Pets are territorial animals, and changing their habitat is stressful enough even without the strain of the relocation process. As they tend to sense our mood swings, moving with dogs can be stressful for them too. However, you’re not alone! Just consider that 86.9 million U.S. homes, or 66% of all houses own a pet. So, let’s prepare for the new chapter in your lives reducing the negative impacts as much as possible.
Keep your furry friend from a stress environment during the relocation
Prepare Adequately for Moving With a Dog to a New Home
Did you know that people in the US love dogs the most (65.1 million homes have a dog)? But if you’re relocating for the first time, the whole process can become a bit more challenging for both you and your furry friend. Changing the routine is one of the factors to consider when relocating with dogs. It is easier if their social group, meaning us and other animals they live with, stays the same.
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Maintaining Routine and Comfort for Your Dog During the Move
It’s also significant for them if their routine of taking food, sleeping, and going for a walk stays in place. If this routine is going to be modified in the future household, it is recommended to start changing it in your old house, so that the animal can adopt the new rhythm.
Pet’s familiar bed and toys will help it feel at home. That’s why you need to keep those things because they will encourage your pet to stay in a good mood and be amused while you start unpacking. Older dogs and dogs with chronic illnesses may need more time to adapt, but they will come to it eventually.
During the wrapping process, no matter if you’ve booked professional long-distance moving services, or doing it yourself, be sure to follow some steps that will make the whole process stress-free. The first thing to do is to leave your dog’s bed and toys for the last box, as it may entertain it and keep it calm.
Besides, once you arrive at your destination, a professional long-distance moving company won’t search for the box since it will be one of the first things you take out and place in your new house.
33% of pet owners are millennials, making them the biggest group of pet owners
Small things can be a game changer when relocating with furry friends
If Possible, Introduce Your Dog to Your New Home Before Actually Moving In
Before letting the dog in your new house, you need to inspect the place first for any potentially dangerous stuff that may have been left by the previous owners, such as cleaning chemicals, poisons, etc. Then you can take out its bed, place it somewhere quiet, and let it explore the new house. This preemptive visit can significantly ease your pet’s transition and reduce anxiety associated with new environments.
During the visit, allow your dog to explore different rooms and sniff around the yard if available. This familiarity will help them feel more secure when they encounter these spaces again after the move. If multiple visits are feasible, consider bringing some of their favorite toys or even a piece of furniture during these initial trips, so they can start associating the new home with comfort and safety.
Keeping Your Furry Friend Calm and Secure When Cross-Country Moving
As already mentioned, your pet will react to your behavior, so staying calm will help them stay calm, too. Even if they do not understand what we are saying, talk to them softly, as they will sense a positive mood and care and respond to it adequately. If your dog is transported in a carrier and is not used to it, you should let it smell and inspect it. Also, don’t forget to put its favorite blanket and treats inside to make it feel at home.
There are also calming medications you can search from your vet, or other items designed to reduce stress. Microchips and ID tags are very important accessories, as they will help you find your dog in case he gets lost or escapes out of fear. But, despite this, you should check with your vet about the required vaccinations and documents.
Microchip and ID tag can be useful in case dogs gets lost or escapes
Make Sure Your Pets Have Enough Exercise
Dogs need their physical exercise and they usually tend to be calm after they had a long walk or training. Profit from this fact by taking it out longer and playing the game of fetch to get it tired. This will likely keep it calmer during the relocation. Too much energy is bound to create problems during this time.
That’s why it’s best to hire Long Distance USA Movers and experience the ease of moving. We have an experienced crew with top-notch packing service. That way you can focus on other aspects of the relocation and be the one to take your furry friend on the much-needed walk.
Keep Them Entertained and Safe While Cross-Country Movers Do Their Job
Along with the mentioned physical training, your dog should be exercised mentally as it may keep it busy while you are packing. Play “hide and seek” around the moving boxes while loading them. By using its favorite toys or food, you will also help it get accustomed to boxes.
Keeping your pooch busy with different types of entertainment can facilitate your packing process
Moving Dog to New Home – What to Do?
The best option for the relocation day would be to have a friend or family member take care of your dog, as too many people (including family) and things being moved around will lead to anxiety. If that is not an option, the best way to create a relaxed atmosphere is to place your pet in its bed with its toys and food in a quiet room where it will not be disturbed.
Packing Service
Sit back and relax, we’ve got packing services covered. We use moving blankets, shrink wrap, bubble wrap and even custom wooden crating. Your stuff will be protected and carefully handled during the move.
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Move your car across the country in an open or enclosed trailer – for an affordable fee. We offer car transport as a standalone service, but you can bundle it with your household move and get a hefty discount.
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Our spacious climate-controlled units will protect your things until the drop-off. No need to worry about them because all items are labeled and secure, and each customer gets a dedicated unit mixup isn’t possible.
Learn moreUse All the Resources You Have
As relocation can be an unpredictable activity, it is always better to have your dog somewhere else on that day. We recommend you find such a solution by using all the resources available. It could be your friend, a family member, a professional sitter, or even a boarding facility it is accustomed to. However, one of the best things you can do in this situation is to hire professional long-distance movers. They will take care of the most tedious tasks on your to-do list so you can take care of your furry friend.
Have enough patience with your pooch
Explore the State’s Regulations and Laws You’re Relocating To
Interstate relocation can be tricky as different states have different laws and regulations. You should know that some countries search for a mandatory quarantine lasting up to six months before they allow them to enter the state. So ensure you are informed on time about this by the US Department of Agriculture. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
- Police must be told about any dogs with tattoos – Connecticut,
- People who make mean faces at dogs could get fined or go to jail – Oklahoma,
- Dogs can’t bark after 6 p.m. – Little Rock, Arkansas,
- Dogs and cats fighting is against the law – Barber, NC,
- You can’t bring your French Poodle to the opera – Chicago, Illinois.
Be Patient With Your Dog
Bear in mind that your dog does not understand what the fuss is all about, so its anxiety with relocation is a whole lot bigger than yours. If the animal is expressing it by excessive barking, whining, or another type of behavior, you should know this sign is a normal reaction to a strange situation. Therefore, be ready to show a lot of patience.
When moving a dog to a new home, apart from trying to keep them calm during the relocation day, you need to consider their reaction to the new home. It works in our favor that they are blindly attached to us, and as long as we are together, they will adapt to any situation. The key to the solution is planning and preparation, so think about it in advance and use all the resources at your disposal to make it easier for you and your dog.
Did you know that 38% of dog owners got them from rescue or animal shelter
Book Professional Cross-Country Moving Services and Ensure a Smooth and Stress-Free Move With Your Pets
Relocating with your furry friends requires careful planning and attention to their needs to ensure a smooth transition. Remember to maintain their routine, introduce them gradually to the new environment, and keep them calm and secure throughout the process. For a hassle-free move that takes your furry friend’s comfort into account, consider hiring professionals like Long Distance USA Movers.
Our experience in handling pet-friendly relocations can make a significant difference in easing the stress of moving. Contact Long Distance USA Movers today to ensure that both you and your pet have a pleasant experience.
