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My dog is no stranger to moving. Together, we’ve moved apartments, cities, and states. We’ve moved during suffocating Miami summers and freezing Chicago polar vortexes. Once, we moved cross country with just three days’ notice. And while she isn’t much help when it comes to packing or carrying boxes, my dog always knows how to make a move easier on me. In turn, I go out of my way to make moving easier on her as well.
Moving with pets can be tricky. Whether you’re moving pets across country or just to a new place in your same town, the general sense of upheaval will feel the same to them. Animals are notoriously territorial, and they feel stress just as much as humans do (if not more, since they can’t talk it out). They’re experts at reading the body language of their people, and can easily pick up on – and appropriate – the anxiety and strain that is typical during the moving process. They’re also tied to routine, and can get confused and alarmed by the sudden shift in the to-do list.
But while dogs are all of these things, they’re also surprisingly adaptable. Home is wherever they’re together with you, not any individual four walls. As for the process of moving itself, it’s going to be a little chaotic for your dog no matter what you do. It’s par for the course. But thankfully, there are some things you can do to make it easier – and maybe even a little fun – for your furry one.
Condition them to moving supplies before you start packing
Is there anything inherently scary about cardboard boxes and rolls of duct tape? No. Does that mean that your dog won’t be scared of them when they take over your house? Also no. This is especially true if you have a dog that gets nervous at the site of a suitcase, as mine does. A few days before you get into the nitty-gritty of packing, leave out a few boxes, a roll of packing tape, and other packing supplies for them to sniff and examine. When the time comes to get started, they’ll be less alarmed by all these weird new items taking over their space.
Stick to your normal routine as much as possible
Time has a way of losing meaning when you’re prepping for a move. Those of us generally in bed by 10pm might find ourselves still sorting through cabinets and packing boxes at two in the morning, or eating lunch at 4pm because it simply slipped by earlier in the day. And while a week or so of being off-schedule is fine for humans, our dogs are a bit more tied to structure. It helps them figure out what to expect from their people and their lives, in turn building trust in their environment. Thus, a set, recognizable routine is almost more important during a time of disruption than it is during their normal day-to-day.To the best of your ability, take care during each stage of your move to keep your dog on their same schedule in terms of meals, potty breaks, and walks. If you normally spend 15 minutes tossing a ball around in the backyard right before dinner, don’t skip it just because you’re on a roll with packing. The more you can stick to your dog’s normal routine, the better you’ll set them up to view the move with curiosity, not fear.
Exercise, exercise, exercise
Exercise is crucial not just for your dog’s physical health, but for their mental wellbeing. Plus, you know what they say: a tired dog is a good dog. Letting your pup expend some extra energy is a great way to keep their stress levels down and help them stay calm. So add some time onto your daily walk, stick around the dog park longer, and keep that game of fetch going until they get tired of it. If you know you just won’t have the time, ask a friend or trusted dog walker to come by and help you out. Just don’t skip exercise entirely, which can result in a frustrated dog with too much energy to chill out.
Keep them entertained
In addition to exercising your dog physically, you can also use brain games to exercise them mentally and keep them occupied while you’re busy with other things. Take advantage of the inevitable state of your home during a move and set up a game of “hide and seek,” placing their favorite toys or treats behind or under boxes for them to find. Or, pick up a treat puzzle and let them go to town figuring it out. For a simple DIY puzzle, place small treats or pieces of kibble in the cups of a muffin tin and cover each opening with a tennis ball. Your dog will love digging for treasure while you’re busy with something else.
Set up a quiet spot for retreat
Moves have a way of completely taking over your home. That’s why it’s important to make sure you always leave your dog a clean, quiet corner that’s all theirs, preferably in an area that doesn’t get a ton of foot traffic. This is important to do not just while packing up your old home, but while settling in to your new one as well. This area should have your pet’s bed and/or crate and some of their favorite things, be it blankets, bones, stuffed toys, etc. All of these items carry a familiar and comforting scent that will help ease your pup into relaxation during an otherwise stressful period. Particularly in your new place, they’ll signify that even with all of the changes, wherever they are is “home.”
