attention both during in the days leading up to and on the actual moving day.

Dogs are territorial animals; they guard and protect everything in their house. So, when you start packing your belongings, piling boxes in the corner of a room, and moving furniture around, your dog will certainly sense something is about to happen. Moving is one of the most common factors that could cause your fur baby to suffer from anxiety.

Following The Trail To Happiness

Since every cloud has a silver lining, the harmful effects of the confinement, lockdowns and stay-at-home orders during the pandemic spiked the number of people of all ages who decided to leave big cities for quieter and more affordable neighborhoods. Whether it is people who felt jailed inside small apartments or people who choose working from home as a lifestyle, they look for houses with enough room to set a home office and a private yard to grow their food or for their pet and/or children to enjoy natural living.

If you are thinking of moving to a home with at least a few square feet of grass, you are aware that this will certainly make your pet the happiest they’ve ever been. In any case, when planning your move, you can take these simple steps to help avoid or reduce your dog’s anxiety and turn a chaotic time into a more enjoyable experience.

Things to consider before your move

1. Get copies of your dog’s medical records from your veterinarian.
2. Get identification tags with your new home address for your dog.
3. Get a crate where your pet can feel comfortable before, during and after the move.
4. Do all your packing in a restricted area or room of the home to avoid your pet marking their territory and running your packages.
5. If your new home is nearby, take your pet for a visit and let them familiarize themselves with the sights and smells of their new neighborhood.
6. If you are driving for a few days, plan ahead and book pet-friendly accommodations.
7. If you’re flying, check airlines’ regulations for transporting your pet and try to book a direct flight to make the trip easier on them.
8. Contact the appropriate government officials to find out what their regulations are regarding animals, as some places may require an entry permit for pets.

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Things to consider on moving day

1. Allow your pet to walk through the house and yard.
2. Confine your dog to a place where they feel safe and out of the way of the movers.
3. Make sure they have food, water as well as their favorite toys, bed, and even treats.
4. Spend some quality time with them whenever you can to avoid them feeling isolated and minimize their anxiety and stress.
5. Pack their favorite food, toys, and other familiar items in such a way that you can give it to them as soon as possible upon arrival at the new house.

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What to do upon arrival at the new house

Once the move is completed, allow your pets to go the yard and relieve themselves as well as explore the house under your supervision. Make sure to place disposable potty pads around the house, especially over rugs and at the corners of the rooms, as they may instinctively want to mark their new home as their territory.

Moving day is a busy day, including for shelters, since many pets are abandoned while many others get lost. To prevent your dog from wandering away, do not let them alone outside and keep them on leash every time you are outdoors.

To avoid your dog become an obstacle as you unpack and get settled, place them in a room with their bed, crate, toys, food and water. You can keep the door closed, but if possible, use a pet barrier to keep them safe in a restricted area, but able to see the family.

While you are busy unpacking, it is easy to lose track of time. So, set your alarm to ensure that you feed your pet as usual and take them out for their daily walk, always on leash.

Your dog loves you, so they will adapt quick to the new environment to make you happy. If your dog misbehaves, know that it is a sign of anxiety. Be patient and make them to feel loved and safe. Keep in mind that your dog will demand some attention to avoid feeling neglected as they adjust to the new house.

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Every year moving month is a sad one for many pets who are left behind. However, as more people are trading their busy urban lifestyle for larger houses with bigger yards, more people have the space to adopt a dog and ensure a good quality of life for the entire family. Children will certainly live a happier and healthier life playing in the backyard with their four-legged friend, so it appears that dogs are not the only real winners of the Covid-19 pandemic.

So, if you are planning to move, be prepared, give your dog lots of love and affection, and enjoy your new home!