If you’re relocating to Midland with a four-legged family member, you need to know what to do to de-stress your pet (and yourself) – but where do you start? Check out this guide to moving long-distance with a dog to get the answers you need.
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog: The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Pet Happy
Moving is stressful – and as people, we can talk things through to decompress. But what about your dog? How will your dog communicate her stress with you, what can you do to de-stress your pooch, and how can you keep her safe on your way to Midland (and beyond)? Check out these nine tips for moving long-distance with a dog:
- Stick to your routines before moving day.
- Update microchips and dog tags before you go.
- Get in some extra exercise.
- Give your pooch some brain teasers.
- Go for a long walk on moving day.
- Hire a pet sitter for the big day.
- Take lots of potty breaks (for both of you).
- Take a long walk around the new neighborhood before you enter your new home.
- Let your dog explore at his or her leisure.
Here’s a closer look at each.
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #1: Stick to Your Routines Before Moving Day
Most dogs thrive on routine, and any change could disrupt his or her natural rhythm – so try to stick to your routine as best you can. Even if you’re pressed for time because you have to pack, service people are coming in and out, or you have extra errands to run, do your best to keep your dog on his normal schedule throughout the packing and moving process.
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #2: Update Microchips and Dog Tags Before You Go
Visit your vet and have your dog’s microchip scanned. (You might be surprised to learn that microchips can migrate – we were!) While you’re at it, update her chip with your new address and, if necessary, new phone number. (We recommend using your cell phone number, though – it’s portable.) Get a new set of dog tags made at your favorite pet store, and make sure they feature your new address.
Pro Tip: Leave both sets of tags – new and old – on your pet on moving day. You can remove the old ones after you’re all settled in.
Related: How to move safely during a pandemic
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #3: Get in Some Extra Exercise
You and your dog will most likely benefit from a little extra exercise in the days leading up to moving day. Take an extra lap around the block, pick up a jog or spend a few extra minutes playing fetch (as long as your doctor and your vet are okay with it).
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #4: Give Your Pooch Some Brain Teasers
Toys that require your dog to work out a puzzle before delivering a treat can provide great mental stimulation. So can playing the game “Find It” around the house (where you hide treats out of your dog’s line of sight and encourage her to sniff them out). Your dog may need some extra mental stimulation to cope with the stress of all the moving boxes and her newly busy environment, so a little bit of brain training can go a long way to help.
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Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #5: Go for a Long Walk on Moving Day
On the big day, take your dog for an extra-long walk. Additional exercise will calm him (and you), and it’ll help him de-stress before movers come in and out of the house… or before he heads to his pet-sitter’s place (see Tip #6).
Related: How to announce your move in style
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #6: Hire a Pet Sitter for the Big Day
Keeping your four-legged family member safe on moving day may mean hiring a pet sitter or heading to a doggie daycare. Remember, the front door will be wide open for most of the day, and strangers will be coming in and out; both of those things can combine to an overwhelming urge for your dog to slip outside and run. If you can’t hire a pet sitter, clear out one room completely. Put your dog’s bed, favorite toys and crate in that room, along with a few of your personal items, and lock your dog inside. That way, she’ll be removed from the hustle-and-bustle of moving day – and she’ll stay safe and away from the front door.
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #7: Take Lots of Potty Breaks
Make frequent stops if you’re driving to Midland. There are plenty of rest stops along I-20, and there are long stretches with very little to see in both directions. Break up your trip into reasonable pieces and give your dog lots of opportunities to stretch his legs and relieve himself.
Pro Tip: Leave your dog’s harness on between stops so you don’t have to mess with it when it’s time for a break.
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #8: Take a Long Walk Around the New Neighborhood Before You Enter Your New Home
When you reach your new home, don’t go in right away. Instead, stroll around the neighborhood for a while before bringing in your dog. She’s just spent quite a while in the car, so she’ll be glad for a walk – and she’ll be more calm once you’re inside.
Related: 5 common offer mistakes new buyers make
Moving Long-Distance With a Dog – Tip #9: Let Your Dog Explore at His or Her Leisure
Many people prefer to let their pets explore one room at a time in a new home; they do that by closing off doors and minimizing their pet’s exposure to new spaces. Others prefer to walk through the home with the dog on a leash, letting the pet sniff, look and explore whatever he’d like. You can do whatever’s best for your dog – you know his personality and whether he has a sense of adventure – but the key is letting him check things out when he’s ready.
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