ROUTINE: Keep their routine as normal as possible leading up to moving day and even during moving day. If your dog regularly or occasionally visits friends or family (such as when you’re on vacation), it would be a great option to send them there on moving day. It would lessen moving day chaos and keep them within their routine as much as possible.
IDENTIFICATION: Make sure you have a recent photo & description of your pet and that their dog tags or micro chip info are updated with the new address (just in case). Unfortunately, pets can get lost, run away or just explore during the move, and you’ll want all the details at your disposal to bring them back home as quickly as possible should the need arise.
VETERINARIAN: Secure your dog’s vet records prior to the move, and find a new veterinarian ahead of time in your new city as well. Schedule them for a well visit within a couple of weeks after the move to make sure they are adjusting well and protected from anything that may be new or unfamiliar in the new area, such as lyme disease, which can be more prevalent in some areas versus others.
TRANSPORTATION: The best option for transporting your dog to your new home is in your own vehicle. If they aren’t accustomed to riding in a vehicle, take them on short trips several weeks in advance of the move. Make sure they are properly secured in the vehicle (kennel or harness), and if your dog gets car sick, especially on longer trips, discuss this with your veterinarian in advance and get the medication they will need. If you are traveling by airplane, contact the airlines in advance and learn as much about their transportation needs as possible. Personally, we’re not big fans of having animals travel in the luggage area of a plane, and we highly recommend traveling by car if at all possible.
PACK THEIR BAG: Bring along food, water and medications, but also remember any items that feel like home, such as their favorite blanket, toys, etc. If you’re driving, stop along the way and take a quick walk or play break to get them some exercise just as you would do at home.
NEW HOME PREP: Set up as much as you can in the new home before you introduce your dog. You might even consider leaving them with familiar friends or family for a few days until you get settled in. Once it’s time to bring your dog into their new home, set out familiar things right away, such as their food and water dish, blanket, bed and toys.
OVERNIGHT STAYS: If you have a need to stay in a hotel overnight during your move, call ahead to ensure that your dog is welcome. Many websites will say they’re ‘pet friendly’, but that doesn’t mean your pet is welcome. Most hotels have size and breed restrictions. Don’t leave your dog alone in a hotel room. Plan ahead to pick up food or run other errands before you get to the room. Your dog will likely already be feeling uneasy, and leaving them alone in a strange place will only add to that anxiety.
Looking for other moving tips? Check our recent article Top 10 Moving Tips.
About Michael Carr & Associates, Inc.: Michael Car & Associates, Inc. is comprised of three divisions (Auctioneers, Brokers and Contractors) and proudly handles Anything Real Estate™. Since becoming a licensed real estate agent in 1994, Michael has been actively involved in the sale of over 65,000 homes and has personally conducted over 6,500 auctions. He is licensed in 27 states in the continental U.S. as both a broker and an auctioneer. His headquarters is in Jefferson, Georgia.
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Michael Carr is the Co-Founder & COO of BrandFace, LLC. He is also a real estate branding expert and international bestselling author. As America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer, he has sold billions of dollars in commercial and residential properties.
