20 Things To Do When Moving With Your Dog

Moving is a lot. Add a dog into the mix and suddenly you're managing boxes, timelines, and a furry roommate who has zero interest in your schedule. The good news? A little planning goes a long way. Here are 20 things to do before, during, and after your move to keep your dog (and your sanity) in one piece.

Before Your Home Search

1. Find a pet-friendly REALTOR® first. Not every real estate agent thinks about pets when their clients are preparing for a move. Find one who does.

2. A pet-friendly REALTOR gets it. Dog owners know: potty breaks are not always quick. A good agent won't blink if you're five minutes behind because your dog decided the yard needed one more sniff.

3. Get up-to-date on vaccinations & get your vet records organized early. You'll want these on hand for a new vet, boarding, or an HOA that asks for proof of vaccinations.

4. Update microchip info and ID tags with your new address as soon as you have one.

5. Ask about pet policies before you fall in love with a place. HOAs and some neighborhoods have breed or size rules. Better to know now than after you're under contract.

Get Your Dog Ready to Travel

6. Practice car rides before moving day. If your dog only rides in the car to the vet, moving day may feel scary. Increase your dog's "drive-time" and make trips more fun (a stop to the pet store for a new treat always helps!).

7. Set up a safe travel space. A harness, a back seat hammock cover, or a secured carrier for smaller dogs all work. Just make sure your dog is actually secured in the car.

8. Build up to longer drives slowly. Start with five minutes around the block and work your way up. This is helpful if your move is more than 75 miles away.

9. Pack a doggie go-bag. Food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, medication, and a favorite toy should stay with you, not buried in a moving truck. This is one of the last things you'll pack up!

10. Keep feeding and walk times as normal as possible in the days leading up to the move. Routine is comforting when everything else is changing.

Help Your Dog Get Comfortable in New Places

11. Practice in low-pressure public spaces. Walking the perimeter of a pet store is a great way to build confidence. New sights, new smells, and a treat before you leave to make it a win.

12. Research dog-friendly parks and trails in the area you're moving to, so you already have a plan for exercise once you arrive.

13. Find a vet near your new home before you need one. Emergencies don't wait for you to unpack.

14. Look up local groomers and boarding options ahead of time too.

15. Ask your agent about yard features when touring homes. Fencing type, yard size, and nearby green space can matter as much as square footage.

Moving Day and Beyond

16. Set up one safe, quiet room first in the new house before tackling the rest of the boxes.

17. Keep your dog secured during the moving day transitions. A crate or a quiet room keeps them safe while doors are open and you're moving boxes in and out.

18. Update your dog's address on pet insurance and any subscription services like flea or heartworm prevention.

19. Pack familiar bedding and blankets separately so your dog has something that smells like home on the first night.

20. Give it time. Most dogs need a few weeks to settle into a new home. Stick to routines and be patient.

Moving with your dog takes extra planning, but it doesn't have to be stressful. And having a real estate agent who understands that your dog is part of the decision, not an afterthought, makes the whole process smoother.

Looking for a home that works for your entire family (your dog included). Let's find it together.