Moving with a Dog

Dogs and moving: it doesn’t have to be “ruff”  

Moving with a dog out of state or across the country is enough to make even the calmest pup parents a little nervous. You’ll want to keep your best friend happy and healthy as you travel and help them adjust to a new home. But how? 

With some preparation and maybe a few belly rubs along the way, you and your fur baby can have a safe move with no “ruffness” about it. Follow these tips for a successful move with your dog. 

Get ready for moving cross country with a dog

Making sure your pet is ready for a move is as important as the move itself. Here are some important steps to take before setting off to make sure your pooch is travel ready: 

Visit the vet

Schedule a pre-move visit with the veterinarian to ensure your pup is in good shape to travel.  

• Ask about anxiety or anti-nausea medications for car or plane rides 

• Get any prescription refills or vaccinations 

• Pick up a copy of records to bring with you 

• Update ID tags and microchips with your new address 

Take practice trips

Some pups love going for rides, while others get nervous in cars. If your pooch is the latter, it’s helpful to take practice drives well ahead of the move to prepare them. It also gives you time to test any medications your vet prescribed for motion sickness or anxiety if needed. 

It’s important to introduce your dogs to a crate early if they’ll be traveling in one, especially for flying. Work to establish the crate as a safe space so it won’t be scary when it’s time to hit the road (or the sky). 

Be mindful while packing and loading 

Dogs can often sense when something is up with their humans. If you’re nervous about the move, your pup might feed off your energy and become skittish or anxious. 

To lessen the impact, keep feeding, grooming and walking times as regular as possible as you pack. If possible, place some empty moving boxes around your house early to help dogs get used to the new scents. Be careful with packing materials. Plastic stretch wrap or Bubble Wrap® can be a suffocation or choking hazard. 

On moving day, consider hiring a pet sitter or having a friend watch your dog during loading. If that’s not possible, confine your pups to one room so they won’t slip out and get lost or hurt while doors are open. 

How to move with a dog 

Now that you’re ready for the move, it’s time to make the trip to the new home. Review these tips for a smooth ride (or flight): 

Use proper safety restraints 

Dogs traveling in cars need proper restraints for their safety and yours. They should ride in a crate, a dog car seat, or with a seatbelt and harness.  

Crates work well for most pooches as long as they are big enough for them to turn around comfortably inside. Car seats are generally intended for smaller breeds or puppies (just check the seat’s weight limits!), and harnesses come in assorted sizes to best fit your pup. 

While most states don’t have specific laws requiring the use of a dog restraint inside the vehicle, police officers in the U.S. can issue a ticket at their discretion if they witness distracted driving caused by a loose animal in the car. Be sure to check the restraints each time you return to the car after a pit stop in case the straps loosen during travel. 
 
If you’re traveling by plane, check with the airline about the requirements for a crate or carrier for air transport. Keep familiar toys and bedding with your dogs to help them feel at ease. 

Plan pooch-friendly pit stops 

Your pups will need some time out of the car for potty breaks and to stretch their legs. Plan to stop at dog-friendly service stations, parks or pet stores. For safety, keep them in a harness and leash during stops. 

If you’re staying overnight at a hotel, make sure it can accommodate your dogs. 

Monitor comfort level 

While traveling, make sure your dog is comfortable. They should have plenty of shade and airflow to avoid overheating. If you’re traveling during cold weather, bring along their favorite blanket to snuggle with. Stop frequently for water and potty breaks.  

Have a kitty too? Check out these tips for moving long distance with a  cat. 

Help your pup adjust after moving

Like their humans, dogs need time to adapt to a different environment. New sounds, scents and animals in the neighborhood can be upsetting.   

Even if your pets haven’t messed with things before, the stress of a move can make them more likely to display destructive behaviors such as chewing or potty accidents. 

Set up a safe space

Make sure your dog has a safe space to rest and decompress after the move. To help them feel more comfortable, set up their crate or bed with unwashed blankets and toys from the old home. 

Allow supervised exploration of the new home 

Allow pups supervised access to the new home one section at a time to see how they do in the space. Dogs take their cues from you, so give them lots of affection and reassurance as they learn to love their new home. 

Stick to a routine 

Keep feeding, playing and walking schedules as regular as possible while your pooch grows accustomed to new surroundings. Be understanding if they regress or forget their manners during the adjustment process. With time, your pup will feel right at home! 

Establish care with a new vet

Set up care with a new veterinarian to determine if they need additional vaccinations or different flea, tick and heartworm prevention medications in your new neighborhood. The vet’s office can recommend pet sitters and doggie daycare centers in the area if you need those services. 

Moving with a dog? U-Pack can help!

The moving experts at U-Pack have been helping pet parents move for over 25 years. With U-Pack, we transport your things so you can travel with your pups to the new home. We guess you could say we’re dog-approved, no bones about it! 

Get a free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.  

Share a story about your favorite pup in the comments below! And be sure to let us know if you have any questions about moving with a canine friend or how U-Pack works.