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Moving can be a great joy, but it can also cause a lot of stress. This is doubly so for our furry companions, as they need routines to feel safe. If you’re looking to buy a home and want to ease the transition for your dog, here are some steps you need to consider.

The Hunt

While it's natural to want a dog to love their potential new home, it’s best if they stay behind for viewings. After all, you never know if someone has an allergy, or if there could be an accident at the property. With that in mind, have a reliable pet sitter on hand, and give them a list of instructions for last-minute showings. Even if Fido won't go to viewings, research city codes and HOA rules, and take the house’s features into consideration. Prioritize homes with decently sized yards and easy-to-clean flooring, as well as anything else specific to your dog's needs.

Plan Your Car Trip

No matter how far (or close) you’re moving, you must be prepared to have your dog travel by car. Even if you’re only moving a few streets away, you have to keep you and your pup safe by restraining them when in a vehicle. If you’re going on a long trip, you’ll need to plan for breaks to stretch your pup’s legs, hydrate, and use the bathroom. It’s also wise to get your car serviced at least a week before the move to give yourself time to deal with any necessary repairs.

How to Handle Moving Day

Moving day itself may be absolute chaos, and you will want to protect your pooch from that as much as possible. So, if you have friends or family who can take your pet for the day, it’s best to use them to give your pup some peace. With them out of the equation, you’ll be less stressed and worried — and so will they. However, if you don’t have anyone who can watch your dog, take advantage of an experienced pet sitter to look after them. Thankfully, there are now countless ways to find one, so get online to choose the most qualified professionals available.

Make Adjustments Before You Move

If you need to make modifications to your new property, it's wise to get it done before you move. There are the basic tasks, like doing a comprehensive deep clean while the house is empty, but also adjustments that may be specific to your family. For instance, if your yard doesn’t have an adequate fence, you should have one installed before your dog arrives. Luckily, in Los Angeles, the cost to have a wood fence put in averages at $1,766 to $3,830, so you won’t break the bank giving your furball the security they need. Lastly, plants around the yard are easily overlooked, so make sure to verify what each one is and whether it’s toxic to pups.

Help Your Pet Settle In

Unfamiliar homes can be scary places for our dogs. There will be fresh smells, new sleeping spaces, and their routine will be disrupted. With that in mind, you need to keep their patterns as stable as possible. To help, surround them with comforting scents and allow them to retreat to a safe space when they need to. A cuddle pouch or cave is an excellent alternative to a crate or dog bed, since the warm, closed environment helps naturally ease anxiety by making your pet feel protected. If practical, take some time off work so they can be near you as they adjust to this strange new environment. They will need plenty of love, as well as patience, since they may make some mistakes. There's no denying this period is going to be challenging for them, so give them every ounce of compassion you have.

Our pets are part of our families, and we must consider their needs as well. By ensuring their safety and happiness, we can ensure our own. This should be a time for joy, and by easing your pup during this transition, it can be an easy one for the entire household.

Wait, there is more:

Have you budgeted for the true cost of homeownership? Let’s take a look at upfront and ongoing costs you might not have thought about.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Author: Cindy Aldridge