Patrick MacFarland ·
Updated January 16, 2024
Moving to a new place can be one of the most stressful events in life. As if packing up all your belongings, changing addresses and transferring utilities isn’t enough, you also have to make sure your furry family member is ready for the move. Luckily, adjusting to a new house when you’re moving with your dog doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience. Here are some useful tips to help you and your canine companion transition smoothly.
Research Your New Home
Before you move, take some time to research your new home. Find out if there are any pet-friendly parks or trails nearby and make sure to look up the regulations in your new city or town. Are there any specific requirements for licensing or vaccinations? Are there any breed-specific regulations? Knowing the local ordinances ahead of time will help you prepare your pup for a move and prevent any unexpected surprises.
Prepare Your Dog for Moving Day
The day of the move can be a bit overwhelming for your pup, so it’s important to prepare him or her for the experience. If your dog is used to riding in the car, make sure to take your dog to the vet or other local destinations to get your pup used to the car again. If your pup isn’t used to car rides, it’s important to introduce them slowly, starting with short rides and gradually increasing the time. Also, make sure to give your dog their favorite toy or blanket to help keep them comfortable during the trip.
Hiring Pet Transporters That Care
One way to ease the transition and help your dog to have little stress during the moving process is to hire empathetic transporters. The journey should be a happy ride for your dog.
Communication should be essential to keep your dog safe so they don’t feel stress and your peace of mind. If the pet transporter provides regular updates, that’s a good sign. Every pet transporter should also be registered with the USDA and adhere to all their rules and regulations.
How to Find the Best Dog Transport Companies
You should research to see which dog transport companies are the best. These companies can either ship your dog via ground transport or air travel. You can find hundreds of companies online. Read reviews online and join Facebook groups that will let you in on which companies are good and which to avoid. You can also visit IPATA’s website. They post informative articles about pet travel and answers to frequently asked questions.
The best pet shipping companies take all types of breeds (and even exotic pets). If they provide door-to-door delivery, it can relieve your pup’s stress and yours too.
If you find traditional pet transporters to be too expensive, consider listing a shipment on CitizenShipper’s pet transport marketplace! Our platform offers many advantages over traditional pet transporters. Post a listing to our site and a fleet of vetted and USDA-registered drivers will send you quotes within minutes. Once you choose the driver you like best, book your trip.
We pride ourselves in making pet shipping run the way it should — safe, seamless and stress-free. We want your beloved dog to be in good hands with the drivers on CitizenShipper.
Because drivers compete for your business, we can save you up to 60-70% compared to traditional shipping companies! CitizenShipper also provides some added benefits, like a $1,000 pet protection guarantee, Booking Assurance Guarantee, direct communication with the driver who provides updates and 24/7 TeleVet access through our partner FirstVet.
Stay Calm and Positive
Moving with a dog is stressful, the day of the move is even more stressful, It’s important to remain calm and positive around your pup. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their owners’ emotions and if you’re feeling anxious, your pup will likely pick up on it. When you’re packing up the house, try to keep your pup in a separate room away from the chaos. Also, make sure to give your pup plenty of love and attention throughout the day.
Set Up a Routine Quickly
Once you’ve arrived in your new home, it’s important to establish a routine as soon as possible. Dogs thrive on routine and it will help to make the transition easier. Make sure to stick to your pup’s normal feeding, walking and playtime schedule, as well as any other rituals you may have. This will help to create a sense of security and familiarity for your pup in their new environment. Spend time with your dog to help them adjust to a new home more easily.
Bottom Line
Moving with your pup doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips, you can make the transition easier for both you and your pup. With a little preparation and plenty of love, you and your furry friend can make a smooth transition to your new home.
Patrick MacFarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
