Moving With Pets: How to Make the Right Move for You and Your Dog

written by: Paige Johnson

​Your dog is a part of your family, no doubt about it. So when it comes time to move, make sure you include your favorite pooch’s needs in your home buying decisions. Here’s how you can find a home that your dog loves as much as you do.

Picking the Right Neighborhood

The right house starts with the right neighborhood. These tips will help you find the best dog-friendly neighborhood in your new city:

• Look for a neighborhood with plenty of parks. If there’s an off-leash dog park in walking distance, even better! We all have the best intentions for getting our furry pals plenty of exercise, but there’s no denying it’s easier when fun is right outside your door.
• Keep an eye on sidewalks: Are there plenty of sidewalks, and are they in good repair? You’re less likely to take your pup for a stroll if you’ll be tripping over cracks in the sidewalk or dodging broken glass the whole time.
• Avoid neighborhoods with busy streets, especially if your dog is an escape artist. Instead, opt for a quiet area without much through traffic.
• Check for dog-friendly retail establishments nearby. Whether it’s a pet store where your pet can pick out his own bone or a brewpub with a dog-friendly patio, you’ll appreciate being able to bring your dog along on local outings.
• Get a feel for safety. It doesn’t matter how many parks or dog-friendly cafes your neighborhood has if you don’t feel safe getting to them.

Finding the Perfect House
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Once you’ve narrowed down your home search to a few top neighborhood picks, it’s time to start the house hunt. Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to Fido’s comfort:

• Check with homeowner associations. While it may seem silly, not all HOAs allow pets. Others may restrict the number, size, or breed of pets permitted in the neighborhood, or whether dogs may be left outside unattended.
• Prioritize a fenced yard. Whether you have a Great Dane or a Toy Poodle, your dog will need some green space to relieve himself. Larger yards mean room for backyard fetch sessions and doggy play dates, and high fences keep even the wiliest of dogs contained.
• Consider dog-friendly flooring options. Some dog owners can’t stand carpet because it collects fur and pet stains, while others avoid hardwood because it can be scratched by a rambunctious dog’s nails. Think about your flooring preferences when it comes to cleaning after pets.
• Factor your pet’s age. While most puppies can navigate a multi-story home just fine, aging dogs may struggle to get up and down staircases. Consider where the dog’s bed will be and look for houses with step-free entryways.

Moving Fido In

Now that you’ve found the perfect new house for your family, it’s time for the real work to begin. Here’s how to move with your dog without totally stressing him out:

• Pack up the old house gradually. If your dog is the kind to get excited the moment you lace up your shoes, you understand how perceptive dogs are of subtle changes in their environment.
• Wait to pack your dog’s stuff. It’s important to maintain normalcy as much as possible throughout the moving process.
• Board your pet on the day of the move. With all the commotion of moving, your dog could get extremely stressed out and possibly escape. Keep the chaos of moving day limited to the moving itself by dropping your pup off with a trusted sitter or kennel for the day.
• Set up a safe space in the new house. Stock it with his crate, bed, food and water, and favorite toys and treats. If you have an anxious dog, add a DAP diffuser or ThunderShirt to aid his adjustment.

Once you have everything in place, give your dog time to get comfortable in his new home. He may hide or seem nervous at first, but as long as you provide plenty of pets, treats, and fun distraction, your dog will quickly realize you’re not going anywhere.

Image via Unsplash