As the moving time approaches if you have a dog you are probably considering taking it along with you. It has been a good friend to you and you want it around again – no matter whether you are moving to a house or apartment. But this means that your moving will be a bit different. Having a pet along adds up a few more details to plan before the moving day arrives. When you are moving with your dogs and pets to a new home, you are wondering not solely what to do, but what to do first. In most cases you have many issues on your mind and the concern for your pet burdens your condition even more. Don’t let the care for your dogs bring you additional troubles, let it bring you joy. You’ll have the time needed to put things in order if you start your preparation early enough – as soon as you know you are moving begin planning. You just have to be prepared and know the basics for a stress free relocation. This is why we have made this complete guide and checklist for your convenience. It should make moving with your dog a much simpler and easier task to perform, making the moving more pleasant for you, knowing your dog will be safe and happy, and for your dog, too of course.
10 Things to Do When Moving with Dogs
- The first thing to do is check is whether you are allowed to travel with your dogs. There might be some restrictions. If you are moving out of state or internationally, like moving with dogs in Canada, be aware that different states’ laws and international law specifics may limit your pet’s free access. If your pet is not restricted in a particular state or country, there could be documents, including dog’s ID, needed to be presented to authorities – like proof of Rabies Vaccination. Your local licensed veterinarian is authorized to emit any certificates you might need. You might be moving with dogs overseas, to England for an example. Check the US government requirements for flying with pets for the country you are going to. This government site has extremely valuable information about the restricted species. It provides a list of countries, where you can find your destination, forbidden for import animals for each country and the certificates needed.
If you are moving with dogs out of state verify your aimed state’s recommendations. Examine The US State and Territory Animal Import Regulations that are applied. There are contacts and restrictions for every State of America. If you are flying with pets check the official recommendations regarding pet sizes and carriers of The International Airline Transportation Association (IATA). Also book a space for your dog when you book your own ticket. It is never too early to do so. Remember when planning your moving along with considering what to take with you – to also have in mind what your dog will be needing in the same time. If you do these two things alongside chances that you may forget something related to your dog diminish a lot. - If you are moving in the United States with dogs visit the US government requirements for pets’ import. There are the US Department of Agriculture rules for Importation of Pets and Other Animals into the United States.
- If you are exploring for a moving company, check rates for moving companies in your state. Obtain knowledge from people’s reviews of how they have successfully moved with dogs. Contact certain full service moving companies to find out their insurance policy and tips for transporting pets. Compare moving companies to find one that will move you and your pets.
If you are traveling with your dog, find a suitable carrier. The little one will enjoy the trip and be OK until it arrives at its new home.
- If possible, make sure your dogs travel with you, not with your luggage. Your dog can travel in a carrier, but if it is well tempered, it can travel freely. Most dogs are fond of riding in a car; you have seen them waving pulled faces at the wind across car windows. They aren’t like cats – freaked out about going in the vehicle. And if you take them along you will make moving more fun! You know how your dog can always make you smile!
- Arrange a few rides with your dog in the car before the moving day, especially if your dog has never traveled. Take it several times when going somewhere and see how it will react. If your dog is familiar with traveling it will enjoy the trip and it will leave you with happy memories and amusing photos.
- When you are planning your route, be aware that if you have to stay in hotels and motels, your dogs might not be allowed inside. Your dog cannot stay in the car, so do some research. There are particular motel chains that are hospitable to pets. Find one on your route before the moving day. Usually the hotel websites states if you can take your animal inside but if it doesn’t just call them to ask.
- Make a special dog bag that includes items like: chew bones, a blanket, dog’s documentation, toys, treats, pet food, grooming brush, leash and so on. Do not buy new stuff – you don’t need to. Get your dog’s own toys and items. Surround your dog with familiar things. It will make your dog less stressed during the transportation. If you give it the toys it likes and it has used to that will decrease any discomfort it may have later.
- Consider finding a new vet for your pet. Go to see its veterinarian and ask for some recommendations. As you are moving to a new area while considering getting to know your neighborhood this may also help. Surely you will need someone to take care of your dog wherever you are relocating.
- If your dog is really nervous about the move and does not really cooperate no matter how much you’ve tried, ask your veterinarian for some light sedatives. A simple lavender candle can help. Don’t torment unduly your pet and yourself as well. Play with it a bit more for example – just a few more extra efforts on your side can make things better for your pet.
- Dogs get really excited when fuss is going on. If you are using some kind of self moving services, get people to help you manage. Take your dog to a friend to avoid the interruptions, while you are packing. In this way you know it will be safe at your absence around. This will help you focus on the move. Don’t break your pet’s routines too much. Keep the ordinary amount of walks and feedings a week or two before moving.
Check the fence of your new home before unleashing your dog. There might be week spots. Your dog will be confused and may try to escape.
- If for some reason you don’t want to travel in your car with your dog you can leave it at a pet hotel. Check the ones at your area or ask your vet to advice you on a good one. Sometimes it is a good idea to leave your pet there for a few days – while it is well taken care of you can arrange the last things in your packing and moving well. After the moving is over you can take your dog directly to its new home.
- When you arrive, keep your dog on a leash. It might be confused or try to escape. If you have a yard at your new place, check for holes in the garden palings. Also check the entry doors and make sure they are closed. Your dog may also be curious to get to know the new environment so pay attention to it. Different dogs react differently to a change in the home.
- Some living areas have restrictions. Before moving in make a check for that. Different living areas may have different regulations inside so check first to see if your pet is going to be allowed there.
- The last advice is to have fun. Dogs sense your emotions and follow your behavior. No doubt you have trained them well. All the efforts you make will pay off eventually. After all, your dog is a part of your previous life and will ease your own adjustment to the new environment. Let the new start be really fresh, do not spoil it with misguidance.
What you will finally need is a reputable moving company to handle your entire move. You can now find the best moving company based on your budget and schedule and get a free moving quote from professional movers now.
Whatever experience you might have had, share it. Don’t let others fail because of bad circumstances. Share your ideas and comments below. If you find these suggestions helpful, let others know.
If you are moving with different kinds of pets, check our Moving with Pets Tips. You may find more info about how to move your dog easily.
Instead of rewarding your boxer dog for barking, ignore them for 15 minutes or so, going about your normal routine until they have settled down and don’t link you coming home with them getting food.