Helpful Tips for Moving Home with a Dog

Moving home with a dog can be really exciting, but it can also be stressful for dogs. It is important to plan ahead and make the transition as easy and comfortable for them as possible. 

This article will provide you with practical tips on relocating a dog into your new home to ensure their experience is positive and stress-free. There are several things you can do to make this transition easier for them. From introducing them to the area and setting up their vets to providing your dog with a safe space and helping your dog to settle in by spending a little extra time with them whilst they get comfortable.

Preparing your dog before the move

Before moving with a dog, there are some things you can do to help make the transition a little bit easier for them. Try to stick to your dog’s routine as much as you can; this will help them find comfort in their routine and reduce stress. Introduce things like moving boxes and packing materials gradually to ensure they are familiar with them, which can help to ease any moving day anxiety. 

If you are moving locally, you can even take your dog to the new area and familiarise them with the surroundings and set up their new vets to help them to settle in faster. If you are moving long distance, you can always join Facebook groups or community group chats to start building relationships with neighbours and set up some doggy playdates for when you arrive. This can help your dog to settle in and find excitement in the move, too. It is important to ensure you keep an eye on your dog for any discomfort or stress, as every dog will adapt at varying speeds.

What to do on moving day when relocating a dog

Moving day can be stressful for you, let alone your dog. The best thing to do when relocating a dog is to keep your dog in a quiet and calm space – maybe your friend’s house or the neighbours’ – while you ensure everything is packed and ready to go. 

Once you are on your way, ensure your dog is transported safely in a crate or seat harness. Provide adequate breaks for your dog to stretch their legs and have any toilet breaks. Once you arrive at your new home, use familiar bedding, toys and treats. This will reduce stress and offer extra attention to your dog during their transition phase.

Settling your dog into the new home

Here comes the fun bit: settling your furry friend into their new home. Any dog lover out there understands just how important dogs are to the family, and this new home is just as much theirs as it is yours, so you need to make sure they have their space too.

Designate a dog-friendly space for their bed and a few familiar toys which they can go to when feeling stressed or tired from the move. Stick to their routine as much as you can whilst you unpack and get settled in. You can even gradually introduce them to the new environment, room by room, if your dog is feeling overwhelmed. Always make sure you offer extra attention to your dog during the first few days.

Watch for behavioural changes

It is important to understand that moving home with a dog can come with some complications. It is normal for dogs to experience anxiety and exhibit some strange or different behaviour. Just keep an eye on your dog and offer comfort and support. If they seem out of character for too long, consider speaking to a vet or an animal behaviourist.

Remember, moving home with a dog is an exciting adventure for you both, and it is important to ensure you make their move as easy as possible by being prepared and supporting them the whole way. Moving your dog into a new home can be a smooth experience. Just follow our practical tips and advice on moving with a dog.

At Magenta Self Storage, we understand how stressful moving can be, especially with pets. Our clean and secure units provide the perfect environment for personal self storage. This allows you to focus on moving and ensuring your family and pets are safe and stress-free. While also allowing you the time to gradually unpack and move in. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help smooth your move.