5 Tips for Moving House With A Dog

Sarah Dickerson DIY & Dog Lifestyle Writer

Sarah is a designer, photographer, pet lifestyle expert, health & animal advocate, wife, and devoted dog mom (humble servant) to her loving Shih Tzu, Coco Bean.

Since joining the Pretty Fluffy team in 2012, Sarah writes feature articles on dog treat recipes, dog DIYs, dog lifestyle tips and designed the “52 Weeks of Treats,” and “Frozen” eBooks, authored by Pretty Fluffy founder Serena Faber Nelson.

Let’s be honest, moving house with a dog in tow can be one of the most stressful times of your life. And if it’s stressful for us, you can just imagine how unsettling it must be for your dog as well.

I’m not sure I’ve ever met a person who just adores the moving process, but it doesn’t have to be the pits either!

I have moved several times with little Coco Bean by my side, so I have gathered up my top 5 tips to help make moving with a dog a little easier on everyone.

All dogs have their own personality and quirks and can react differently to moving, but I’m sure following these moving tips will help!

RELATED: Your Ultimate Guide for Cleaning with Pets

5 Tips for Moving House With A Dog

#1. Safety first

Moving house means digging those long-lost items out of storage and emptying out all your cupboards and cabinets. This also means total Disney World for most dogs, and their curiosity will more than likely kick in!

It is super easy to forget that some of these items can be potentially hazardous if your dog were to get ahold of them. They could also be items you simply don’t want torn to shreds.

Remembering to sift through and keep those items out of reach can save you many headaches, and most importantly, prevent your dog from any potential danger.

Loading and unloading items between your home and a moving truck means that front door is going to be open numerous times and more chances for your dog to escape. Make sure the pupster is always in a safe spot indoors, and wearing his or her collar and pet ID tag.

The only thing that can be more stressful than moving with a dog, is moving while also trying to find your dog!

#2. Make it a positive experience

It’s easy to get frustrated when tensions are high, to-do lists are full, the house is a chaotic mess, you haven’t had a moments rest, and your dog is at your feet wondering what on earth is going on.

I know it is easy to say, but it will help you and your dog out so much by making it a positive experience. Try to keep it fun as much as you can!

During any move I always try to talk positively to Coco, whether she is sitting next to me while packing, or watching me like a hawk as I clean out the fridge.

It might sound silly, but having conversations with your pet is very therapeutic for the both of you. Also, rewarding their good behaviour will make them feel like part of the team.

For example, if your dog waited patiently in a safe zone while you moved furniture, reward them with either kisses, a belly rub, positive talking, a dog toy, or a dog treat!

#3. Keep it familiar

Your home being a chaotic land of random piles and boxes, or traveling across the country  – can really stress a dog out. But keeping their space familiar can help ease their worries.

All dogs are different, but Coco always feels better when she has a toy and her blanket by her side at all times during a move. We keep it in the living room while we are packing, in the car during the move, and finally in the new living room when we get there.

Even just setting her travel carrier with our suit cases makes her feel better – it’s like a little sign she’s coming with us.

Using an item your dog finds familiar is sure to be a huge help during your move as well!

#4. Stick with the routine

Well, as best as you can that is!

I know how time can really get away from you during packing, hauling items to the truck, traveling, unloading and re-organizing.

It’s a huge process, but the more you are able to stick to your dog’s routine of eating/drinking, walks, naps, and bedtime, the less stressed and grumpy your dog will be.

Plus, it will make you feel like you have some control over your crazy schedule.

#5. Give them the tour

This one is simple but very important! Give your dog a tour of your new home, and let them explore the empty closets, bedrooms and hallways.

It doesn’t end there though. Take them outside and let them explore their new yard and surroundings. If you can, try to walk them around the block as soon as possible. They want to know where they are living just as much as you do! Letting them see their new neighborhood will be a huge comfort to them.

When we moved, Coco had a new walking path memorized in just a couple of days and looks forward to it every morning. It is so fun to watch them take in all the new scenery.

Happy moving to you and your pup!