Make use of anxiety aids
There are a number of anxiety solutions available for dogs. For my own dog, I use CBD treats to calm her anxiety during normally stressful situations like thunderstorms, fourth of July fireworks, and of course, moves. These treats are made from the cannabis plant, but have no THC or psychoactive properties. Instead, they have a nice calming effect that takes the edge off otherwise stressful situations. You can also ask your vet about prescription calming medications, such as Alprazolam or Diazepam. Other options include a stress-reducing Thundershirt or calming collars. Test any anxiety aid prior to moving so that you can ensure that when the time comes they will actually be effective.
Find another place for them to be on moving day
One of the best things you can do for your dog on moving day is to get them out of the picture entirely. Stressed dogs have a way of always being right under your feet, which can be dangerous for both of you when you’re moving heavy objects. Even if your dog is taking the move relatively well, it’s easier to get things done if they’re not around until everything is dropped off at your new house or apartment. Find a friend or family member to watch them for the day, take them to a boarding facility they’re already comfortable with, or ask a dog walking company if they have a sitter that could take your dog into their home for several hours. If you go the latter route, be sure to set it up far enough ahead of time so your dog gets a chance to meet the sitter first. In addition to making moving day safer, it will be nice to not have to worry about walks and mealtimes when you’ve got so much else going on.
Practice patience and compassion
Moves are a harried time for you and your dog alike, but only you actually understand what’s going on. Try as you might, your dog isn’t going to get what’s happening – even if they’ve been through it before – and it’s normal for issues like barking, whining, neediness, or other bad behaviors to arise both during the moving process and in the first few weeks settling in to your new home. Instead of letting your own stress bleed in to how you respond, remember that your dog is likely confused and anxious about what’s going on, and the best thing you can do for them is to be empathetic to their situation. Use positive reinforcement techniques to counter negative behaviors, and never let your own stress turn into anger – it’s not going to solve anything. If your pet still isn’t acclimating after a month or so, reach out to a rewards-based trainer for assistance.
You’re never going to be able to completely eliminate the stress of moving for your dog, but you can do everything in your power to make the situation easier and help them adapt to their new situation. Sure it’s more work on top of what you’re already doing, but it’s always going to be worth it.
Before You Move With Your Dog
If only you could just snap your fingers and be in your new home, all settled. Sadly, moving is never that easy … or magical. And before you hit that phase of just literally throwing stuff into boxes and hoping it makes it to the next location, you need to give your dog time to adjust to all the new things needed to move—like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and your silent screams (Kidding. But not really).
Donât Buy New Dog Gear Yet
Itâs natural to want to buy new stuff when you move to a new house. But in the beginning, keep your dogâs old stuff for at least a few weeks until theyâre used to the place. Yes, I know itâs not ideal to bring a nasty, fur-covered old dog bed and water bowls with dings in them to your new home, but those things are comforting to your dog, so donât take them away. If your urge to buy new things for your dog is overwhelming, indulge it with new toys or things to chew on.
Tips for MOVING with a DOG | Reduce STRESS During a Move
Much as we’d all like to think otherwise, moving is never a fun-filled party. But a move with dogs can be downright traumatic — for you and for your dog.
“Pets don’t really understand what’s happening, and it’s up to us to make them comfortable,” says Julie Hansen, a veterinarian and chair of veterinary technology at Argosy University in Eagan, Minn. But careful planning before, during, and after the move can make the experience easier on everyone. Here’s how to pull that off.
This is easier said than done, but the best way to keep animals calm when moving is to stay calm yourself — or at least fake it and refrain from uncensored freak-outs in front of your pets, says Walter Woolf, a veterinarian and owner of Air Animal Pet Movers, which facilitates pet moves throughout the world.
Woolf advises clients to talk to their pets about the upcoming move, explain where they’re going, and what life will be like there. No, Rex won’t understand the actual words. But your calm voice will project calmness to your pet, Woolf says, setting a positive mood.
If your pet has never flown before, prepare him for the airplane ride by taking him through a car wash, which will simulate the sounds and motion of flight, Woolf says. Speak calmly to your pet while the water and brushes swish around your car. 