Have you ever thought about moving cities but were held back because you didn’t want to stress out your pup? Moving by yourself is already scary enough, and now you’ve got to think about yourself AND how your pup might adapt to the move and a new place. However, I’m happy to report that it isn’t as bad as you might imagine. The key is preparation! Here are a few things that helped to make my move as easy as possible:
Transportation
This may sound silly, but it’s helpful to figure out how you will get to your new home. If you’re moving clear across the country, you can embrace the van life and have an excellent road-tripping adventure. Flying can also be easy if you prepare in advance! When I first moved with my pup, we took a three-hour flight because she was prone to car sickness, and she was perfectly calm and happy, easing all my initial worries! Before the flight, read up on all the tips for traveling on a plane with your pup.
Logistics for your new home
You can research what your pup will need online, or in my case, I went to scout it out before bringing my pup with me. I looked for a primary dog walker, a doggy daycare, dog parks, dog-friendly areas, and a vet, and made sure to update my pup’s pet food address. Not only did this reassure me before the move that everything would be okay, but it made sure that I could immediately jump into my old routine in the new city. I also checked whether the doggy insurance I had was still valid, given the new address (it was!). I had all my pup’s vaccination and medical records on file and electronically available, so I could access them anytime.
Pre-move walk
On the day of the flight, I brought Rachel on a two-hour fast walk instead of our usual hour-long stroll. Then we embarked on a vigorous game of fetch. These were both great ways to have some bonding before the stress of the move and also to tire her out so she could just sleep during the transportation itself. It can be great to play some enrichment games as well, so your pup is tired mentally too!
Arrival
When you first arrive at your new home, give your pup some time to explore the new space. My pup did her thing and checked out every inch of the new place while I set up her bed, blankets, and toys in the corner of my room and her food and water bowls in the kitchen. As tempting as it can be to go exploring the city immediately, sticking to your usual routine is essential for your pup and makes it easier to adapt to your new city. Since late afternoons are “quiet time” for us, I didn’t want to deviate from the routine, so I put Rachel into her bed with a treat, and we stayed quietly in the room for an hour or two. Dogs love routine, and any drastic change can make any dog anxious. Try sticking to the usual bedtime as well (though it can be hard when there’s a time change)!
Exploration
Taking your pup for a walk can be the perfect way to explore your new neighborhood. Checking out the local dog park can be good socialization for your pup, and hopefully, you’ll get to meet a few pet parents in the vicinity and make some instant friends.
If your dog is sniffing around and curious, let them! Just like you are processing loads of new information, your pup is doing the same. However, if your pup seems to be struggling with the transition or feeling stressed, playing a game of fetch and giving them plenty of treats can help!
The first move is always the hardest. It’s better to over-prepare and laugh at yourself than be caught by a curveball. If you have any questions about moving with your pup, we’d love to hear about them at whatthepup@spotandtango.com.
