How to Have a Safe Move With Your Dog

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Moving is an exciting and stressful time for anyone, and it’s no different for your furry companion. Many dogs take moving in stride, but for some, the loss of their familiar home and routine can be upsetting. When you are considering purchasing a new home, keep your dog in mind when finding a new house with these tips from realtor Susan De Leon.

House Hunting and Planning

Purchasing a new home can be an exciting journey. You have a list of wants and needs when you begin your search, but being the guardian of a dog means you have another level of needs to consider. This might mean you’ll need to adjust your home-buying budget in consideration of your furry friend, something that you can discuss with a trusted realtor like Susan De Leon.

For example, if you have an older or smaller dog that has difficulty navigating stairs, you will probably want a single-story home. This could actually be a money-saver, since two-story homes are more desirable for many of today’s buyers. On the other hand, a fenced-in yard provides the safety and security of your pet and others in the neighborhood, but may add slightly to the price tag of a home. However, it’s well worth the expense, because your perimeter barrier can mean the difference between a happy move and a missing pup.

Once you’ve purchased your new home, coordinating the move is the next step. There’s packing and cleaning out items you no longer want or need, in addition to planning the logistics of the move day. With all of this activity, your dog may become anxious. Try your best to stick to your and your dog’s normal routine as much as possible. Familiarize him with the moving boxes before you start frantically packing. Let him sniff all the supplies and get used to them before they start invading his space.

Familiarizing your pup to their surroundings also applies to vacation rentals. For many people, these are like second homes where they stay for extended periods from time to time, so be sure to allow for plenty of sniffing inside and outside the unit each time you use your rental. It’s also a good idea to bring the doggie bed and best-loved toys to ease their anxiety.

Moving Day

It’s time to get moving! All of your anxiety and excitement have built up to this moment, and your dog is probably feeling it, too. How can you make this transition smooth for the both of you? The AKC recommends reducing your dog’s food by one-third a few days before the move, so he won’t have a full tummy when he’s bouncing in a car or rocking on a plane.

With all of the commotion of moving furniture and boxes from your old home on the day of the move, it may be best to arrange someone to take care of your dog away from the hustle and bustle. This eases his stress and ensures he is safe. If you can’t make these arrangements, find a local moving company with a team that is comfortable around dogs.

Secure your dog in a room with their usual comforts, and alert movers to the room by putting up a “Do Not Open” sign so they don’t open the door and Fido bolts or nips out of fear. Continually check on your dog to ensure he is calm, offering reassuring snuggles, treats, and maybe a walk outside to keep him calm.

Settling Into Your New Home

You can breathe a sigh of relief now that the big hurdle of the move is over. You and your pup have arrived at your new house and begun to make it your home. It’s an adjustment for both of you to settle in to your new surroundings. Cesar’s Way notes that establishing a routine will help with a smooth transition. It’s likely some things have changed in your new home, but try to keep as close to your previous routine as possible, including regular walks in the neighborhood.

For those times when you anticipate being away for short periods of time, consider crate training your pup. This is especially important when you first move into your new place, before you’ve had a chance to thoroughly dog-proof the house to avoid Fido from getting into something he shouldn’t. Of course, utilizing crate training to help with potty training is also a great idea.

To give you peace of mind and ensure your dog is adjusting to your new home, it may be beneficial to purchase a dog monitor camera, most of which are very affordable. This allows you to check in on your pup when you’re away, giving you comfort and security that all is well. With a wide range of options available, you can find the right monitor for you and your dog.

Ultimately, a move is a big life change for everyone involved. Stress and anxiety are bound to pop up at some point for you and your pet. The key to settling into your new home as quickly as possible is getting back to a routine and practicing patience and compassion with your dog.

Susan De Leon of Coldwell Banker Realty can help you navigate the Florida housing market with ease. Give her a call today at 850-449-0647 to get started!

Guest Article by Penny Martin