If you’ve ever moved, you know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Now, try to put yourself in your dog’s shoes. For you, it’s a messy, exhausting transition, but for a dog, it’s a confusing, unpredictable event they can’t make sense of.

New sights, smells, and routines can create stress. But you can make the transition easier. Learn what to do to put your dog at ease during a move, like planning ahead, ensuring a safe travel experience, and managing moving stress, so you and your four-legged friend can settle into your new place.

In This Article:

Preparing Your Dog for the Move

Moving can be stressful for your dog, but with some planning, you can make the transition easier and safely move your dog to their new home.

First, since familiar routines help dogs feel safe, try not to disrupt their daily habits. Even if your house is filling up with boxes, stick to their usual feeding, walking, and playtime schedule. If you suddenly start skipping walks or changing mealtimes, they’ll pick up on the disruption and become uneasy.

You can also help your dog feel more comfortable with boxes, packing supplies, and other unfamiliar objects in their home. Before packing, bring in a few boxes and let your dog investigate them at their own pace. Avoid making a big event out of it. Just let them take in new scents and surroundings without rushing them.

Try to also acclimate your dog to a crate or carrier before the move if they’re not used to one. Set it up in a familiar space, toss in their favorite blanket or a few treats, and let them explore it on their own. This will make transport day safer and much less stressful when you hit the road.

A smooth transition starts with proper preparation—make sure your dog’s vaccines are current and their medication supply is sufficient. Also, different states have different pet health risks. Talk to your vet about heartworm prevention and any required vaccinations, and get a copy of your pup’s medical records in case you need a new vet right away.

Ensuring a Healthy Home Environment

Your dog’s new home should be a safe, comfortable space, and that starts with clean air. It’s no secret that indoor air quality impacts health. So, although most dogs spend the majority of their time indoors, the air they’re exposed to at home can be harmful if left unchecked. Contaminants in the air can trigger allergic reactions, make existing lung conditions more severe, and cause long-term damage.

Dust, mold, pet dander, and chemical fumes from paint, cleaners, or new carpeting are just some of the factors that affect indoor air quality. If your dog starts sneezing, coughing, or scratching excessively, air quality could be the issue.

To improve the air in your new home, focus on ventilation. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters while keeping windows open when possible can significantly improve indoor air quality. Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners and opting for pet-safe, non-toxic products is also a good move. Also, change HVAC filters regularly and keep humidity levels balanced to prevent mold growth.

It’s important to look for signs of dog stress before, during, and after the move, like excessive panting, drooling, pacing, whining, or sudden changes in behavior. Some dogs become withdrawn and sleep more than usual, while others may have accidents indoors or develop digestive issues like diarrhea.

To reduce your dog’s stress, create a quiet, familiar space where they can relax when they feel overwhelmed. Use their favorite bed, toys, and blankets to make them feel safe and comfortable.

Exercise and play are also powerful stress relievers. A nice, long walk or a game of fetch helps burn off nervous energy and keeps their mind engaged. Don’t forget to give positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to reassure them when they handle new situations well.

Maintaining a Routine for Stability

After you move, try to keep your dog’s old routine as stable as possible to help them settle into their new home. Daily dog routines provide structure and bring some familiarity into a world that might seem a bit chaotic at the moment.

One way to keep your dog on a routine is to stick to their usual feeding times. Even if your schedule is hectic, keeping their meals consistent lets your dog know that not everything has changed. Walks should also happen at their regular times, if possible. Feel free to explore the new neighborhood and discover new places together while maintaining your pup’s typical walking schedule.

Avoid sudden schedule changes if you can. If you need to adjust anything, introduce the change as gradually as possible. For example, if you need to shift their dinner time from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., feed them at 6:15 for a few days, then 6:30, and so on, until they’ve adjusted.

Help Your Dog Feel at Home in a New Place

Moving is a big change for a dog, and your furry friend will look to you to make it easier. Keep their routine as intact as possible, watch for signs of stress, and make your new home a healthy space for your dog. And be patient as your dog adjusts. With time, they’ll settle into their environment and start enjoying their new home with you.