Moving with a Dog

moving with a dog Phoenix AZFor anyone looking to buy or sell a house, it’s important to be prepared for everything that comes with such a transaction. Everyone knows that moving can be a chaotic and stressful time, but what about moving with a dog? Dogs often become as much a part of our family as any human being, but all too often shelters get frantic calls from pet owners saying they need to rehome their beloved animal companion because they are moving. This could be for a number of reasons, such as apartments not allowing pets or having restrictions on weight or breed, but sometimes it’s as simple as misunderstanding the dog’s needs.

During a showing, try to take your dog out for a walk or jog if possible. Having the dog present can make viewers uneasy if they’re nervous about dogs and meeting new people in their home with so much changing can be overwhelming. Just be aware that when you sell your house, you’re selling their house too, and they don’t possess the awareness to understand what’s happening, so be patient with them during this transition. A big part of reducing the stress, for both you and your dog, is proper planning.

Before the move, do research on the new area to familiarize yourself with the animal control laws and subdivision regulations in your new neighborhood.  Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and treat them for any health concerns before the move. It’s also a good idea to ask your vet for your dog’s records as well as the names of any vets in the new area they might recommend. Also spend some time working on reinforcing basic obedience commands, as this will help your dog focus on you and your commands instead of everything that’s different. You are their one constant!

During the day of the move, the absolute best thing you can do is take your dog to a friend or relative’s house, boarding kennel or day care for the day if you’re going to have professional movers hauling things in and out of the house all day. If you can’t do this, at least make sure your dog is securely in a crate. It’s also a good idea to bring some of your pet’s favorite toys along for the journey to the new home, as that familiar object will provide some comforting distraction. Things you should pack for the trip are:

  • Two of their favorite toys (ball, rope, etc)
  • Extra leash and collar
  • Food and water bowls
  • Water bottle(s) and Ziploc bag of pre-portioned dog food

Once you’ve moved in, there are a few things you can do to make your pet’s adjustment period easier on them. First and foremost, unpack their toys, food and water bowls, and bed as soon as possible. Make sure to put them in the same places they were in the old house. For example, if their food and water bowls were in the kitchen at the old house, put them in the kitchen in the new house, too. Make an appointment with the local veterinary clinic soon too so you can meet the vet. Most importantly, be patient! It could be days or even weeks before your dog adjusts to the new environment, but they’ll get there with your help and patience.

We hope this has been helpful in preparing you to move with your dog. At All Homes AZ, we want to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible right from the start. So if you’re looking to sell your house, contact us online for a free consultation!

Comments are closed.