dogs in a moving box

The prospect of picking up and starting over in a brand-new place can feel quite refreshing for many people, especially those of us who feel energized and inspired with change. For those of us that aren’t quite as adaptable or welcoming of change in our lives, moving can be somewhat harder to manage.

As hard as moving can be on the best of us, relocation can be especially tiresome for our dogs. Dogs, even the most adaptable ones, can feel quite bewildered as they watch their entire world pack up and shift gears, and not knowing what’s happening can make them feel stressed and on-edge.

The good news is that like you, your furry best friend will adjust to its new surroundings and eventually embrace your new environment as its home. Even so, making the move as smooth and low-stress as possible for your pet is important, and Merit Moving Systems is here with some information to help guide you through the process of moving with a dog.

Should I Ship My Dog?

Moving is challenging by itself, but when you throw a dog into the mix, things can get much—well, hairier. Some pet services include shipping options for those that can’t move with their pets, or who think the journey to their new home far away might be especially taxing on their furry friends.

There are many reputable agencies that focus on pet shipping that you can contact for more information if this is the best choice for you. The most important advice we can give you for those that choose this option is to take some time to research different companies and find the best one.

Traveling with Your Dog

Most pet owners that have the option to travel with their animals will prefer to go this route. Even if the journey is a long one, you and your pet may feel a lot more comfortable making it together rather than separately.

A Stress-Free, Relaxed Moving Experience for Your Dog (And You, Too)

Whether you’re moving with your dog or using a pet service, making a move as stress-free as possible for your dog is important. As we mentioned before, moving can make any dog incredibly nervous—from the moment you start packing up to the time you arrive in your new home.

To make the process easier on both of you, look at these helpful tips for keeping your dog’s anxiety (and yours) under wraps.

Before Your Move

  • Don’t pack overnight or in a rush; let your dog adjust casually to the extra movement by starting early.
  • Try to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible in the weeks leading up to the move, and even on the last day and first night in your new home.
  • Pet your dog and talk to him/her about the upcoming move. They might not understand what you’re saying, but they’ll get that everything is okay.
  • Get new dog collar tags with name, phone, and updated address before moving, and don’t forget to switch them out the night before you move.

During the Move

  • When the movers are in your house, try and keep your dog outside in a pen or in a crate. Many dogs escape during the chaos of moving day, and it’s best to keep them safe until you’re ready to move them.
  • Pack treats, food, and water for the drive.
  • Cover the windows with window shades if your dog is bothered by the sun.
  • Make sure to plan with extra time allowed for rest stops along the way.

Post-move

  • Stay with your dog and supervise while it explores your new home.
  • Take your dog for a calm, leisurely walk around the new neighborhood, to allow it to become acquainted with the new smells, sights, and sounds.
  • Put out food and water in the same room it was in your last home.
  • Get back to a routine in your new home as soon as possible.

Long Distance Movers to the Rescue

Another solution for a successful long-distance move with your dog is to hire a moving company to help. With a reputable moving company like Merit Moving Company managing your move, you won’t feel stressed, rushed, or hurried with so much on your plate. With comprehensive services like packing and unpacking, you’ll have plenty of time to focus on taking the best care of your dog through the transition.

At Merit Moving Systems, we’re committed to helping our customers with excellent service and support. Our staff of trained moving experts goes above and beyond to make sure our customers are receiving everything they need to enjoy a relaxed, carefree moving experience—especially when relocating with pets.

If you’d like to learn more about our long-distance movers from Merit Moving Systems, let us know. We’d love to speak to you about your upcoming relocation with your pet and to explain how we can make the process of moving a whole lot easier.

For more information, give us a call now or fill out our online form for a free, in-home, no-obligation quote.